What is included in the MOT test?

Vehicle structure: Free from excessive corrosion or damage in specific areas, no sharp edges.
Fuel system: No leaks. Cap fastens and seals securely. The fuel cap will need to be opened. Make sure the key is available. Any damage or chaffing of fuel pipes is not allowed.
Exhaust emissions Vehicle meets the requirements of exhaust emissions, dependant on the age and fuel type of the vehicle. Catalytic converter must be present if one was fitted as original equipment
Exhaust system: Secure, complete, without serious leaks and silences effectively.
Seat belts: All the seat belts installed are checked for type, condition, operation and security. All compulsory seat belts must be in place.
Seats: Front seats secure. Front and rear backrests can be secured in the upright position. Front to back adjustment must be available for two to three positions on the driver's seat. Electric seats must operate as designed.
Doors: Open and close. Latch securely in closed position. Front doors should open from inside and outside the vehicle. Rear doors must be operable from the outside and easy to open and close.
Mirrors: Presence, condition, security.
Brakes: Condition, operation and performance (efficiency test). Note the removal of the road wheels is not part of the test.
Tyres and wheels: Condition, security, tyre size/type and tread depth. Spare tyres are not inspected.
Registration plates: Condition, security, digits correctly formed and spaced.
Warning Lights Warning lights for electronic parking brake, electronic stability control, headlamp main beam, power steering, brake fluid level and safety restraint systems must all function correctly.
Lights: Condition, operation, security and correct colour. Also the headlights will be checked to see if the aim is correct. Where applicable levelling and cleaning systems must be fully operatoinal.
Battery Wiring: Battery and wiring must be secure and sound. Bared wired potentially causing a short circuit are outlawed.
Trailer/Caravan Sockets: These must be sound and 13 pin sockets are subject to a full conectivity check.
Electronic Stability Control/Electronic Parking Brake The whole system must operate satisfactorily without modification and the switch must be present and functional.
Bonnet: Secures safely in the closed position.
Wipers/Washers: Operate to give the driver a clear view ahead.
Windscreen: Condition and driver's view of the road.
Horn: Correct operation and the right type.
Steering and suspension: Correct condition and operation. Steering lock should be fully operatoinal. Power steering fluid should be above the minimum level. Dust covers on the steering and suspension ball joints must not be split to allow dirt to enter the joint.
Vehicle Identification Number Not more than one different identification number should be present on a vehicle first used on or after 1 August 1980.
Speedometer A speedometer must be fitted and easy to read, with a functioning light.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System For vehicles first registered after 1 Jan 2012, these must be fully operational.

 

Note:

An MOT certificate confirms that at the time of the test, without dismantling, the vehicle met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law. It does not mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate. The test does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.


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