MOT Prep: Simple Checks Before Your Test

Make sure all external lights are working correctly:

• Headlights (dip and full beam)

• Side lights

• Brake lights

• Reverse lights

• Indicators (front, back and side)

• Number plate lights

💡 Top tip: Check with a friend or use reflections in windows to see rear lights.

Press your horn. If it doesn’t work or sounds weak, it could be a fail. It should be loud and clear.

Inspect for:

• Cracks or bulges in the sidewalls

• Uneven wear

• Legal tread depth (at least 1.6mm across the central ¾ of the tyre)

🛞 Tip: Use a 20p coin – if you can see the outer rim, your tread is too low.

Check:

• No tears or damage to wiper blades

• They clear the screen properly without smears

• Windscreen has no large chips or cracks, especially in the driver’s line of sight

🧼 Bonus: Make sure your washer jets are clear and working. After the test, we will make sure you drive away with a full bottle of screen wash.

All mirrors (interior and exterior) must be:

• Secure

• Not cracked or broken

• Providing a clear rear view

Give each belt a tug. Make sure they:

• Lock securely when pulled sharply

• Retract properly

• Have no fraying or damage

🧒 Don’t forget to check rear seatbelts too!

Make sure your number plates are:

• Clean and clearly visible

• Firmly fixed

• Using the correct font and spacing

⚡️ We can provide a shiny new number plates if needed.

Lift the bonnet and check:

• Engine oil

• Coolant

• Brake fluid

• Screen wash

⚡️While it’s not part of the MOT test, we check all fluid levels to ensure there’s no signs of underlying issues that could cause delays or indicate bigger problems.