During an MOT in 2025, your car is checked to make sure it meets the minimum standards for safety, roadworthiness, and emissions. This includes making sure your brakes, lights, tyres, seatbelts, and exhaust system are working as they should. The inspection covers key parts of your vehicle to help keep both you and other drivers safe on the road.
If you’re not sure what will be checked or if any new rules apply, you’re not alone. Understanding the current MOT process helps you avoid common failures and unnecessary surprises. Find out exactly what’s covered during a full MOT inspection in 2025 and what you can do to prepare your car before the test.
What Is an MOT Test?
An MOT test checks if your vehicle meets the legal safety and environmental rules in the UK. By focusing on critical parts of your car, this test helps keep roads safer and reduces pollution.
Purpose and Legal Requirements
The MOT test’s main goal is to make sure cars, vans, and other vehicles are safe to drive and meet set emissions rules. You must get an MOT every year if your vehicle is over three years old. This is not optional. Driving without a valid MOT certificate is illegal and may result in fines.
Each MOT test checks parts like brakes, lights, seatbelts, suspension, tyres, and exhaust systems. Faults must be fixed before your vehicle is considered roadworthy again. Getting an MOT on time is not just a legal requirement; it’s also vital for your safety and the safety of others. Details on required checks can be found in the official MOT inspection checklist.
Who Oversees the MOT?
The agency responsible for the MOT scheme is the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). They set the rules, provide training for MOT testers, and carry out inspections at test centres to make sure standards remain high. Only authorised MOT testing stations can issue valid MOT certificates.
If your car fails its MOT, you cannot legally drive it except to a repair shop or a booked MOT test. The DVSA has the authority to remove approval from centres that break the rules. This helps to make sure all MOT checks are carried out fairly and meet strict safety standards. Each tester uses equipment and methods approved by the DVSA for every vehicle.
MOT vs Other Checks
An MOT test is different from a service or a general vehicle check. The MOT is a legal road safety and emissions assessment required by law each year. A regular service focuses mostly on keeping your car performing well and may include things like oil changes, filter replacements, and checking fluid levels.
You cannot rely on a recent service as a replacement for an MOT. The MOT check follows a strict checklist decided by the government and covers parts linked directly to road safety and legal compliance. In short, while both are important for a safe car, the MOT is required to keep your vehicle on the road legally.
Core Safety Checks
MOT testers focus on parts of your car that keep you safe and help you avoid accidents. Failing any of these areas can lead to expensive repairs or put you at risk on the road.
Brakes and Brake Pads
Brakes are a main focus of the MOT because they are key for stopping your car quickly and safely. Testers check the brake pedal, brake discs, and brake pads for wear, damage, and contamination. If your brake pads are worn too thin or show signs of damage, you will fail the test.
They also look for leaks in the brake fluid system and make sure the ABS warning light comes on and goes off as it should. Brake performance is measured using a rolling road, so each wheel is checked to ensure the car stops evenly.
If your brakes do not work as they should or show any major wear, it could mean more costly repairs and a failed test.
Lights and Signals
Working lights and indicators are vital for seeing and being seen on the road, especially at night or in bad weather. The MOT includes checks on all your lights, including headlights, brake lights, indicators, side lights, fog lights, and number plate lights.
Testers check for broken bulbs, cracked lenses, and faulty light fittings. All lights must work correctly and produce enough light. Incorrectly coloured bulbs, such as blue headlights, will also cause a failure.
Indicators must flash at the right speed and be visible to other drivers. Any lights or signals that do not function or are damaged need to be fixed before your car will pass the MOT. Regularly inspecting your lights can help you avoid common MOT failures.
Seatbelts and Airbags
Seatbelts are among the most important life-saving features in your car. During the MOT, each seatbelt is checked for signs of fraying, cuts, or damage. Pull the belt fully out and see if it retracts as it should. If the belt does not lock when pulled sharply, or if any anchor points are loose, you could fail the test.
All seat belts, including those in the rear seats, are tested for secure mounting. The seat belt warning light must also work properly. In cars with airbags, the MOT checks for airbag warning lights or obvious signs of tampering.
A lit airbag warning light or missing airbags will result in a failed test. Fixing seatbelt or airbag faults can prevent injuries and avoid costly repairs if your car does not pass the MOT.
