What Does an MOT Test Check?
The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual roadworthiness inspection required for most UK vehicles over three years old. Here is a complete breakdown of what is and isn't tested — and how to use a car's MOT history to make a better buying decision.
Complete MOT Test Checklist
The MOT test is structured around the DVSA's current testing manual. Here is what the tester inspects in each category:
- • Brake performance (front and rear)
- • Brake pads and discs condition
- • Handbrake effectiveness
- • Brake pipes and hoses for leaks or corrosion
- • Headlights (main beam and dipped)
- • Indicators (front, rear, side)
- • Brake lights
- • Hazard lights
- • Number plate lights
- • Fog lights (if fitted)
- • Daytime running lights (if fitted)
- • Steering wheel and column for play or damage
- • Power steering (if fitted)
- • Shock absorbers
- • Springs and dampers
- • Wheel bearings
- • Track rod ends and ball joints
- • Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm across central 3/4 of tyre width)
- • Tyre condition (cuts, bulges, damage)
- • Spare tyre (if it's a full-size spare fitted to the vehicle)
- • Wheel nuts and locking wheel nuts (if applicable)
- • Windscreen (no cracks or chips in the driver's field of view)
- • Windscreen wipers and washers
- • Rear window (must be clear with working heater if the car depends on it for visibility)
- • Mirrors
- • Exhaust emissions levels (CO, HC, NOx — tested by category)
- • Exhaust system for leaks, security, and damage
- • Catalytic converter presence and effectiveness
- • DPF (diesel particulate filter) for tampering or removal
- • Seatbelt condition and locking mechanism
- • Seatbelt warning lights (if factory fitted)
- • Airbag warning light (SRS light must not be illuminated)
- • Child seat anchorage points (if fitted)
- • Bodywork condition (no sharp edges likely to cause injury to pedestrians)
- • Doors must open and close correctly
- • Boot or tailgate secure
- • Structural integrity (visible corrosion to load-bearing sections)
- • VIN (chassis number) plate must be present and legible
- • Registration plates must conform to DVLA specification
- • Number plate condition and legibility
What the MOT Does NOT Check
The MOT is a snapshot of roadworthiness on the day of the test. It does not check:
- Engine internals: The MOT does not remove or inspect engine components. It only assesses emissions output and listens for obvious running problems.
- Clutch and gearbox: These are not formally tested (though an obvious clutch slip on a roller brake test may be noted).
- Air conditioning: A/C systems are not part of the MOT test.
- Cosmetic condition: Scratches, dents, faded paintwork, and worn interior trim are not relevant to the MOT unless sharp edges are present.
- Service items: Oil level, coolant level, and brake fluid are not checked. These are service items, not roadworthiness items.
- History of the vehicle: The MOT tester cannot see finance records, previous accident history, or theft alerts. These require a separate vehicle history check.
MOT Defect Categories Explained
Since May 2018, MOT defects have been classified into three categories:
- Dangerous (D):The vehicle poses a direct risk to road safety. It fails the MOT and must not be driven until repaired. Driving on public roads after a "Dangerous" failure is illegal.
- Major (MJ): The vehicle has a defect that could affect road safety or the environment significantly. It fails the MOT but can legally be driven directly to a garage for repair on a public road.
- Minor (MN): A defect that is unlikely to affect safety but should be repaired. The vehicle passes the MOT. Minor items are recorded on the certificate but do not cause a failure.
- Advisory (A): An item the tester has noted for monitoring. Not a defect — the item currently meets the standard but may deteriorate. The vehicle passes.
Reading MOT History When Buying a Used Car
A car's full DVSA MOT history is a powerful tool when buying used. Here's what to look for:
- Recurring advisories: The same item appearing as an advisory on multiple consecutive tests — particularly for suspension, brakes, or tyres — suggests the previous keeper was aware of the issue and chose not to fix it.
- Mileage at each test: The recorded mileage at each MOT is one of the best indicators of whether an odometer has been tampered with. A car showing 60,000 miles with a 3-year-old MOT showing 85,000 miles has been clocked.
- Gaps in MOT history: A year with no MOT record could mean the car was declared SORN, exported temporarily, or simply that the MOT was allowed to lapse (making it illegal to drive).
- Recent failures: Multiple recent failures suggesting structural corrosion or braking system defects warrant a professional inspection before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the MOT test check?
The MOT test checks a vehicle's roadworthiness across several key areas: brakes, lights and indicators, steering and suspension, tyres and wheels, visibility (windscreen and wipers), fuel system, exhaust and emissions, seatbelts and airbags, bodywork (for sharp edges), electrical systems, horn, and the vehicle's identity (VIN and registration plates). It does not check the engine internals, clutch, gearbox condition, or cosmetic appearance.
What is an MOT advisory?
An MOT advisory is a note recorded by the tester about an item that does not cause the vehicle to fail the test at this time, but should be monitored or repaired in the near future. Advisories are not failures — the car can still be used legally. However, they are an important indicator of developing faults, particularly if the same item appears as an advisory across multiple consecutive MOT tests.
What does an MOT failure mean?
An MOT failure means the vehicle has one or more 'major' or 'dangerous' defects that mean it does not meet the minimum legal roadworthiness standard. 'Dangerous' items mean the vehicle cannot legally be driven at all until repaired. 'Major' items mean the vehicle fails the test but can be driven to a garage for repair (not on a public road for any other purpose). A 'minor' defect is recorded but does not cause a failure.
How far back does MOT history go?
Electronic MOT records held by the DVSA typically go back to 2005, when digital recording began. Tests before that date were recorded on paper and are not available in the online system. Each record includes the date, the testing station, pass or fail, every advisory, the mileage at the time of test, and (for tests since 2018) the tester's detailed descriptions of any defects.
Do new cars need an MOT?
New cars registered in the UK do not need an MOT until they are three years old. From the fourth anniversary of first registration, an annual MOT is required. For example, a car first registered on 1 March 2022 will require its first MOT before 1 March 2025.
Check full MOT history free
Enter any UK registration to see the complete DVSA MOT history — every pass, fail, advisory, and recorded mileage, going back to 2005.
Check MOT History