Pre-MOT Checks You Can Do at Home
The following checks take around 15 to 20 minutes and can be done in your driveway with no tools. They cover the most common MOT failure points and can save you time, money, and the inconvenience of a failed test.
1. Check All External Lights
Lighting defects account for around 30% of all MOT failures — more than any other single category. The good news is that most are caused by simple blown bulbs.
- Turn on the ignition and walk around the car, checking each light in turn
- Headlights: Check both dipped and main beam. Stand in front of the car and confirm both sides illuminate evenly
- Brake lights: Ask someone to press the pedal while you check, or reverse close to a wall and look for the reflection
- Indicators: Turn on each indicator and hazard lights. Check the flash rate is steady (a fast flash usually means a bulb is out)
- Rear fog light: At least one must work
- Number plate light: Often forgotten — check the rear plate is lit
- Reverse light: Select reverse gear and check the white light at the rear
Quick fix: Replacement bulbs cost 3-15 pounds and most can be fitted in under 10 minutes using the instructions in your owner's manual. Many motor factors will fit them for free if you buy the bulb from them.
2. Check Tyre Tread and Condition
Tyre defects account for around 10% of MOT failures. The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread width.
- The 20p test: Insert a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the outer band of the coin is visible, the tread is at or below the legal limit
- Check all four tyres across the full width of the tread — uneven wear can mean the inside edge is below the limit even if the outside looks fine
- Inspect tyre sidewalls for bulges, cuts, or cracking. Sidewall damage is a common failure
- Check tyre pressures and inflate to the manufacturer's recommended levels (usually on a sticker inside the driver's door frame)
- Ensure all tyres are the correct size and speed rating — mixing radial and cross-ply on the same axle is a failure
Quick fix: If tread is borderline, replace the tyres before the test. Budget tyres start from around 40-50 pounds per tyre, fitted. Most motoring organisations recommend replacing at 3mm rather than waiting until 1.6mm.
3. Check Wipers, Washers, and Windscreen
Visibility defects are among the cheapest to fix yet account for around 8% of failures.
- Wiper blades: Turn on the wipers and check they clear the screen cleanly without streaking, juddering, or missing areas. Look for splits or tears in the rubber
- Washer fluid: Fill the reservoir and test the washers provide adequate fluid to the windscreen. Empty washers are an instant failure
- Windscreen: Inspect for chips and cracks. In Zone A (a 290mm band centred on the steering wheel), damage greater than 10mm is a failure. In the rest of the swept area, damage greater than 40mm is a failure
Quick fix: Wiper blades cost 10-25 pounds for a pair and take 2 minutes to fit. Washer fluid is under 3 pounds for 5 litres. Windscreen chips can often be repaired for free through your car insurance.
4. Test Horn, Seatbelts, and Mirrors
- Horn: Press the horn — it must produce a clear, continuous sound. If it sounds weak or intermittent, the horn unit or wiring may need attention
- Seatbelts: Pull each seatbelt out fully, check for fraying or cuts in the webbing, and ensure it latches and releases cleanly. Pull sharply to test the inertia reel locks
- Mirrors: Check all mirrors are securely attached and the glass is not cracked or damaged. You need at least two mirrors, one of which must be on the offside
5. Check Dashboard Warning Lights
Several dashboard warning lights are checked as part of the MOT. A permanently illuminated warning light is typically a major failure.
- ABS warning light: Must illuminate at ignition and extinguish. If it stays on, it is a major failure
- Airbag (SRS) warning light: Same rule — must illuminate briefly at ignition and then go off
- Engine management light (EML): Must not be illuminated during the emissions test
- ESC / stability control light: If the vehicle is equipped with ESC as standard, the warning light is checked
- TPMS warning light: For vehicles first used from 1 January 2012 with factory-fitted TPMS, the warning light must not be permanently illuminated
If any warning light is on, have the fault diagnosed before the MOT. A diagnostic scan typically costs 30-50 pounds at an independent garage, or you can buy an OBD2 reader from around 15 pounds to read the codes yourself.
Common Quick Fixes Before the MOT
These are the most common MOT failures that can be fixed quickly and cheaply at home, without specialist tools or knowledge.
| Issue | Typical Cost | Time to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Blown bulb (headlight, brake, indicator) | 3 - 15 | 5 - 15 minutes |
| Worn wiper blades | 10 - 25 | 2 minutes |
| Empty washer fluid | Under 3 | 1 minute |
| Dirty number plates | Free | 2 minutes |
| Low tyre pressure | Free (at most petrol stations) | 5 minutes |
| Fuse for number plate light | Under 1 | 5 minutes |
| Boot light stuck on / glove box light | Free (check switch) | 2 minutes |
When to Book Your MOT
Timing your MOT correctly gives you the best chance of passing and avoids unnecessary stress.
Book Within the One-Month Window
You can have your MOT done up to one calendar month (minus one day) before it expires without losing any days on your new certificate. This is the ideal window — it gives you time to address any failures before the current certificate expires.
Avoid the Last Day
Do not leave your MOT until the expiry date. If the vehicle fails, you will be without a valid MOT immediately, which limits your ability to drive for repairs. Booking 2-3 weeks before the expiry date is a sensible balance.
Consider the Time of Year
March and September are the busiest months for MOTs (coinciding with the two registration plate change dates). If your MOT falls in these months, book early to secure your preferred date and garage.
Morning Appointments for Emissions
If you drive a diesel vehicle, book a morning appointment so the engine is cold when you set off. Drive to the test centre normally — by the time you arrive, the engine, catalytic converter, and DPF will be at operating temperature, which gives the best chance of passing the emissions test.
How to Choose a Good MOT Garage
All MOT test centres must be DVSA-approved, but the quality of service varies. Here is what to look for when choosing a garage.
Check the DVSA approval rating
Every test centre has a DVSA risk rating based on the quality of its testing. You can check a centre's rating on the gov.uk 'Find an MOT test centre' tool. Look for centres with a green (low risk) rating.
Read online reviews
Check Google Reviews, Trustpilot, or Facebook for customer feedback. Pay attention to comments about honesty, pressure selling, and whether the garage explains issues clearly.
Ask about retest policy
Ask whether they offer free retests within 10 working days. Most reputable centres do, especially if the repair is done on-site.
Check if they have repair facilities
A garage that can both test and repair means less hassle if the vehicle fails. You can often have small issues fixed on the spot and retested the same day.
Ask if you can watch the test
A garage that welcomes customers watching the test is generally more transparent. If a garage refuses, consider going elsewhere.
Compare prices
Prices range from around 25 to the maximum of 54.85 pounds. A lower price does not mean a lower-quality test — the DVSA mandates the same inspection for every centre.
Review Your MOT History Before the Test
One of the best ways to prepare for your MOT is to review your vehicle's previous test results. Past advisories are strong predictors of future failures.
What to Look For
- Previous advisories: Items flagged as advisories on the last test are likely to have deteriorated further. Check whether they have been addressed
- Recurring issues: If the same component appears as an advisory or failure across multiple years, there may be an underlying problem worth investigating
- Mileage trend: Higher mileage vehicles tend to develop more suspension, brake, and exhaust issues. If your mileage has increased significantly since the last test, pay extra attention to these areas
Check Your Vehicle's MOT History
Review past advisories, failures, and mileage readings to know exactly what to check before your next MOT. Enter any UK registration number for a free, instant check.
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