Steering and Suspension
Your car’s steering and suspension must be in top condition to ensure a safe and smooth drive. MOT testers look for wear, damage, and leaks in the steering rack, power steering fluid, and all linkages. The steering wheel should not have excessive play or make knocking noises when turned.
Suspension components like shock absorbers, springs, and bushes are inspected for leaks, corrosion, and damage. Any broken or leaking parts will result in a fail, and may lead to instability or reduced control.
Testers also look for uneven tyre wear, which can be a sign of suspension or steering problems. Promptly fixing steering and suspension faults helps avoid further damage and keeps your car safer to drive.
Tyres and Wheels
Tyres and wheels are crucial for your vehicle’s safety and driving performance. Inspectors focus closely on their condition, as problems in these areas can lead to MOT failure.
Tyre Condition and Tread
During your MOT, the examiner will check the overall condition of the tyres. This includes looking for any damage like cuts, bulges, or cracks. Tyres must not have any objects stuck in the tread or visible cords showing.
Your tyre tread depth is also measured. The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre’s width and around the entire circumference. If your tyres are below this limit, your vehicle will fail the MOT. You should check your tread regularly, as worn tread can impact stopping distance and road grip.
Tyres must also be of the correct size and type for your vehicle, and each tyre on the same axle must match in structure (for example, both being radial or cross-ply).
Wheels and Alignment
Examiners check that all wheels are securely attached and free from damage such as cracks or missing bolts. Loose or damaged wheels will lead to automatic failure on your MOT. It’s also essential that your wheels are the correct size and type for your car.
Wheel alignment, although not directly measured, is considered during the inspection. Signs of poor alignment, such as uneven tyre wear, can indicate a problem. Poor alignment affects steering and tyre life, reducing safety and increasing running costs.
The condition of the wheel nuts and bolts is also checked. Your wheels must spin freely without obstruction, and wheel bearings are assessed for excessive movement or noise.
Glass, Mirrors and Visibility
During an MOT, clear vision for the driver is a main focus. Several checks make sure you can see the road and other vehicles well in all conditions.
Windscreen and Windows
Your windscreen must be free from large chips or cracks, especially in the area right in front of the driver, called Zone A. Any damage larger than 10mm in this area can cause your car to fail its MOT. Elsewhere on the windscreen, the limit is 40mm.
You need to make sure the glass is clean and not tinted to a level that blocks your view. Stickers or decorations that block vision in the swept area of the windscreen are not allowed. Side windows should also be checked for cracks and should move properly if they are meant to open.
Wipers and Washers
Wipers and washers must work well to clean your windscreen. You should check they clear enough of the glass to ensure good visibility in rain and grime. Wiper blades should not have splits or missing parts.
Washers need to spray enough water to help keep the glass clean. If the fluid is empty or the jet is blocked, this can lead to a test failure. Make sure your washers cover the area swept by the wipers. Regularly keeping your washer fluid topped up and checking your wipers can help you avoid easy fails.
Mirrors
Your car must have a minimum of two mirrors. This is usually an interior rear-view mirror and one exterior mirror, either on the driver’s or passenger’s side. Both must be secure and give you enough view of the road behind and to the side of your vehicle.
Damaged, loose, or missing mirrors are common reasons for MOT failure. Make sure mirrors are not cracked and can be adjusted. Mirrors must be kept clean, and any replacement mirrors should give a similar view as the original factory versions.
Bodywork, Chassis and Corrosion Checks
Inspectors pay close attention to your vehicle’s structure, looking for problems that might affect safety or function. They check the body panels, chassis, and any parts that can be opened, such as the boot, for signs of damage, weakness, or corrosion.
Structural Integrity
During the MOT, the tester closely examines your car’s bodywork and chassis for any signs of damage, bending, or areas that have been poorly repaired. The structure must be free from a dangerous level of rust or cracks, and these checks cover key safety points, especially around areas where seatbelts, suspension, and steering are mounted.
Sharp edges on the bodywork are not allowed. If panels are badly damaged, it can cause injuries or affect your vehicle’s safety. The overall strength of the chassis is important, so they make sure that repairs are strong and carried out using the right methods. If there are signs of welding, it is checked for quality and correct positioning. Find more details on the official MOT inspection manual for structural integrity.
