How to Prepare for an MOT Test in the UK

Quick answer

To prepare for an MOT, check the simple safety items first: tyres, lights, brake lights, indicators, wipers, washers, windscreen, number plates, horn, mirrors, seatbelts and dashboard warning lights.

Also check your last MOT advisories. If an item was close to failing last year, it may now be bad enough to fail. Advisories for tyres, brakes, suspension, corrosion and exhaust leaks are especially worth checking before booking the test.

Pre-MOT checklist for UK drivers

• 1Tyres: check tread depth, pressure, sidewall damage, cracks, bulges and uneven wear.
• 2Lights: check headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, rear lights, fog lights and number plate lights.
• 3Brakes: listen for grinding, squealing, vibration, pulling or a soft pedal.
• 4Wipers and washers: make sure the screen clears properly and the washer bottle has fluid.
• 5Windscreen: check chips, cracks and anything blocking the driver’s view.
• 6Warning lights: do not ignore ABS, airbag, brake, engine management, tyre pressure or traction control lights.
• 7Number plates: make sure they are clean, secure, readable and correctly lit.
• 8Seatbelts: check they latch, retract and are not damaged.
• 9Horn and mirrors: check the horn works and mirrors are secure and usable.
• 10Leaks and smoke: look for fluid leaks, excessive smoke, exhaust noise or strong fuel smells.

1. Check tyres before the MOT

Tyres are one of the easiest things to check before an MOT. Look for low tread, exposed cords, bulges, cuts, uneven wear and damage to the sidewall. Also check tyre pressures before the test.

2. Check every exterior light

Light faults are common MOT problems and many are simple to spot before the test. Ask someone to help, or use reflections in a window or garage door to check brake lights and indicators.

• ✓Headlights: dipped beam and main beam.
• ✓Sidelights and rear lights.
• ✓Brake lights, including the high-level brake light where fitted.
• ✓Indicators and hazard lights.
• ✓Rear fog light and number plate lights.
• ✓Check for cracked lenses, water inside lamps or lights showing the wrong colour.

Useful guides: can headlights fail MOT?, can brake lights fail MOT?, can indicators fail MOT? and can number plate lights fail MOT?

3. Pay attention to brake warning signs

You cannot fully inspect brakes without the right tools, but you can watch for symptoms. Grinding, scraping, vibration, pulling to one side, weak braking or a warning light should be checked before the MOT.

If brake pads are close to the limit, do not wait for the MOT to confirm it. Replacing them early can prevent disc damage and a bigger bill. See brake pad replacement cost UK.

4. Check wipers, washers and windscreen

Visibility faults are easy to overlook but can cause MOT problems. Make sure the washer jets spray properly, the wiper blades clear the screen and the windscreen is not badly cracked or chipped in the driver’s view.

• ✓Top up screenwash before the test.
• ✓Replace split, noisy or smearing wiper blades.
• ✓Check washer jets are not blocked or misdirected.
• ✓Look for windscreen chips or cracks in the driver’s view.
• ✓Remove hanging items or stickers that block vision.

Read more: can wipers fail MOT?, can windscreen washer fail MOT? and can a windscreen chip fail MOT?

5. Do not ignore dashboard warning lights

Warning lights can affect the MOT depending on the system involved. Do not wait until test day and hope they disappear. Some lights point to safety or emissions faults that need diagnosis.

6. Check number plates, horn and mirrors

Small items can still cause MOT trouble. Make sure the number plates are secure, readable, clean and correctly lit. Check the horn works and mirrors are secure, clear and usable.

• ✓Clean front and rear number plates.
• ✓Check number plates are not cracked, loose, badly faded or covered.
• ✓Check rear number plate lights work.
• ✓Press the horn briefly to confirm it works.
• ✓Check mirrors are secure and not badly damaged.

7. Check seatbelts and interior safety items

Seatbelts should pull out, latch securely and retract properly. Check for cuts, fraying, trapped belts, damaged buckles and warning lights linked to airbags or restraint systems.

8. Check exhaust, smoke and emissions clues

You cannot do a full emissions test at home, but you can spot warning signs. Excessive smoke, strong fuel smell, exhaust leaks, engine management lights and DPF warnings should be checked before MOT day.

9. Check last year’s MOT advisories

Previous advisories are one of the best clues before the next MOT. If the last test mentioned worn tyres, corroded brake pipes, suspension play, rust, lights, exhaust leaks or brake wear, those items may now need attention.

Read MOT advisory meaning explained and should you buy a car with advisories?

MOT booking tips

• ✓Check your MOT expiry date before booking.
• ✓Book early enough to allow time for repairs if the car fails.
• ✓Use the one month minus a day rule if you want to keep your renewal date.
• ✓Do not leave the MOT until the final day if you rely on the car daily.
• ✓Fix obvious faults before the test rather than paying for avoidable retests.

Useful guides: how early can you renew an MOT? and how long is an MOT valid?

What if the car fails the MOT?

If the car fails, the next step depends on the defects and whether the current MOT is still valid. Dangerous defects should not be driven on. Major defects need repair and retest before the car is considered MOT-passed again.

In many cases, a partial retest may be available if repairs are completed within the required time window. Read MOT retest rules UK before arranging repairs.

Should you service the car before an MOT?

A service is not required before an MOT, but it can help catch problems early. A good service can highlight worn brakes, weak batteries, low fluids, oil leaks, coolant leaks, tyre wear and other issues that may lead to bigger bills later.

If your car is due maintenance, see full car service cost UK and car maintenance checklist UK.

Best mechanic-style advice

Do not use the MOT as your first inspection. A quick check at home can prevent simple failures like empty washer fluid, blown bulbs, worn wipers, unreadable number plates and obvious tyre problems.

The best approach is simple: check the easy items yourself, review last year’s advisories, fix obvious safety faults and book early enough to allow repair time if something fails.

Related MOT guides

Frequently asked questions

What should I check before an MOT?

Check tyres, lights, wipers, washers, windscreen, brakes, warning lights, number plates, mirrors, horn, seatbelts and previous MOT advisories.

How early can I book an MOT?

You can usually renew an MOT up to one month minus a day before it expires and keep the same renewal date.

Can I drive to an MOT without tax?

There are limited rules around driving to a pre-booked MOT. Read our guide: can you drive to an MOT without tax?

Will warning lights fail an MOT?

Some warning lights can fail an MOT, especially safety or emissions-related lights such as airbag, ABS, brake, engine management or traction control warnings.

Is an MOT the same as a service?

No. An MOT is a legal roadworthiness test. A service is maintenance work. A car can pass an MOT and still need servicing.

Should I fix advisories before the next MOT?

Yes, especially if the advisory relates to tyres, brakes, suspension, corrosion, exhaust leaks or safety items. Advisories can become failures by the next test.

Can a car fail MOT for no screenwash?

Yes, washer faults can cause MOT problems if the system does not clear the windscreen properly.

Can excessive smoke fail an MOT?

Yes. Excessive smoke or emissions problems can cause an MOT failure, especially on cars with engine, fuel, DPF or exhaust faults.