General Areas

There are a number of general areas that will be tested during your car's MOT; it will be well worth your while to check these yourself before sending your vehicle in for its test.

1. Doors

Check that all doors open and then latch securely in the closed position. A broken handle will be counted as a fail even if it is on a rear door that isn't used. The front doors should open from outside and inside the vehicle.

2. Fuel System

The fuel system should have no leaks and the fuel cap should fasten correctly and seal securely. The cap will need to be opened, so you should make sure that the key is available.

3. General Vehicle Condition

The vehicle must be free from damage or excessive corrosion in specific areas, and there must be no protruding, sharp or jagged edges. A rust hole in a wing, door or wheel-arch may be permitted as long as it does not affect the structural strength of the body. Any rust within 25cm (10 inches) of a load-bearing part of the structure may result in a fail.

4. Horn

Check that the horn operates correctly.

5. Mirrors

There must be a mirror on the right-hand door and one other, either inside the car or on the other door. Many cars of course may have all three. Although a cracked mirror may pass an MOT inspection, it must provide a clear view.

6. Registration Plate

Both numberplates must be in good condition (without any cracks), clean and securely fixed. The format of the letters and numbers must meet current requirements.

7. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

A single vehicle identification number must be permanently displayed and legible on any vehicle first used on or after 1 August 1980. However, the same number may be displayed in more than one place.

Click here to read more from InterCars.co.uk