Rust and Corrosion
Rust and corrosion are big reasons for MOT failures. The tester checks the car for rust, focusing on parts that play a role in safety, such as suspension mounting points, brake mounts, sills, chassis rails, and seatbelt anchorages. Any corrosion found within 30cm of these critical areas can lead to a failure.
Small surface rust on panels is allowed, but if corrosion goes through the panel or creates a hole near a major part, it’s considered unsafe. Corrosion that causes sharp edges is especially serious, as it can cause injury. If the corrosion is bad enough to affect the car’s structure or function, it must be fixed before the car can pass the test.
Boot, Doors and Bonnet
The MOT test requires that you can fully open and securely close all main entry points, including the boot, doors, and bonnet. Each must latch properly and not open accidentally when driving. The tester also makes sure that the hinges and locks work smoothly and are not damaged.
If the boot or doors do not open from the inside or outside, this is seen as a safety risk. The bonnet must open easily so a mechanic can check fluid levels and other essential parts under the bonnet. If there is any severe rust around the hinges or latch, this could count as a failure, since it may stop the boot, doors, or bonnet from working correctly.
Exhaust and Environmental Standards
Your vehicle’s exhaust system and emissions are closely checked in the MOT. This is to make sure your car is safe, roadworthy, and meets strict UK environmental standards.
Exhaust System Inspection
The MOT includes a thorough look at the exhaust system. Inspectors check that your exhaust is complete, securely attached, and free from damage or major leaks. If the exhaust is loose, corroded, or missing any parts, it can result in an MOT failure.
Loud or unusual noises from the exhaust indicate possible faults or leaks. The examiner also confirms that fittings like the catalytic converter and silencers are present and properly fitted.
The inspection covers:
- Exhaust pipe and joints: Checked for tight fitting and leaks.
- Mountings: Ensured to be secure and not worn out.
- Noise level: Must not be louder than standard factory settings.
- Visible smoke: Excessive smoke from the exhaust is a red flag.
A well-maintained exhaust system helps avoid dangerous fumes entering the vehicle and supports environmental efforts.
Emissions Testing
Emissions testing is a key part of MOT to limit air pollution. The test measures how much carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are released from your exhaust.
Your car is connected to special equipment that analyses exhaust gases while the engine runs. The results must match the legal limits based on your car’s age and fuel type. Petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles all face different emission standards.
If your car’s emissions are too high, it cannot pass the MOT. This includes failing due to black, blue, or excessive white smoke coming from the exhaust. Leaks in the exhaust can also affect accurate emissions readings.
Mot testers also check the fuel system for leaks or signs of tampering. Ensuring your engine is well-tuned and using the correct fuel helps your car meet UK environmental standards.
Additional Checks and Vehicle Identification
During an MOT, certain details about your car’s identity and key indicators are also inspected. These checks help confirm the car’s legitimacy and make sure dashboard alerts are not hiding problems.
Mileage and Warning Lights
Your car’s mileage is recorded during each MOT. Inspectors note this figure to track how far your car has travelled and to detect unusually large changes, which might suggest clocking or tampering. Recording accurate mileage helps protect against fraud when you buy or sell a car.
Warning lights on your dashboard, such as for airbags, brakes, or the engine, are checked to see if any are showing faults. A warning light that stays on can mean a problem with a crucial system. Any important warning lights that do not turn off will usually result in an MOT failure. Make sure all warning lights go out after you start your engine, except for those that are meant to stay on like those showing seatbelt reminders.
If any lights don’t work as they should, you should get these faults fixed before your MOT to avoid MOT failure.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Inspectors check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to make sure it matches the number registered with the DVLA. The VIN is a unique code found on your car’s chassis or at the base of the windscreen. It’s sometimes called the chassis number.
If the VIN is missing, hard to read, or doesn’t match the paperwork, your car will not pass the MOT. This step prevents stolen or illegal vehicles from passing through checks unnoticed.
Keeping your VIN clean and readable is important. You should regularly check this number to make sure it has not become damaged or removed.
Registration Plates
The MOT also includes a close inspection of your car’s registration plates. Testers check the plates for the correct typeface, colour, and spacing. Plates must also be clean, securely fixed, and easy to read from a distance.
Personalised plates must follow official guidelines. If your plate is cracked, faded, or has the wrong font or background, it may cause your car to fail. Plates must show black letters on a white background at the front and black letters on a yellow background at the rear.
