What to Do Before an MOT
05 Feb 2026
05 Feb 2026
What to Do Before an MOT: A Simple Pre-MOT Check Guide
Your MOT can sneak up on you faster than expected. One minute you’re driving along happily, the next you're Googling what to do before an MOT at 10 pm, hoping your car doesn’t embarrass you the next morning.
The good news is that loads of vehicles fail their MOT for really small, fixable things. So a quick pre-MOT check at home can seriously reduce the chances your car fails an MOT. You don’t even need confusing tools or mechanical know-how, either. Let’s have a walk-through of how to prepare for an MOT.
When Do You Need an MOT?
First things first, you need to figure out when your MOT is actually due. Your car needs an MOT either by:
-The third anniversary of its registration
-The anniversary of your last MOT, if it’s over three years old
Handy tip - you can book your MOT up to a month (minus a day) before it expires to keep the same renewal date.
Is a Pre-MOT Check Worth it?
An MOT test is strict, which is a good thing, but it means that even small faults can lead to an MOT failure. Broken lights, worn tyres, and empty screen wash are some of the most common reasons why vehicles fail.
A quick check before the test can save you from paying for a retest, any extra repair costs, and that awkward phone call from the garage.
Pre-MOT Checks You Can Do at Home
1. Lights and Signals
This one catches people out all the time. Make sure all your lights are working properly, including:
-Headlights (main and dipped)
-Brake lights
-Indicators
-Hazard lights
You could ask a friend, use reflections in shop windows, or reverse near a wall to check that everything lights up as it should.
2. Tyres and Tread Depth
Tyres are a big one to check. If your tyre tread is too low, it’s an instant fail. Use the classic 20p coin test:
-Stick the coin into the tread
-If you can see the outer rim, the tread depth is likely too low
Also, look out for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear.
3. Windscreen, Wipers and Washers
Your car will fail if the tester can’t see properly through the windscreen. Make sure to check that:
-Windscreen wipers clear the screen
-Wiper blades aren’t split or smeared
-The windscreen washer sprays properly
-There’s enough screen wash topped up
No spray = no pass (it really is that simple).
4. Fluid Levels
Low fluids won’t always fail an MOT, but they can cause problems during the test. Before you go to the garage:
-Top up engine oil
-Check coolant
-Check brake fluid
-Check power steering fluid (if your car has it)
-Fill the washer bottle
Takes under 10 minutes and eliminates any unnecessary stress.
5. Brakes
You don’t need to take the wheels off, just pay attention:
-Does the car pull when braking?
-Any grinding or squealing?
-Brake warning light on?
Worn brake pads and brake faults are another common reason why cars fail an MOT.
6. Steering and Suspension
Your steering wheel should feel secure, not loose or clunky. Give the car a gentle push down at each corner. If it keeps bouncing, worn shock absorbers could be an issue.
7. Number Plates
Make sure your number plates are clean, readable, and not cracked. The vehicle identification number (VIN) also needs to be visible and legible. They really do check this, so don’t skip it!
What Happens If My Car Fails an MOT?
If your car fails the MOT, the result is logged on the MOT database, and defects are listed as dangerous, major, or minor. You can only drive your car away if your current MOT is still valid and no dangerous defects were found.
Otherwise, the car must be repaired before being driven. Driving a car with dangerous faults can lead to fines, penalty points, or even a driving ban.
Retests and Repairs
Usually, if you return to the test centre for repairs within 10 working days, you may be offered a reduced retest fee. If it’s after 10 working days, you’ll need to pay the full MOT fee again.
Always check with the test centre for full terms and conditions.
Final Thoughts
Doing a pre-MOT check won’t guarantee a pass, but it gives you the best chance of getting one. Most MOT failures come down to small, avoidable issues that take minutes to fix if you catch them early. When your MOT is due, spend a little time checking the basics before test day. It could save you money, time, and a whole lot of unnecessary stress.
If you’re in the market for a new motor, you can get a free quote with no impact on your credit score
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Autodosh is a credit broker, not a lender.
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