Pre-MOT Checklist: How to Prepare Your Car for MOT

Why Prepare for Your MOT?

Proper MOT preparation can save you significant time and money. Here's why it matters:

Avoid Failures: Approximately 35% of vehicles fail their first MOT test, many for simple issues that could have been fixed beforehand.

Save Money: Simple pre-MOT checks and fixes cost far less than paying for a retest and emergency repairs.

Reduce Stress: Knowing you've prepared properly gives peace of mind and reduces MOT day anxiety.

Faster Process: A well-prepared vehicle typically completes testing more quickly.

Prevent Dangerous Defects: Finding and fixing issues early protects you and other road users.

This comprehensive checklist covers everything you should check before your MOT test, with clear instructions for what you can do yourself and what needs professional attention.

MOT Preparation Timeline

One Month Before MOT

Check Your MOT Expiry Date

Don't rely on memory - verify your exact MOT expiry date:

• Check your current MOT certificate
• Use the DVSA's free online checker at gov.uk
• Check our Free MOT Check service for complete history
• Note the date in your phone calendar with alerts

Review Previous MOT History

Look at your last MOT result for:

• Advisories noted: These may now need fixing
• Recurring issues: Problems that keep appearing
• Mileage progression: Ensure it's accurate
• Defects repaired: Verify repairs were completed properly

Book Your MOT Appointment

Timing Tip: You can get your MOT up to one month (minus a day) before expiry without losing any time. If you pass early, the new certificate runs from your current expiry date, not the test date.

Why Book Early:

• Popular test centres get busy
• Gives you time to arrange repairs if you fail
• Avoids the stress of leaving it to the last minute
• Better availability and sometimes lower prices

Budget for Potential Repairs

Set aside funds for possible failures:

• Average failure repair cost: £40-200
• Common fixes: Bulbs £5-15, wipers £10-20, tyres £50-150
• Major repairs: Brakes £80-200, suspension £100-400

Two Weeks Before MOT

Begin Visual Inspections

Start checking visible components:

• Walk around your vehicle daily
• Note any issues
• List items that need attention
• Price up necessary repairs

Order Any Parts Needed

If you've identified issues:

• Order replacement parts early
• Compare prices between suppliers
• Choose quality over cheapest options
• Allow time for delivery

Book Professional Checks If Needed

For complex issues:

• Book garage appointments
• Explain what needs checking
• Allow time for repairs before MOT
• Get written quotes for work

One Week Before MOT

Complete all the checks in this guide (detailed below):

• Lights and signalling
• Tyres and wheels
• Windscreen and wipers
• Fluid levels
• Exterior condition

Day Before MOT

Final Preparation

Clean Your Vehicle:

• Wash exterior thoroughly
• Clean windows inside and out
• Clear dashboard and windscreen
• Vacuum interior
• Remove unnecessary items

Why Cleaning Matters:

• Dirt can hide defects
• Dirty components are harder to inspect
• Shows you care for the vehicle
• Examiners can see clearly
• Makes VIN plate readable

Check Documentation:

• Know your registration number
• Have V5C available (though not required)
• Bring payment (cash/card)
• Note any specific issues to mention

Complete Pre-MOT Checklist

Lights and Electrical Systems

Why This Matters: Lighting defects cause 30% of all MOT failures - the single biggest failure category. Most lighting issues are easy and cheap to fix yourself.

Headlights

Checks:

• Turn headlights on (main and dipped beam)
• Walk around to front of vehicle
• Check both headlights illuminate
• Verify beam pattern is even
• Look for cracks or condensation in lenses
• Ensure bulb holders are secure

Common Issues:

• Blown bulbs
• Moisture inside headlight housing
• Cracked lenses
• Incorrect bulb type
• Misaligned beam aim

DIY Fix: Replace headlight bulbs yourself:

1. Cost: £5-20 per bulb
2. Time: 5-15 minutes
3. Method: Open bonnet, locate bulb holder behind headlight, twist to remove, replace bulb (don't touch glass), twist to secure

Professional Fix: Headlight aim adjustment must be done by garage with proper equipment (£10-30).