Plates must match the information on your logbook. If the numbers or letters are unclear, get them replaced so that your car meets MOT standards.
MOT Process for MINI Owners
If you drive a MINI, there are special steps and benefits that come with keeping your car legal and safe for the road. Your MINI can benefit from dedicated MOT protection, use of manufacturer parts, and checks that fit your car’s warranty and service needs.
MINI MOT Protect
MINI MOT Protect is a service that provides extra peace of mind during your first MOT after buying a new MINI. If you have eligible cover, the cost of repairs, replacement parts, and even labour for certain items that result in an MOT failure will be included. This can help you avoid unexpected expenses during the early years of owning your MINI.
MOT Protect covers key components, including lighting equipment, steering, brakes, suspension, and exhaust. Some items like tyres and windscreen damage may not be included, so it’s a good idea to read the cover details.
You can check if your MINI qualifies for MOT Protect with your local dealership. Standard terms and exclusions apply. Knowing what is covered takes away some of the worry if your car is due its first MOT test. Find more about MINI MOT Protect on the Official MINI MOT page.
Genuine MINI Parts
When your MINI is repaired after an MOT test, using genuine MINI parts helps you keep your car running as it should. These parts are made to fit and perform exactly like the original items installed at the factory.
Benefits of genuine MINI parts:
- Maintain your warranty protection
- Designed specifically for your model
- Tested to strict MINI safety standards
- Supported with a parts warranty
Your MINI Centre will use genuine MINI parts for any necessary repairs. This is important as non-genuine parts may affect reliability or value. You’ll have confidence that your car will keep its performance and safety.
MINI Centre and MINI Service
Bringing your car to a MINI Centre for its MOT ensures the technicians are fully trained to work with MINIs. These technicians use equipment made for your car, follow MINI-approved procedures, and have direct access to manufacturer information.
All work completed at a MINI Centre is recorded, which strengthens your car’s service history. This can make resale easier and reassure future buyers.
A MINI Service often combines your MOT with a thorough health check. This covers more than the MOT legal standards, such as updates to the car’s software and examining parts that could wear soon.
You can book an appointment for an MOT and service at approved MINI Centres online or by phone. This keeps your MINI in top condition and helps you avoid missing important checks.
End of Warranty Check
Before your new MINI’s manufacturer warranty ends, you can book a complimentary end of warranty check. This inspection is usually offered free at MINI Centres and looks at both MOT-related parts and other major systems covered by the warranty.
This check may spot problems early, giving you the chance to have parts fixed or replaced before you have to pay for them. The end of warranty check often includes the same items as a typical MOT, like brakes, suspension, steering, lights, and emissions equipment.
It is a good idea to combine your end of warranty check with an MOT test if the dates align. You can ask your MINI Centre about booking this together for convenience and complete coverage.
The MOT Test Experience
Booking your MOT is straightforward and can often be done online. During your appointment, qualified mechanics carry out a range of checks to see if your car meets safety and environmental standards.
Booking an MOT Online
Many garages now offer easy online booking for MOT tests. You simply choose an available date and time that suits you, fill in your car details, and confirm your booking.
You will often get a confirmation by email or text. Some sites send reminders when your MOT is nearly due. This can help you avoid driving without a valid MOT, which is illegal.
Online booking means you can compare garage prices in your area and see customer reviews before you decide. It saves you from having to phone around or wait in line. If you need to reschedule, most sites make it simple to change your appointment.
Paperwork is usually straightforward. You only need your car registration number and personal details. The online process is designed to be quick and user-friendly, so you can book at any time, even outside working hours. This makes booking your MOT online convenient and efficient.
Working with Professional Mechanics
At the garage, your car is checked by professional mechanics. These mechanics are trained to inspect all the components that the law requires. They check your brakes, lights, tyres, suspension, and other key systems for safety.
You can speak with the mechanic before or after the test if you want to discuss any concerns. They will explain if your vehicle fails, and they will let you know what needs repair or replacement.
Mechanics follow a specific MOT checklist. This includes inspecting parts like the exhaust system, seatbelts, the car’s structure, and more. They use special tools to check things like emissions, headlight alignment, and brake efficiency.
You will get a detailed report at the end of the inspection. If your car passes, you receive a new MOT certificate. If it fails, you are told why and what to fix before you can drive it legally.