The MOT Test Explained: What Is Checked and What Happens If You Fail

An MOT is a yearly check that a vehicle meets the legal minimum for safety and emissions. Cars and vans need their first one by the third anniversary of registration. The tester looks at items such as brakes, lights, tyres, steering, suspension, seat belts and exhaust emissions. It is not a service and does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

What is checked in an MOT?

• Inside: seats and seat belts, warning lights, horn, steering, the driver's view of the road, wipers and washers.

• Outside: lights, tyres and wheels, number plates, mirrors, doors, and bodywork free of sharp edges.

• Underneath and under the bonnet: brakes, suspension, exhaust, fuel system and wiring.

• Emissions: exhaust gases are measured against the limits for the vehicle's age and fuel.

What do the MOT results mean?

Each fault found is put into a category:

• Dangerous: a fail. The vehicle must not be driven until it is repaired.

• Major: a fail. It needs repairing before the vehicle can pass.

• Minor: a pass, but it should be repaired soon.

• Advisory: a pass, with something to keep an eye on. See our guide to MOT advisories.

What happens if my car fails?

You get a refusal of an MOT test certificate and the result is recorded on the MOT database. You can only take the vehicle away if the previous MOT is still valid and no dangerous problems were found. Otherwise it has to be repaired first.

Driving a vehicle that has failed with a dangerous problem can bring a fine of up to £2,500, three penalty points and a driving ban.

How do MOT retests work?

• Leave it at the test centre for repair and have it retested within 10 working days: a partial retest, free or at a reduced fee.

• Take it away and bring it back before the end of the next working day: a free partial retest for a set list of items, including tyres, wipers, mirrors, seat belts and number plates.

• Take it away and bring it back within 10 working days: a partial retest, which the garage can charge for.

• Anything else: a full test at the full fee.

What can I check myself before the test?

1. All lights, including brake lights, reversing light, number plate light and indicators.

2. Tyres: at least 1.6mm of tread, no cuts or bulges, and the right pressures.

3. Wiper blades that clear the screen, and a full washer bottle.

4. Windscreen chips or cracks in the driver's line of sight.

5. Horn, seat belts and the handbrake.

6. Any warning lights that stay on. Get them looked at before the test, not after.

How much does an MOT cost?

The government sets a maximum fee. It is £54.85 for a car and £58.60 for a Class 7 van between 3,000kg and 3,500kg. Garages can charge less. The current limits are on GOV.UK.

Common questions

Can I drive without an MOT?

Only to a pre-arranged MOT test, or to or from somewhere to be repaired. Otherwise you can be fined up to £1,000.

How early can I have the MOT done?

Up to a month, minus a day, before it runs out while keeping the same renewal date. You can test earlier than that, but the new certificate will then run from the test date.

Where can I see a vehicle's MOT history?

On the free GOV.UK MOT history service. Our guide to checking a van's MOT walks through it.

Something need fixing before the test?

Talk to the anycolourcar.com service centre in Barnsley about servicing and repairs, or call 01226 574321. Our labour rate is £80 per hour plus VAT.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Updated October 2026.