How to Pass Your MOT First Time – A Step-by-Step Checklist
🧰 How to Pass Your MOT First Time – A Step-by-Step Checklist
Want to pass your MOT first time? Follow this easy checklist written by a certified MOT tester. These are the same checks we do in the testing bay – so you can fix the simple stuff before it fails you.
💬 Introduction
Every week I see the same story: good drivers losing time and money over small, preventable MOT failures. Most MOT fails aren’t serious mechanical problems – they’re simple issues that could have been fixed in 10 minutes.
In this post, I’ll walk you through a clear step-by-step MOT pre-check you can do at home. Whether you’re driving a daily commuter or a family car, this guide will help you pass your MOT first time and drive away stress-free.
🔦 Step 1: Check All Lights
Lights are the single biggest cause of MOT failures in the UK. Walk around your vehicle and check every light works correctly:
- Headlights (both high and low beam)
- Brake lights (press pedal or ask for help)
- Indicators and hazard lights
- Number plate lights
- Fog and reverse lights
Tip: Keep a few spare bulbs in your glove box – it can save you from a fail.
🚗 Step 2: Tyres & Wheels
Your tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tyre. Use a 20p coin test – if you can see the border, your tread is too low.
- Check for cuts, bulges, or uneven wear.
- Make sure all tyres are the same size on each axle.
- Top up pressures to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
🛠 Recommended Tool: Digital Tyre Tread Gauge – Amazon UK
🪟 Step 3: Windscreen & Wipers
Any crack or chip larger than 10mm in your line of sight is an automatic fail. Wiper blades must clear the screen effectively without streaking.
- Top up washer fluid.
- Replace worn wipers – cheap and easy to do yourself.
🧯 Step 4: Brakes
If your car pulls to one side, makes grinding noises, or the pedal feels soft, get it checked. Uneven braking is an instant fail.
- Brake fluid level should be between MIN and MAX.
- No warning lights should be showing on the dashboard.
💨 Step 5: Exhaust & Emissions
Excessive smoke or leaks will fail your MOT. A quick motorway run before the test helps clear the system – especially on diesels.
Make sure your car is fully warmed up before the test and service items (oil, filters, spark plugs) are up to date.
🪞 Step 6: Mirrors & Visibility
All mirrors must be secure and provide a clear rear and side view. Clean your interior mirror and make sure it’s not cracked or loose.
🪑 Step 7: Seatbelts & Seats
Pull every belt out fully and inspect for frays or damage. Check that each seat locks securely in position.
🔋 Step 8: Battery & Electricals
A loose or corroded battery clamp will cause a fail. Check for secure mounts and tight terminals.
Tip: If your car struggles to start, get the battery checked before your MOT.
🚘 Step 9: Registration Plates & Horn
Plates must be clean, undamaged, and use the correct font and spacing. Give your horn a quick beep – it must be loud and consistent.
🧠 Step 10: Warning Lights
If any warning lights stay on (ABS, airbag, engine, TPMS), your car may fail. Use an OBD scanner to read and clear simple faults before your MOT.
💡 Recommended Tool: Bluetooth OBD2 Reader – Amazon UK
✅ Quick MOT Pre-Test Checklist
- All lights working and correct colour
- Tyres above 1.6mm and no damage
- Wipers clean screen properly
- No dashboard warning lights
- Seatbelts working & secure
- Horn loud and clear
- Number plates clean & legal
- Mirrors secure
📄 Download Your Free MOT Checklist
Print or save our free AutoAdvice MOT Pre-Test Checklist – the same one I use in the garage.
🧰 Need Expert Help Before Your MOT?
Not sure about a warning light or noise? Don’t risk a fail – book a remote diagnostic session with a certified MOT tester.
📅 Book a 30-Minute MOT Diagnostic – £29.99
📺 Watch: MOT Prep Tips on YouTube
🎥 Visit AutoAdvice Online on YouTube
💡 Final Thoughts
Passing your MOT first time isn’t luck — it’s preparation. Take 15 minutes to follow this checklist before the test, and you’ll save time, stress, and money.
If you’d rather have expert eyes on it, book a remote session and I’ll walk you through the process live.
Want to make sure your car passes without surprises? Read our Top 10 MOT Fails and How to Avoid Them.