Many drivers are unsure what happens during an MOT test, which can make it hard to know whether a failure is justified or what advisory notices mean. An MOT covers dozens of checks across seven key areas and typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. This guide explains every stage of the process and what the results mean for you.
Who Can Carry Out an MOT Test?
MOT tests in the UK can only be carried out at a garage that has been officially approved by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency). These are known as Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) or MOT test stations. Approved garages display a blue three-triangles logo.
The tester must also be individually authorised by the DVSA to carry out MOT inspections. This means that even if a garage holds the overall authorisation, only designated testers are legally permitted to issue a pass or fail certificate. You can verify whether a garage is DVSA-approved using the MOT garage search tool on gov.uk.
The 7 Main Areas Checked in an MOT
The MOT test covers checks across seven primary categories:
- Brakes: Efficiency and balance are tested using a brake roller, plus a visual inspection of pads, discs, and lines.
- Steering and suspension: Checked for excessive play, worn bushes, and damaged components.
- Visibility: Windscreen condition, wiper function, mirrors, and screen washers.
- Lights: All lights tested for function, aim (headlights), and condition.
- Tyres and wheels: Tread depth, tyre condition, wheel security, and spare tyre (if accessible).
- Seatbelts: All seatbelts checked for function, condition, and proper locking.
- Exhaust and emissions: Visual check for leaks plus a tailpipe emissions test to measure exhaust gases.
MOT Result Categories Explained
Since May 2018, MOT results are classified into four categories:
- Pass: The vehicle meets the minimum legal standard. It may still have advisories.
- Advisory: A note about a component that is not yet a failure but may become one before the next MOT. Advisories are recorded but do not prevent the car from passing.
- Minor: A defect that does not significantly affect safety or the environment. The car still passes, but the defect should be rectified soon.
- Major: A defect that could affect the safety of the vehicle or have an environmental impact. The car fails and must be repaired before it is driven on the road.
- Dangerous: An immediate risk to road safety or the environment. The car fails and must not be driven at all until the defect is fixed.
How to Check Your MOT History
The DVSA provides a free online MOT history checker at gov.uk. By entering a vehicle's registration number, you can see its full MOT history including past test results, mileage recorded at each test, failures, and advisory notices. This service is invaluable when buying a used car.
The tool will also show the current MOT expiry date, so you always know when the next test is due. If you are buying a used vehicle, checking the MOT history takes only a minute and can reveal mileage discrepancies (a sign of clocking) or repeated failures on the same components, which may indicate underlying issues the seller has not disclosed.