Vehicle MOT Checklist

What are the main things that get checked on vehicles during an MOT Test?

The answer to this question is, everything gets checked.

If your vehicle fails its MOT, you could lose the right to drive your vehicle. This is why, you should always take the time to check everything that needs checking.

Here is an overview of what things you should check before your vehicle goes for an MOT. Along with the items that are checked by the MOT Tester.

Remember, by doing these simple checks, it can save you vast amounts of time and money on the MOT.

MOT Test – Primary things that get checked

Tyres

One of the main checks that are carried out in an MOT, is the tyres. It is fundamental to check, that your tyres are inflated to the correct PSI. This is because, under-inflated tyres consume more fuel. The tread of the tyres, is another primary check that is done. The tyre tread must be no less than 1.6mm, which is the minimum legal limit. If your vehicles tyres are below the minimum legal limit, you could end up with a fine from the police, as well as points on your licence.

Brake Balance

MOT testers also carry out a check on the brake balance of your vehicle. The MOT Tester does this by using a wheel-balance device. If the brake balance has been set incorrectly, this can cause the car to pull more to one side when braking, and have an impact on the tyre tread. Moreover, it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, especially when driving at high speed.

Exhaust Filter

The exhaust filter, is one of the main things that gets checked on an MOT. This test is to check for any errors and ensure that they are not going to affect the car’s performance. A faulty or damaged filter, could result in the vehicle being banned from being driven on the UK roads.

Exhaust Performance

An MOT Tester also does an exhaust performance. This is to see how well the vehicle copes with the fuel emissions. It also checks the amount of emissions the exhaust produces. You can request that a professional MOT Test Centre ,checks your exhaust system prior to your MOT expiring.

Interior

The MOT Tester will check every seat belt. This is to ensure that they are in working order, as well as checking that all doors and windows open and close. They also check for rust on the vehicle.

MOT Checklist for Motorcycles

There are lots of parts that get checked on a Motorcycle MOT.

The things that are checked on a Motorcycle are:

1. Lights – That they are secure, in good working condition and the headlamps are the correct colour
2. Throttle – That it is working correctly
3. Steering and Suspension – That the forks, handlebars, grip mountains, swinging arm, head bearings and shock absorbers, are in good working condition
4. Brakes – The brake controls conditions and the efficiency test
5. Frame – Ensuring that the frame has no distortion, cracks or damage or any corrosion
6. Wheels and Tyres – The size and type, the tread depth, is correct. Also, that the valve condition, correct fitment and that they are secure and in good condition
7. Fuel system – That there’s no leaks and all components are secure
8. Exhaust system – That it’s not too noisy and the exhaust is secure
9. Wheel alignment – The alignment of both the front and rear wheels are correct
10. Seats – That the seat is attached securely
11. Horn – That the horn is in working condition
12. Drive chain and Sprocket – That the chain guard is secure, not too lose, tight or worn. Also, that the sprockets aren’t too worn.
13. Registration plates, frame number and Vehicle identification – That it is all present and legible
14. Footrests – That they are securely fitted
15. Clutch lever – That the lever is not damaged, shortened, or too bent

MOT Rules

In May 2020, new rules came into force. Instead of vehicles being given a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ rating, at their MOT, any defects will now be categorised as; ‘minor’, ‘major’ or dangerous, with the last two of these, resulting in a test failure.

Category	What it means	Pass or fail?
Pass	Your motorbike meets the minimum legal standard at the time of the test	Pass
Advisory	A defect that might become more serious, and should be monitored or repaired	Pass
Minor	The issue has no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle, or an impact on the environment, but should be repaired as soon as possible	Pass
Major	This is something that could affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk, or have an impact on the environment. It must be repaired immediately	Fail
Dangerous	This fault has an immediate and direct risk to road safety, or a serious impact on the environment. The vehicle should not be ridden or driven until it’s repaired	Fail

HGV’s and Buses (including coaches), are to have an MOT test every year, (also known as an ‘annual test). The trailers of the Heavy Goods Vehicle should also be tested. In the UK, they are more strict with these types of vehicles, because of the size, weight, and the amount of time spent on the roads.

For more information about the MOT rules go onto the Gov.uk website

HGV Checklist

The HGV checks that are carried out, are very precise. At the MOT test centres, the HGV’s are parked on an even surface, where the MOT Tester checks the vehicle inside and out, as well as the inside the driver’s cabin.

There things that are checked during the MOT inspection are:

• That the doors open and close securely (drivers and passengers side)
• The conditions of the tyres and that they are the correct rating for the vehicle. Tyres are checked on the shaker plates
• All mirrors and fairings, are securely fixed and in good condition
• Headlights, fog lights, high beam, side lights, indicators, hazards, and brake lights, are in working condition and aligned correctly
• The spray suppressors (mudguards), are the right size for the HGV
• The vehicle’s ID against the VTG6 Plate
• Potential oil/fuel leaks
• Axle alignment and bearings
• Steering
• Foot brakes and air brakes
• Possible mechanical faults

Buses & Coaches Checklist

The Government advise people to do, “a walk-around check”. This is to ensure that there are no visible damages and that the vehicles are roadworthy. Here is a MOT checklist list, which is similar to the HGV checklist, but there are more checks carried out. This is because they carry passengers onboard.

1. A corrosion assessment
2. Tyres, brakes and wheel arches
3. Seatbelts and supplements
4. Emissions and exhaust
5. Drivers/passengers doors and emergency exits
6. Exterior of the body including the luggage compartment
7. Passenger entrance and exit steps and platforms
8. Mirrors and indirect vision devices
9. Windscreen washers and wipers
10. Speedometer/Tachographs
11. Steering control and horn
12. Hand lever operating mechanical brakes and electronic park brake controls
13. Condition of the chassis
14. Electrical wiring and equipment
15. Oil and waste leaks
16. Axles, Stub Axles and Wheel bearings
17. Direction Indicators and Hazard warning lamps

HGV’s with Dangerous Goods

The HGV’s that carry dangerous goods have the same checks, as the normal HGV’s. Although, they do have to undergo another test.

Certain dangerous goods vehicles, have to have a certificate, over and above the normal heavy goods vehicle roadworthiness test. This test is called an ‘ADR test’.  This test ensures that vehicles comply with the European Agreement, concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods, by Road (ADR).

A VTG15, should be completed in all cases where vehicles subject to dangerous or hazardous loads are produced at a test station. Every time a vehicle is required to attend a test station, a new VTG15 will be required.