Motor Vehicle Expert
MOT Question Guide

Does MOT Check Tracking UK?

An MOT does not check tracking in the same way a garage checks tracking with alignment equipment. The tester does not measure toe angles or adjust the wheels during the test.

However, poor tracking can still cause MOT problems if it leads to illegal tyre wear, exposed cords, steering pull, suspension defects or unsafe handling signs.

This guide explains what tracking means, how it differs from wheel alignment, whether bad tracking can fail an MOT and what to check before test day.

Quick Answer Tracking vs Alignment Failure Risk Does MOT Check Hub
✓ Tracking explained ✓ Tyre wear risk ✓ MOT failure advice ✓ UK driver guide
Quick answer What is tracking? Tracking vs alignment MOT failure risk Symptoms Before MOT Cost guide Related guides FAQs
Quick answer

Does an MOT check tracking?

No. The MOT does not check tracking using specialist alignment equipment. The tester does not measure or adjust the front wheel toe angle as part of the MOT.

But tracking-related problems can still affect the MOT. If bad tracking has caused tyre wear below the legal limit, exposed cords, steering defects, suspension wear or unsafe handling, the car can fail on those items.

So the tracking setting itself is not tested, but the damage caused by poor tracking can matter.

Mechanic answer

Bad tracking can still cost you an MOT pass

A car with poor tracking may drive with an off-centre steering wheel, pull slightly, scrub tyre edges or wear the inside shoulder of the tyre. The MOT tester may not measure the tracking, but they will inspect the tyre and steering condition.

If the tyre is illegal or the steering/suspension has excessive play, the MOT result can be affected.

Wheel Alignment Guide Tyre MOT Guide
Tracking explained

What Is Tracking On A Car?

Tracking usually refers to the angle of the front wheels when viewed from above. It is normally linked to toe adjustment.

Toe-in

Wheels point slightly inward

Toe-in means the fronts of the wheels point slightly towards each other. Too much toe-in can scrub tyres and affect steering feel.

Toe-out

Wheels point slightly outward

Toe-out means the fronts of the wheels point slightly away from each other. Too much toe-out can cause uneven tyre wear and unstable handling.

Incorrect tracking

Tyres wear faster

If the wheels are not pointing correctly, tyres can scrub against the road instead of rolling cleanly.

Why drivers notice tracking problems before MOT

Tracking problems often show up as uneven tyre wear, a steering wheel that is not straight, poor steering feel or the car drifting on a level road. These symptoms do not always mean the car will fail, but they should be checked before the MOT.

Tracking

Tracking is usually one part of wheel alignment

In everyday UK garage language, tracking usually means adjusting the front wheel toe angle. This is often cheaper and simpler than a full four-wheel alignment.

Tracking is commonly checked after fitting steering parts, hitting a pothole, replacing tyres or noticing uneven wear.

Wheel alignment

Wheel alignment is broader

Wheel alignment can include toe, camber and caster depending on the vehicle and equipment used. Some vehicles allow more adjustment than others.

The MOT does not perform a full alignment report. It checks safety items that may be affected by alignment problems.

Read wheel alignment MOT guide →
Failure risk

Can Bad Tracking Fail An MOT?

Bad tracking itself is not normally the MOT failure. The issue is what bad tracking causes.

Tracking-related issue Direct MOT fail? Why it matters Best action
Tracking slightly out No Not measured during MOT Monitor tyre wear
Steering wheel off-centre Usually no May point to alignment, steering or suspension issue Inspect before MOT
Car pulls to one side Sometimes Could involve tyres, brakes, steering or suspension Diagnose cause
Uneven tyre wear Yes, if severe Tyre can be below legal limit or damaged Replace tyre and fix cause
Tyre cords showing Yes Dangerous tyre defect Do not drive; replace tyre
Worn track rod end Yes, if excessive Steering play can be unsafe Repair and align
Worn suspension arm or bush Yes, if excessive Can affect wheel position and handling Repair before alignment
Warning signs

Signs Your Tracking Needs Checking Before MOT

These symptoms do not always mean instant MOT failure, but they are strong reasons to inspect the car before test day.

Steering wheel off-centre

The car travels straight but the steering wheel sits left or right.

Car pulls left or right

The vehicle drifts on a level road without steering input.

Pulling causes →

Inner tyre edge worn

The tyre may look fine from outside but be worn badly on the inside shoulder.

Outer tyre edge worn

Outer shoulder wear can point to tracking, cornering style, pressure or suspension issues.

Tyres wearing quickly

Tracking faults can shorten tyre life and increase replacement cost.

Car still pulls after tracking

If tracking does not fix the issue, check tyres, brakes, suspension and steering.

Pulls after tracking →
Before MOT

What should you check before the MOT?

  • Check the inner and outer edges of all tyres.
  • Look for cords, cracks, bulges and uneven wear.
  • Check whether the steering wheel sits straight.
  • Notice whether the car pulls on a level road.
  • Listen for suspension knocks or clunks.
  • Check tyre pressures before blaming tracking.
  • Inspect track rod ends, lower arms and ball joints.
  • Get alignment checked after replacing steering or suspension parts.
Best order

Do not track the car before checking worn parts

If there is play in a track rod end, ball joint, lower arm bush or suspension component, tracking may not hold correctly.

The best order is:

  1. Inspect tyres, steering and suspension.
  2. Repair worn parts.
  3. Replace unsafe tyres.
  4. Set tracking or alignment.
  5. Recheck before MOT.
Cost guide

Tracking Cost UK

Tracking cost depends on the vehicle, adjustment type and whether parts are seized or worn.

Lower cost

Front tracking

Basic front tracking is usually one of the cheaper alignment-related services.

Medium cost

Four-wheel alignment

A full alignment check costs more but gives a better picture on many modern cars.

Higher cost

Worn parts first

Costs rise if track rod ends, arms, bushes or tyres need replacement before adjustment.

Work Typical UK cost range
Basic front tracking£30–£70
Four-wheel alignment£60–£150
Track rod end replacement£80–£180+
Lower arm replacement£150–£400+
Tyre replacement£60–£200+ per tyre
Frequently asked questions

Does MOT Check Tracking FAQs

Clear answers to common UK driver questions about tracking, tyre wear and MOT inspections.

Does MOT check tracking?

No. Tracking is not measured using alignment equipment during an MOT.

Can bad tracking fail MOT?

Not directly, but bad tracking can cause tyre wear, exposed cords or steering problems that can fail.

Is tracking the same as alignment?

Tracking usually means toe adjustment. Wheel alignment is broader and may include toe, camber and caster.

Should I get tracking done before MOT?

Yes, if the car pulls, the steering wheel is off-centre or tyres are wearing unevenly.

Will uneven tyre wear fail MOT?

Yes, if tread is below the legal limit, cords are exposed or the tyre is seriously damaged.

Can I pass MOT with steering wheel off-centre?

Possibly, but the cause should be checked because it may point to tracking, steering, tyre or suspension issues.

About this guide

Practical tracking and MOT advice for UK drivers

Motor Vehicle Expert publishes UK-focused MOT, diagnostics, warning light, repair cost and used car guidance in clear mechanic-style language.

This guide helps drivers understand whether tracking is checked during an MOT and when tracking-related tyre, steering or suspension problems can affect the test result.