MOT Explained: What Is Checked and How to Avoid a Fail

The MOT is an annual test of your car's safety, roadworthiness and exhaust emissions. It does not check the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox. Here is what you need to know.

When do you need one?

A car needs its first MOT when it is three years old, and then every year. You can take it up to a month (minus a day) before it expires and keep the same renewal date. Driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, except when driving to a pre-booked test or to a garage for repairs.

What does it cost?

The maximum fee a test station can charge for a standard car is £54.85. Many charge less, so compare prices locally. There is no VAT on the fee.

What is checked?

• Lights, indicators and the horn
• Steering and suspension
• Brakes
• Tyres and wheels, including tread depth
• Seatbelts
• Windscreen, wipers and washers
• Mirrors
• Exhaust and emissions
• Fuel system
• Bodywork, structure and registration plates
• Vehicle identification number

Results

• Pass. The car meets the standard.
• Advisory. Something may need attention soon, but the car passes.
• Minor. A small fault, which should be repaired but does not fail the test.
• Major. The car fails, and you must have it repaired.
• Dangerous. The car fails and you must not drive it until it is repaired.

If your car fails, you may be able to leave it with the test station for repair and a retest. Retests within a set period are often free or at a reduced fee, depending on the faults and how soon you return. Check the rules on GOV.UK.

Easy ways to avoid a fail

Many failures are for small things you can check yourself:

1. Lights. Check every bulb, including the number plate lights.
2. Tyres. Check tread and pressure. See tyre tread depth and the 20p test.
3. Wipers and screenwash. Replace worn blades and fill the reservoir.
4. Windscreen. Chips in the driver's line of sight can fail.
5. Horn, mirrors and seatbelts. Make sure they work and are not damaged.
6. Warning lights. An engine, airbag or ABS warning light can fail the test. See dashboard warning lights explained.
7. Fuel and oil. The tester needs enough fuel for the emissions test, and an oil leak may cause a fail.
8. Registration plate. Make sure it is clean, undamaged and legal.

Check your history

You can check a car's MOT history online for free using the registration number. This is useful when buying a used car, and it shows past advisories you may want to deal with.

Costs to expect

The MOT fee is only part of the cost. Repairs after a fail can be much more. See how much it costs to run a car.

Electric cars

Electric cars need an MOT too, though they have no exhaust emissions test.

The fee and rules are as shown on GOV.UK in November 2026. Check the current details before you book.