Annual roadworthiness tests — the MOT in the UK, safety inspections in many other countries — exist to keep unsafe cars off the road. A surprising share of failures come from small, cheap faults.
A pre-test check at home can save you a re-test fee and time without the car.
Lights
Get someone to help you check every light: headlights on dipped and full beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, fog lights, reversing lights, and number plate lights. Bulbs are cheap and usually easy to change.
Tyres
Check tread depth against your country’s legal minimum across the central portion of each tyre, and look for cuts, bulges, and exposed cords. Inflate to the correct pressure.
Visibility
- Wiper blades that clear the screen without smearing
- Washer fluid topped up and jets working
- No large chips or cracks in the driver’s line of sight
- Mirrors secure and undamaged
Other quick checks
- Horn works
- Seatbelts latch, release, and retract properly
- No dashboard warning lights stay on
- Number plates are clean, legible, and correctly formatted
- Fluids topped up and no obvious leaks
Clear out the car
Testers may refuse to inspect a car that is excessively dirty or full of clutter. Empty the boot and give it a quick clean. Book the test a few weeks early in case repairs are needed — in many places you can test before the due date without losing time on the certificate.
This is general car-buying information, not financial or legal advice. Prices, incentives, financing terms, and specifications change and vary by region — confirm all details in writing before you sign anything.