What’s checked during your MOT test?
During an MOT, a qualified technician checks your vehicle to make sure it’s safe, roadworthy and meets environmental standards. The test covers everything from lights and brakes to tyres, suspension, emissions, mirrors and more.
The MOT exists to protect you and other road users from worn, damaged or unsafe components. Below is a clear breakdown of every major area checked during an MOT, plus simple pre-MOT checks you can do at home.
1. Lamps, Reflectors & Electrical Equipment
Technicians check that all lights are:
- Correctly positioned
- Secure and unobstructed
- The correct colour
- Working properly
- Matching in colour, size and shape
This includes headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, number-plate lights and reflectors. Headlight aim is also checked to ensure it doesn’t dazzle other drivers.
2. Horn
Your horn must produce a clear, continuous note loud enough to be heard by other road users.
3. Battery & Electrical Wiring
Your battery must be:
- Secure
- Free from leaks
- In good condition
Wiring must be secure and undamaged. Towbar electrics are also tested.
If you’re unsure, book in for a Free Battery Health Check before your MOT.
4. Brakes, Steering & Suspension
These are major safety items.
Brakes
Technicians check:
- Brake pads and discs
- Brake performance
- Warning lights
- Pedal condition
Steering
The steering wheel and components must be secure and free from excessive wear. Power steering fluid must be at the correct level.
Suspension
Shock absorbers and suspension components are checked for:
- Corrosion
- Damage
- Leaks
- Distortion
5. Tyres & Wheels
Tyres are one of the most common MOT failure points.
Your tyres must have:
- At least 1.6mm tread depth
- No cuts, bulges, tears or exposed cords
- The correct load and speed rating
Run-flat warning lights must work correctly. Wheels must be secure and undamaged.
Try a Free Tyre Check before booking your MOT if you think your tyres might be unsafe.
6. Seatbelts & Restraint Systems
Seatbelts must:
- Lock and release properly
- Be the correct length
- Show no signs of wear or damage
- Have secure mountings
7. Body, Structure & General Condition
Testers check for:
- Corrosion
- Sharp edges
- Structural damage
- Doors, bonnet and boot opening/closing correctly
8. Registration Plates
Plates must be:
- Secure
- Clean and legible from 20 metres
- Correctly spaced and formatted
If yours are damaged, you can order replacement plates online.
9. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Your VIN must be permanently displayed and legible. Most VIN numbers be found in the following places:
- Base of the windscreen – you can see this from the outside, usually on the drivers side.
- Front door frame - Open the door and look along the door pillar (B-pillar) or the door jamb. Many cars have a VIN sticker or plate here, often alongside tyre-pressure information
- Stamped into the chassis - under the bonnet on a VIN plate, floor panel, suspension top mount or on the engine bay frame.
10. Speedometer
Your speedometer must work and be able to illuminate. Cracked glass is acceptable if the speed remains readable.
11. Exhaust, Fuel System & Emissions
Technicians check:
- Exhaust security and leaks
- Catalytic converter presence (if originally fitted)
- Smoke levels
- CO and HC emissions
Your car must have enough fuel and oil for the emissions test.
Try a free exhaust check before your MOT so you can identify issues early.
12. Driver’s view of the road
Visibility is a major MOT requirement.
Mirrors
Rear-view and wing mirrors must be secure and undamaged.
Windscreen
Damage limits:
- No chips over 10mm in the driver’s line of sight
- No damage over 40mm elsewhere in the swept area
Wipers & Washers
Wipers must clear the screen effectively. Washers must work and be topped up.
How to prepare for your MOT
Simple checks can prevent many failures. Try:
- Checking all lights
- Topping up washer fluid
- Inspecting tyres
- Testing wipers
- Checking mirrors and windscreen
Booking your MOT
For more MOT preparation, check out our guide on how to pass your MOT.
If you do identify a fault, we’ve got all the spares and replacement parts you need at Halfords. In some cases, we can even replace items such as bulbs or wipers for you while you wait with our mobile fitting services.
When you’re ready, you can book online at your nearest Halfords Garage.
Book a joint MOT and service at Halfords
Booking an MOT and service at the same won't just ensure your car is safe and reliable, it’ll save you money, too. At Halfords, you can book a joint MOT and service, including an interim service, full service or major service at the UK’s best prices.
The same-day appointment will see a technician perform a service, identifying and fixing many of the common MOT failures. If they spot a serious problem, they can let you know before the test, giving you the chance to get it fixed. Once your technician is confident your car will pass, they’ll put it through an MOT.
Join Halfords Motoring Club
Don’t delay, organise your MOT with your trusted Halfords garage today. Nobody wants to deal with the consequences of an expired MOT, so use our checklist to prepare your car, and you’re much more likely to pass first time.
Plus, with Halfords Motoring Club, you can get £5 off your next MOT. Or treat yourself and upgrade to our Premium membership for an included MOT in your annual subscription cost.
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