Booking your Car Garage MOT is a legal necessity, but failing it can be both frustrating and expensive—especially when many failures are caused by simple, preventable issues. The good news? A quick 10-minute check before your appointment can significantly improve your chances of passing the test the first time.

Here are 5 essential things you should check before your MOT appointment, straight from the experts at your trusted Car Garage MOT center.

1. All Lights and Indicators

What to Check:

• Headlights (low and high beam)

• Brake lights and reverse lights

• Indicators (front, rear, and side)

• Number plate lights

Why It Matters:

Lighting faults are one of the most common MOT failures. A single blown bulb can fail your test.

Quick Fix:

Have someone help you test each light, or use a reflective surface. Replace faulty bulbs immediately—they’re cheap and easy to change.

2. Tyre Tread and Condition

What to Check:

• Tread depth (minimum legal requirement is 1.6mm)

• Tyre sidewalls for cracks, bulges, or visible damage

• Even wear across the tyre surface

Why It Matters:

Worn or damaged tyres are a serious safety issue and one of the top MOT failure reasons.

Quick Fix:

Use the “20p test” to check tread depth. If the outer rim of the coin is visible, your tyres may need replacing before your Car Garage MOT.

3. Windscreen and Wipers

What to Check:

• Chips or cracks in the windscreen, especially in the driver’s line of sight

• Wiper blades—no smearing or skipping

• Washer fluid reservoir is topped up

Why It Matters:

Poor visibility can cause a fail. A clear windscreen and effective wipers are essential for driver safety.

Quick Fix:

Replace wiper blades if they’re worn or noisy. Fill your washer bottle—MOT testers will check this.

4. Brakes and Warning Lights

What to Check:

• Brake responsiveness during normal driving

• Listen for grinding, squealing, or vibrations

• Ensure dashboard warning lights (ABS, airbag, engine) go off after starting

Why It Matters:

Faulty brakes or illuminated warning lights can lead to instant MOT failure.

Quick Fix:

If something doesn’t feel or sound right, get it inspected before your test. Many garages offer a pre-MOT brake check.

5. Cleanliness and Visibility

What to Check:

• Mirrors and windows are clean and damage-free

• Number plates are legible

• Car interior is tidy, especially around the driver’s area

Why It Matters:

Testers need clear access to all areas. Excess dirt or clutter can actually result in a refused MOT test.

Quick Fix:

Give your car a quick wash and clear out any rubbish or unnecessary items from the cabin and boot.

Bonus Tip: Bring the Right Paperwork

While most MOT records are now stored digitally, it’s still a good idea to bring:

• Your V5C (logbook)

• Any service or repair records

• Details of previous MOT advisories

Being prepared shows you’re serious about your vehicle’s condition—and helps your Car Garage MOT technician spot recurring issues faster.

Final Thoughts

Taking just a few minutes to inspect your vehicle before your MOT appointment can save you time, hassle, and money. These simple checks help avoid the most common failures and give your car the best chance of passing first time.

Need help? At our Car Garage MOT center, we offer pre-MOT checks and same-day testing to make things as easy as possible. Book your MOT today and drive with peace of mind.