Brake Lights

Checks:

• Press brake pedal
• Check all brake lights illuminate (use reflections in windows/garage door, or ask someone to help)
• Ensure high-level brake light works (if fitted)
• Verify brightness is consistent

Common Issues:

• Blown bulbs
• Faulty brake light switch
• Corroded contacts

DIY Fix: Replace brake light bulbs:

1. Cost: £3-10 per bulb
2. Time: 5-10 minutes
3. Method: Access from inside boot/tailgate, twist bulb holder, replace bulb

Indicators and Hazard Lights

Checks:

• Turn on left indicators - check front, side, rear all flash
• Turn on right indicators - check all lights flash
• Press hazard warning button - check all lights flash
• Listen for correct clicking speed (rapid clicking suggests bulb failure)

Common Issues:

• Blown bulbs causing rapid flashing
• Corroded connections
• Faulty flasher relay

DIY Fix: Replace indicator bulbs same as other lights (£3-10, 5-10 minutes).

Fog Lights (if fitted)

Checks:

• Turn on fog lights
• Verify front and rear fog lights work
• Ensure fog light warning indicator on dashboard illuminates

Note: Not all cars have fog lights. If your car doesn't have them fitted as standard, this isn't a failure.

Number Plate Lights

Checks:

• Turn on headlights/sidelights
• Check rear number plate is illuminated
• Ensure both lights work (if fitted with two)
• Verify even illumination

DIY Fix: Replace number plate bulbs (£2-5, 5 minutes).

Dashboard Warning Lights

Checks:

1. Turn ignition on (don't start engine)
2. Check all warning lights illuminate (this is normal)
3. Start engine
4. Ensure these lights go out: airbag, ABS, engine management, brake warning
5. Note any lights that stay on

Fail Points:

• Engine management light stays on
• ABS warning light stays on
• Airbag warning light stays on
• Brake warning light stays on

Action: If warning lights stay on after starting, you need diagnostics before MOT. Common causes: faulty sensors, actual system faults, battery issues.

Professional Fix Required: Warning light diagnostics (£30-80), then repair depending on issue found.

Tyres and Wheels

Why This Matters: Tyre defects cause 10% of MOT failures. Tyres are safety-critical and easy to check yourself.

Tread Depth

Legal Requirement: Minimum 1.6mm tread depth across the central three-quarters of the tyre width, around the entire circumference.

How to Check - 20p Coin Method:

1. Take a 20p coin
2. Insert it into the tread grooves
3. If the outer band of the coin is visible, tread is below legal limit
4. Check multiple points around each tyre
5. Check all four (or more) tyres

Better Method - Tread Depth Gauge:

• Buy a gauge for £3-5
• Insert probe into tread
• Read depth measurement
• Check multiple points

When to Replace:

• Legal minimum: 1.6mm
• Recommended minimum: 3mm for safety
• Safety note: Stopping distances increase dramatically below 3mm

Replacement Cost: £50-150 per tyre depending on size and brand.

Tyre Condition

Checks:

• Look for cuts or tears in tyre rubber
• Check for bulges or lumps on sidewalls
• Examine for perished rubber (cracks in sidewall)
• Ensure no objects embedded (nails, screws)
• Verify no excessive wear on inner/outer edges

Fail Points:

• Any cut deeper than 25mm or 10% of tyre width
• Any exposed cords or ply
• Any bulges or lumps
• Significantly perished rubber

Action: If you find cuts, bulges, or damage, replace the tyre before MOT.

Tyre Pressure

Why Check: Correct pressure ensures even wear and safe handling.

How to Check:

1. Find correct pressures in car manual or on door pillar sticker
2. Check when tyres are cold
3. Use gauge at petrol station (usually free)
4. Adjust to correct pressure

MOT Impact: While pressure isn't directly tested, correct pressure prevents uneven wear that could cause failure.

Wheel Condition

Checks:

• Look for cracks in wheel rims
• Check for significant corrosion
• Ensure wheel nuts/bolts are present and secure
• Verify wheels aren't bent

Fail Points:

• Cracked wheels
• Missing wheel nuts
• Severely corroded wheels

Windscreen, Wipers, and Washers

Why This Matters: Windscreen and wiper defects cause 8% of MOT failures.

