What checks are carried out on an MOT test?

Created by Jonathan Fry, Modified on Mon, 31 Mar at 3:47 PM by Jonathan Fry

Key Points

The MOT test checks various vehicle parts for safety and environmental standards, focusing on roadworthiness.
It seems likely that the main areas inspected include body structure, fuel system, exhaust, seatbelts, brakes, tyres, lights, and more, based on official guidelines.
Research suggests the test does not cover the engine, clutch, or gearbox condition, emphasizing safety over mechanical performance.

What is Checked During an MOT Test?

The MOT test is an annual inspection required for most vehicles over three years old in the UK to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards. Below are the key areas checked:

Main Areas Inspected

Body and Vehicle Structure: Looked at for corrosion, damage, and sharp edges that could cause injury.
Fuel System: Checked for leaks and secure hoses to prevent fuel-related hazards.
Exhaust Emissions: Tested to ensure they meet legal limits, varying by vehicle age and fuel type.
Exhaust System: Inspected for security, completeness, and noise levels.
Seatbelts: Must be present, in good condition, and work properly for safety.
Seats: Driver’s seat must adjust, and all seats must be securely fitted.
Doors: Must open and close securely from inside and outside.
Mirrors: Required mirrors must be in good condition and securely attached.
Brakes: Tested for condition, operation, and performance to ensure stopping ability.
Tyres and Wheels: Checked for tread depth, condition, and proper fitment.
Registration Plates: Must be clear, secure, and correctly displayed.
Lights: All lights, including headlights and indicators, must function and be aligned correctly.
Bonnet: Must close securely to prevent opening while driving.
Wipers and Washers: Must provide a clear view by operating effectively.
Windscreen: Inspected for cracks or chips affecting the driver’s view.
Horn: Must work properly for safety communication.
Steering and Suspension: Checked for condition and correct operation to ensure control.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): Must be displayed correctly for identification.
Electrical Systems: Visible wiring and battery are inspected for safety.

Unexpected Detail: Additional Checks

For vehicles with towbars, these are also inspected for security and condition, which might not be immediately obvious to all drivers but is crucial for towed loads.

Limitations

It’s important to note that the MOT test does not assess the condition of the engine, clutch, or gearbox, focusing instead on safety and emissions rather than overall mechanical health. For detailed checks, refer to the MOT inspection manual.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of MOT Test Checks

This section provides a detailed examination of the checks carried out during an MOT test, expanding on the key points for a thorough understanding. The MOT test, introduced in 1960 and named after the Ministry of Transport, is an annual requirement for most vehicles over three years old in the UK, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards. It is managed by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in Great Britain and the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) in Northern Ireland, with over 23,500 authorized test centers across the UK.

Historical Context and Scope

The MOT test was initially a basic inspection but now covers twenty different parts or systems, focusing on roadworthiness and emissions rather than general mechanical condition, such as the engine, clutch, or gearbox. This distinction is crucial, as it means the test ensures safety for road use but does not replace regular servicing. Vehicles over 40 years old, if not substantially changed in the last 30 years, are exempt, as are certain tractors and electric goods vehicles registered before 1 March 2015, but they must still be kept roadworthy.

Detailed List of Checks

The following table outlines the main categories and specific checks performed during an MOT test, based on official guidelines:

Category	Specific Checks
Body, Vehicle Structure, General	Free from excessive corrosion or damage, no sharp edges likely to cause injury.
Towbars	Secureness, condition, no inappropriate repairs/modifications, 13-pin electrical socket working, speedometer, engine mountings secure.
Fuel System	No leaks, pipes/hoses secure and in good condition, fuel cap fastens/seals securely (key needed).
Exhaust Emissions	Meets rules based on age/fuel type; for diesel, tester may refuse if smoke test damages engine, maintain vehicle, replace camshaft drive belt at recommended intervals, warm up engine, don’t tamper with governor settings.
Exhaust System	Secure, complete, catalyst not missing (if standard), no serious leaks, not too noisy.
Seatbelts	Mandatory seatbelts in place, suitable, good condition, work properly, securely attached; check MILs for airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, load limiters.
Seats	Driver’s seat adjustable, all seats securely fitted, seat backs fix in upright position.
Doors	Latch secure, front doors open from inside/outside, rear doors open from outside, hinges/catches secure/good condition.
Mirrors	Minimum number, condition, security; indirect vision devices inspected.
Load Security	Boot/tailgate closes properly.
Brakes	Condition, operation/performance (efficiency test, no wheel/trims removal), ABS, ESC (where fitted); check MILs for ABS, ESC, electronic park brake, brake fluid warning lights.
Tyres and Wheels	Condition, security, size/type, tread depth; spare not inspected; TPMS MIL working for vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012.
Registration Plates	Condition, secure attachment, colour, characters correctly formed/spaced.
Lights	Condition, operation (HID, LED), headlamps cleaning/self-levelling/security, aim, main beam warning light working.
Bonnet	Closes securely.
Wipers and Washers	Work properly for clear road view.
Windscreen	Condition, driver’s view of the road.
Horn	Works properly, suitable for vehicle.
Steering and Suspension	Condition, steering oil level, work correctly, no inappropriate repairs/modifications (including corrosion to power steering pipes/hoses), steering lock mechanism works; check MILs for electronic power steering, steering lock.
Vehicle Identification Number	Single VIN displayed for vehicles first used on or after 1 August 1980 (except multistage build vehicles like van conversion, BMW, Alpina).
Electrical	Visible wiring, battery checked.

Additional Considerations

For vehicles with specific features, such as towbars, additional checks ensure secureness and condition, which is particularly relevant for vehicles used for towing. The test also includes checking for fluid leaks other than coolant and AdBlue, and since 2015, a displayed TPMS warning light can cause an automatic fail, highlighting the importance of tyre pressure monitoring systems for vehicles first used on or after 1 January 2012.

Procedural Details

The test typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and owners can watch from a viewing area but cannot interrupt the tester. The vehicle must be presented with the key available, as the fuel cap needs to be opened for inspection. Post-2018, defects are categorized as dangerous, major, or minor, with dangerous or major faults leading to a fail, while minor faults allow a pass but require repairs. Common failure categories include lights and signals (29.6%), suspension (20.2%), and brakes (17.2%), based on recent statistics, underscoring areas where drivers should focus pre-test checks.

Exemptions and Limitations

Certain vehicles, such as those over 40 years old without substantial changes in the last 30 years, are exempt from the MOT test, but must still be kept roadworthy. Taxis and private hire vehicles require an MOT after their first year, differing from the standard three-year threshold. The test does not cover the engine, clutch, or gearbox, which is an important distinction for owners expecting a full mechanical assessment and instead focuses on safety and emissions compliance.

Practical Implications

Drivers should ensure their vehicle is clean, with readable number plates and functioning wipers, and check all lights and tyre tread depth before the test to avoid common failures. The maximum MOT fee is £54.85 for cars (up to 8 seats) and £29.65 for motorcycles, as listed on MOT test fees. Owners can check MOT status and get replacement certificates on vehicle enquiry service or DVSA website, ensuring compliance and readiness.

This comprehensive analysis ensures all aspects of the MOT test are covered, providing a strict superset of the direct answer for a thorough understanding.

Key Citations