The Free 44-Point
MOT Checklist
44 checks across 9 areas, all of which you can do yourself on the driveway in under half an hour. Read it below or print it and take it out to the car. No account needed.
Please read first. This is a free checklist to help you spot obvious problems before your MOT. It is not repair advice, and it is not a substitute for a professional inspection or the official DVSA test. Do not attempt any repair or adjustment you are not confident and competent to carry out safely. If you are unsure about anything you find — or about anything you are not sure how to check — speak to a qualified mechanic. Never drive a vehicle you believe to be unroadworthy.
What to check before your MOT
Work through the 9 areas below. Anything you can't clear is worth raising with your garage when you book — catching it now is almost always cheaper than a retest.
1
Lights & Electrical
6 checks- Headlights (dipped & full beam) — check both work and are aligned
- Brake lights — press the pedal and ask someone to check behind
- Indicators — front, rear, and side repeaters all flash correctly
- Fog lights (front & rear) — switch on and walk around the car
- Number plate lights — must clearly illuminate rear plate
- Horn — press it; should be loud and clear
2
Steering & Suspension
5 checks- Power steering — turn the wheel fully; no whining or stiffness
- Steering wheel play — minimal movement before wheels respond
- Shock absorbers — push each corner down; it should bounce back once
- Springs & joints — look for broken springs or worn bushings
- Wheel bearings — listen for humming noise when driving
3
Brakes
5 checks- Pads & discs — check thickness through wheel spokes; look for grooves
- Brake pipes & hoses — look underneath for leaks or corrosion
- Handbrake — should hold the car on a slope with 3-5 clicks
- Brake fluid — check reservoir level is between MIN and MAX
- ABS warning light — should come on at ignition then go off
4
Tyres & Wheels
4 checks- Tread depth — minimum 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Use a 20p coin (the border should be hidden). Tyres also have built-in tread wear indicators (small raised bars in the grooves) — if the tyre rubber is level with these bars, the tyre needs replacing.
- Tyre condition — no bulges, cuts, or cracks in the sidewall
- Matching sizes — same size tyres on each axle
- Wheel security — all wheel nuts present and tight
5
Visibility
4 checks- Windscreen — no chips or cracks larger than 10mm in driver's view
- Wipers & washers — blades clear the screen without smearing; fluid sprays
- Mirrors — all present, secure, and give clear rear view
- Driver's view — no obstructions (air fresheners, sat navs in swept area)
6
Exhaust & Emissions
4 checks- Exhaust system — secure with no holes; listen for blowing noises
- Leaks — check for black soot marks around joints
- Catalytic converter — must be present and undamaged
- Emission levels — excessive smoke from exhaust may indicate a problem
7
Body & Structure
5 checks- Corrosion — check sills, wheel arches, and floor for rust holes
- Sharp edges — no jagged metal that could injure pedestrians
- Doors — all open, close, and latch properly
- Boot & bonnet — secure catches that hold when closed
- Bumpers — securely attached with no sharp damage
8
Dashboard Warning Lights
7 checks- Engine Management Light (EML) — this amber/yellow engine symbol must not be illuminated during the MOT. It indicates an engine or emissions fault. If lit, your car will fail.
- ABS Warning Light — this amber circle with "ABS" inside must go off after starting the engine. If it stays on, the anti-lock braking system has a fault and the car will fail.
- Airbag Warning Light (SRS) — this symbol showing a seated figure with a circle (airbag) must go off after ignition. A lit airbag light is an automatic MOT failure.
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) — if your car has TPMS, the warning light must not be on during the test.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) — if fitted, the ESC warning light must not remain on.
- Brake warning light — the red exclamation mark in a circle must go off. Could indicate low fluid or worn pads.
- Power steering warning light — if illuminated, indicates a fault that could affect the MOT.
9
Safety Equipment
4 checks- Seatbelts — all buckle, lock, and retract; check for fraying
- Seats — securely mounted; driver's seat adjusts and locks
- Registration plates — correct format, clean, and securely fixed
- VIN plate — visible and matches vehicle documents
Download the printable PDFTick-boxes included — designed to be printed and carried
Found something? Get it priced before you book
If one of these checks turns something up, you don't have to guess what the repair should cost. Describe the work once and garages in your area are invited to send back a price, so you can compare costs, availability and reviews side by side. Free, and your phone number stays private until you accept a quote.
A reminder on scope. This checklist is provided free and for general guidance only. It highlights things worth looking at before an MOT; it does not tell you how to repair anything, and passing every check here is not a guarantee that your vehicle will pass its MOT — only a DVSA-approved test centre can determine that. Vehicle repair and maintenance should be carried out by a qualified mechanic. If in any doubt, consult one. CarGarages.co.uk accepts no liability for work carried out, or not carried out, on the basis of this checklist.