• GENERAL CONDITION OF VEHICLE. Must be free from corrosion and damage, with no sharp edges which could cause injury.
• FUEL SYSTEM. Must be free from leaks and fuel cap must close securely. Please be aware it will be opened so leave us your key.
• EXHAUST EMMISIONS. Must meet with legislative emission standards according to age and fuel type.
• EXHAUST SYSTEM. Must be secure and complete, without any leaks and silences effectively.
• SEAT BELTS. Are checked for type, condition and security. All mandatory seat belts must be fitted and in full working order.
• SEATS. Front seats must be secure, and all seat backs must be able to be secured in the upright position.
• DOORS. Must latch securely when closed. Front doors must open from inside and outside the vehicle, rear doors from outside. Hinges are checked for condition and security.
• MIRRORS. Minimum numbers of mirrors are on vehicle, and are checked for condition and security.
• LOAD. Boot or tailgate can be secured when closed.
• BRAKES. Condition, operation and performance checks are carried out.
• TYRE/WHEELS. Condition, security, tyre size/type and tread depth checks.
• REGISTRATION. Plates are checked for condition, security, colour and characters being correctly formed and spaced.
• LIGHTS. Condition, operation (includes HID and LED) for cleaning, self-levelling and security. Headlamp aim. Main beam warning light.
• BONNET. Must securely latch when closed.
• HORN. Operates correctly and is of a suitable type.
• WIPERS/WASHERS. Must be in full working order to give driver clear view of road ahead.
• WINDSCREEN. Condition check and gives driver clear view of road ahead.
• STEERING AND SUSPENSION. Are of a satisfactory condition and operation.
• VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER. Present on all vehicles manufactured after 1980.
• SPEEDOMETER. Must be fitted and free from damage.
• SRS COMPONENTS. Operation of airbags, seat-belt pre tensioners, load limiters and warning light.
• ENGINE MOUNTINGS. Condition check.
• ELECTRICS. Visible electrical wiring, connectors and battery (includes electric/hybrid vehicles). In addition operation of devices where fitted including: electronic parking brake, Electronic Stability Control, steering lock, TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system), indirect vision devices where they replace mirrors and headlamp levelling/cleaning devices (HID/LED lights). Trailer electrical socket security/damage, operation of 13-pin trailers electrical sockets.
• DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS. Now covered by MOT test; applies to (where fitted): headlight main beam, electronic power steering, TPMS, brake fluid level, air bag, seat belt pre-tensioner, electric steering lock and SRS malfunction.

All vehicles 3 years old or more are required to have a valid MOT test certificate which should be renewed annually. It is the car owners responsibility to ensure your vehicle is MOT'd every 12 months. You can find the expiry date of your MOT on your existing MOT test certificate and you can have your vehicle MOT tested up to 28 days in advance. The expiry date on your new MOT is 12 months from the expiry of your old one rather than 12 months from the day you took the test, so as long as your MOT test is due in the next 28 days, you won’t lose any days for having your vehicle tested early.

Check your MOT Status on gov.uk

Without a current MOT certificate, you will be unable to drive your vehicle lawfully or renew your road tax. The penalty for not having an up to date MOT certificate could be a fine. Also if the vehicle is involved in an accident you may be asked to produce your MOT certificate. An insurance claim could be affected by the absence of your MOT, especially in the case of injury.