1. Headlights and indicators

Test the following to see if they’re working correctly: headlights, indicators, sidelights, rear lights and hazard lights.

2. Brake lights

Position your car in front of a reflective surface and press the accelerator to see if the brake lights are working – or ask a friend to observe them instead.

3. License plates

Make sure that both number plates are clean and easy to read. Check also that the font and the spaces between the letters/numbers are legally acceptable.

4. Wheels and tyres

Search for any signs of damage, and test that each tyre has a minimum tyre depth of 1.6 mm (no less than 3mm is preferable).

5. Seats and seatbelts

Examine the driver’s seat for any defects and make sure that it moves forwards and backwards without any issues. Extend each seatbelt fully and look for any damage – and give each a firm tug to see how it might react in severe-braking circumstances.

6. Windscreen

Clean the windscreen inside and out. Sit in the driver’s position and look for any defects directly ahead of you. If there’s anything that’s 10mm or larger – or 40mm elsewhere, this will likely cause MOT failure.

7. Windscreen wipers

Spray the windscreen with water in order to test the wipers. If they don’t work properly, they’ll need to be replaced.

8. Screen wash

It might not seem much but a screen wash bottle with insufficient fluid in it could lead to a failed MOT.

9. Horn

Toot the horn. Is it working properly? If not, it’ll have to be fixed or replaced.

10. Fuel and engine oil

Combustion-engined cars need to have sufficient fuel in the tank in order for the emission-testing part of the MOT to be carried out. Also, check that your vehicle is topped up with engine oil and brake fluid.

Please note: before carrying out any checks, ensure that your vehicle has cooled down sufficiently in order to avoid injury due to hot surfaces.​