Windscreen Damage

MOT Rules:

• Zone A (300mm width in front of driver): Damage up to 10mm acceptable
• Rest of windscreen: Damage up to 40mm acceptable
• No damage in driver's line of vision

Checks:

• Inspect entire windscreen for chips
• Look for cracks (any crack is likely to fail)
• Check damage isn't in driver's view zone
• Measure chip size if needed

Repair vs Replace:

• Chips smaller than £2 coin: Usually repairable (£30-80, often free with comprehensive insurance)
• Cracks: Usually require replacement (£100-300+)
• Multiple chips: May require replacement

Action: Get chips repaired immediately - they can turn into cracks, especially in cold weather or over bumps.

Wiper Blades

Checks:

• Turn on wipers
• Watch for clean, streak-free wiping
• Look for perished rubber (splits, tears)
• Check blades contact windscreen evenly
• Ensure no juddering or skipping

Fail Points:

• Torn or perished wiper blades
• Blades not clearing effectively
• Missing wiper blade

DIY Fix: Replace wiper blades yourself:

1. Cost: £10-25 per pair
2. Time: 5 minutes
3. Method: Lift wiper arm, press tab, slide old blade off, slide new blade on, lower arm

Replacement Frequency: Every 12 months recommended.

Washer System

Checks:

• Spray windscreen washer
• Ensure good coverage
• Verify both jets spray (if fitted with two)
• Check rear washer (if fitted)

Common Issues:

• Empty washer fluid
• Blocked jets
• Faulty washer pump

DIY Fix: Top up washer fluid:

1. Cost: £3-5 for concentrated fluid
2. Time: 2 minutes
3. Method: Open bonnet, find blue-capped reservoir, pour in screenwash (diluted as per instructions)

Unblock Jets: Use pin or needle to clear blocked jets (1 minute, free).

Mirrors

Legal Requirements:

• Driver's door mirror (right-hand side for UK)
• One other mirror (usually interior rearview mirror)

Checks:

• Ensure mirrors are present
• Check glass isn't cracked
• Verify mirrors are securely mounted
• Ensure adjustment mechanism works

Fail Points:

• Missing required mirrors
• Cracked mirror glass
• Insecure mounting

Replacement Cost: £20-100 depending on whether heated/electric.

Horn

Checks:

• Press horn button (somewhere appropriate - not in residential area)
• Ensure clear, audible sound
• Verify single continuous tone (not multiple tones)

Fail Points:

• No horn
• Inaudible or very quiet horn
• Non-standard multi-tone horn

Professional Fix: Horn replacement/repair (£20-60).

Seat Belts and Seats

Seat Belts

Checks:

• Pull each seat belt fully out
• Check for fraying or damage to webbing
• Ensure belt retracts smoothly
• Verify buckle clicks securely
• Test inertia mechanism (pull belt sharply - should lock)

Fail Points:

• Frayed or cut belt webbing
• Belt doesn't retract
• Buckle doesn't secure properly
• Inertia mechanism doesn't work

Professional Fix Required: Seat belt replacement (£80-200 per belt).

Seats

Checks:

• Ensure seats are securely mounted
• Check for broken seat adjusters
• Verify headrests are present (if originally fitted)

Fail Points:

• Insecure seat mounting
• Missing headrests (if fitted as standard)

Fluid Levels

Brake Fluid

Checks:

1. Locate brake fluid reservoir (check manual)
2. Check fluid level between MIN and MAX marks
3. Inspect fluid colour (should be clear/light amber, not dark)

Action: If low, top up with correct specification brake fluid. If very low or dark, book professional inspection before MOT - possible leak or fluid contamination.

Engine Oil

Note: Not directly checked in MOT, but low oil can cause engine warning light.

Quick Check:

1. Pull dipstick
2. Wipe clean
3. Reinsert fully
4. Pull out and check level
5. Ensure between MIN and MAX

Registration Plates

Legal Requirements:

• Correct font and spacing (legal style)
• Clean and legible
• Securely fixed
• Reflective (rear plate)
• No damage or fading

Checks:

• Ensure plates are clean
• Check all characters clearly visible
• Verify no cracks or damage
• Ensure secure mounting

Fail Points:

• Illegible numbers/letters
• Incorrect font or spacing
• Cracked or broken plates
• Insecure mounting

DIY Fix: Replace number plates:

1. Cost: £10-20 per pair
2. Time: 10 minutes
3. Method: Unscrew old plates, screw on new plates (ensure legal compliant plates)

Body and Doors

Structural Rust

Checks:

• Look underneath vehicle (if possible)
• Check sills (bottom edges of doors)
• Inspect wheel arches
• Look for rust around suspension mounting points

Fail Points:

• Rust within 30cm of load-bearing areas
• Rust affecting structural integrity
• Sharp edges from rust that could cause injury

Action: Serious rust requires professional welding/repair. Get quotes before MOT.

