MOT Inspection Explained
What is included in a UK MOT
An MOT is a roadworthiness and environmental compliance inspection. It confirms your vehicle meets the minimum legal standards to be driven on public roads at the time of testing.
It is not a service.
Other guides
MOT Pass or Fail ExplainedWhat the MOT covers
The inspection areas every test checks
During an MOT, the tester checks specific safety, structural, and environmental components. Each item is assessed visually or operationally, without dismantling the vehicle.
This is a guide to what is typically inspected on a Class 4 MOT. Exact checks can vary by vehicle type, age, and condition.
If issues are found, repairs may be needed. Our vehicle repairs and diagnostics page explains how we assess faults and approve work before proceeding.
Safety and control
- Steering wheel and column condition
- Excessive play in steering components
- Power steering operation (if fitted)
- Suspension components (springs, dampers, arms)
- Mountings and bushes
- Vehicle stability (including bounce test)
- Brake performance (roller brake test)
- Front and rear brake balance
- Brake discs and pads (visible components only)
- Brake hoses and pipes
- Handbrake / parking brake effectiveness
- Brake warning lights
- Tread depth (minimum 1.6mm across the central three-quarters)
- Tyre condition (cuts, bulges, damage)
- Correct tyre size and type
- Wheel condition and security
- Wheel nuts / bolts present and secure
Visibility and signalling
- Headlights (alignment, brightness, condition)
- Sidelights and tail lights
- Brake lights (including high-level brake light)
- Indicators and hazard lights
- Fog lights (where fitted)
- Daytime running lights (if applicable)
- Switches and warning indicators
- Windscreen condition (chips/cracks in critical zones)
- Wipers and washers
- Mirrors (interior and exterior)
- Driver view of the road
If a warning light is illuminated when it should not be, the vehicle can fail.
- ABS warning light
- Airbag (SRS) warning light
- Engine management light
- ESC / traction control warning lights
Occupant protection and structure
- Seatbelt presence, condition, and operation
- Seatbelt warning lights
- Seat security and adjustability
- Head restraints
- Structural integrity (including corrosion in prescribed areas)
- Sharp edges or insecure panels
- Doors opening and closing correctly
- Bonnet catch security
Identification and emissions
- Vehicle Registration Number (VRM)
- VIN / chassis number
- Make, model, and fuel type
- Exhaust system condition and security
- Excessive noise
- Emissions test (limits vary by fuel type and vehicle age)
- Presence of catalytic converter or DPF where originally fitted
- Fuel tank and filler cap condition
- Fuel lines and leaks
- Secure mounting
- Correct format and spacing
- Secure mounting
- Reflectivity and legibility
What is not included
Outside the scope of an MOT
An MOT is a safety and environmental inspection, not a full mechanical assessment. Some items are outside the scope of the test.
MOT testers do not dismantle components. Some items are assessed visually or using standard test equipment only.
- Engine internal condition
- Clutch condition (unless obviously slipping)
- Gearbox health
- Timing belts or chains
- Wheel alignment
- Service items (oil, filters, spark plugs)
- Battery health (unless insecure)
- General performance tuning
- Wear forecasting (how long parts will last)
- Non-safety cosmetic items
Key points to understand
How to interpret an MOT result
A pass is good news, but it is not a guarantee of reliability. These points explain how the MOT works in practice.
If you want to understand what happens after the test, see our MOT pass or fail explained guide.
The MOT reflects the vehicle condition at the time of testing only.
No maintenance is carried out as part of the MOT. Servicing is separate.
Some parts may be legal at test time but wear out soon after, especially tyres and brakes.
Testers cannot take the vehicle apart. Many checks are visual or equipment-based only.
Understand advisories, retests, and whether you can still drive. Click here to read more.
MOT vs servicing
Know the difference
This is the most common source of confusion. An MOT is a legal inspection. Servicing is preventative maintenance.
If you are unsure what your vehicle needs, an MOT plus a service inspection is often the most sensible approach.
- Purpose
- Confirm the vehicle meets the minimum legal standard on the day of test.
- When
- Annually after the vehicle is 3 years old.
- Focus
- Safety and environmental compliance checks.
- Includes
- Inspection and a pass or fail result.
- Does not
- Cover maintenance, repairs, or preventative work.
- Best for
- Legal compliance
- Purpose
- Reduce wear, prevent breakdowns, and keep the vehicle running well.
- When
- At manufacturer intervals or by mileage, plus as needed.
- Focus
- Maintenance items and broader condition checks.
- Includes
- Service items like oil and filters where applicable, plus inspection.
- Does not
- Replace the legal requirement for an MOT.
- Best for
- Reliability
Book MOT or Service online
If your MOT is due soon, booking ahead is the easiest way to get a slot that suits you. If you are not sure what you need, choose a service option and we can advise from there.