Doors, Bonnet, and Boot

Checks:

• Ensure all doors open and close properly
• Verify bonnet and boot stay open with mechanism
• Check door handles work
• Ensure no sharp edges

Professional Fix: Complex mechanisms need garage attention.

Exhaust and Emissions

Visual Exhaust Checks:

• Look for holes or damage
• Check for excessive smoke when running
• Listen for loud blowing noises
• Ensure exhaust secured properly

Emissions: You can't easily check emissions yourself. If you see blue smoke (burning oil) or black smoke (rich fuel mixture), get professional diagnostics before MOT.

Warning: If engine management light is on, emissions test will likely fail.

Simple Pre-MOT Fixes You Can Do Yourself

These repairs require no special skills:

Replace Bulbs: £5-15, 5-10 minutes per bulb Change Wiper Blades: £10-25, 5 minutes Top Up Washer Fluid: £3-5, 2 minutes Clean Number Plates: Free, 2 minutes Replace Number Plates: £10-20, 10 minutes Inflate Tyres: Free at most petrol stations, 5 minutes Unblock Washer Jets: Free, 1 minute

Estimated DIY Savings: £40-100 compared to garage prices.

When to Get Professional Help

These Issues Need a Garage:

• Warning lights staying on
• Brake problems
• Suspension issues
• Steering problems
• Serious rust
• Emission failures
• Complex electrical faults

Timing: Book professional checks at least 2 weeks before MOT to allow time for repairs.

Common Pre-MOT Mistakes to Avoid

Don't: Leave everything until the day before Do: Start checking one month ahead

Don't: Ignore warning lights Do: Get diagnostics immediately

Don't: Use non-compliant parts Do: Ensure replacements meet legal standards

Don't: Skip test thinking you'll be fine Do: Take MOT seriously - it's a legal requirement

Don't: Take dirty, cluttered vehicle Do: Clean and clear your car thoroughly

MOT Preparation Costs Summary

Typical DIY Preparation Budget:

• Bulbs: £20-40
• Wiper blades: £10-25
• Washer fluid: £5
• Number plates: £10-20 (if needed)
• Total: £45-90

If Problems Found:

• Tyres: £50-150 each
• Brakes: £80-200 per axle
• Windscreen: £100-300
• Suspension: £100-400

Prevention is Cheaper: Spending £50-100 on preparation and minor fixes saves hundreds in failure repairs and retests.

Final Pre-MOT Checklist

Print this quick checklist for the week before your MOT:

□ All lights working (headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, number plate lights) □ No dashboard warning lights staying on □ Tyre tread depth above 1.6mm (ideally 3mm+) □ No tyre damage (cuts, bulges, perishing) □ Windscreen has no cracks, chips under 10mm in driver's zone □ Wiper blades in good condition, clearing properly □ Washer fluid topped up, jets spraying □ All required mirrors present and secure □ Horn working □ All seat belts working properly □ Brake fluid level correct □ Number plates clean, legible, secure, and compliant □ No significant rust or bodywork damage □ All doors, bonnet, boot open and close properly □ No visible exhaust damage □ Vehicle cleaned inside and out

Conclusion

Proper MOT preparation significantly increases your chances of passing first time and saves money. Following this checklist ensures:

• Higher pass rate: Catch and fix simple issues beforehand
• Lower costs: DIY fixes are cheaper than garage rates
• Reduced stress: Confidence your vehicle is ready
• Faster testing: Well-prepared vehicles test more quickly
• Safer driving: Identifies issues before they become dangerous

Start your checks one month before MOT expiry, tackle simple fixes yourself, and book professional help for complex issues at least two weeks before your test date.

---

Check your MOT history now to see previous advisories and defects that might need attention before your next test. Our free service provides instant access to complete MOT records from the official DVSA database.