The following is a list of items that can easily be checked by the presenter of a vehicle for an MOT Test in order to avoid unnecessary and potentially time-consuming failure.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

OFFSIDE - The Right hand side of the vehicle (for right hand drive cars the driver's side).

NEARSIDE - The Left hand side of the vehicle.

LIGHTS

Make sure that the following lights work correctly:

Front - sidelights, headlights (dipped and main beam), indicators (including side repeaters which may be incorporated in the door mirrors), hazard warning lights (with ignition on and off).

Rear - taillights, number plate light(s) (NOTE - ALL fitted number plate lights have to work), stoplights, fog-light (vehicle must have at least one operational foglight to the centre or the offside), indicators and hazard warning lights.

The interior "tell-tale" warning lights must work for the indicators, hazard warning lights, foglight and main beam.

In addition the ABS light and Traction Control/Electronic Stability Program warning lights must work.

Make sure that there is no interaction between different lights (e.g. that the brake/taillights do not flash when the indicators are operated).

NOTE - Indicators should operate at between 60 and 120 flashes per minute.

TYRES

All tyres on the vehicle must have at least 1.6mm across the centre 75% of the tread (i.e. if the tyre is 8 inches wide, the centre 6 inches must have at least 1.6mm of visible tread).

There should be no damage to the tyres exposing the reinforcing materials.

NOTE - contrary to popular belief the spare tyre is not included in the MOT test.

Ideally the tyres should be inflated to the Manufacturers recommended pressure.

WHEELS

The wheels and rims should not be damaged to the extent that deflation of a tyre is possible.

SEAT BELTS

Seat Belts should be in good condition (i.e. not cut or frayed or deliberately weakened). The locking mechanisms should all work and unlock under pressure.

Please check that all seat belts are visible to the tester in particular the centre seat belt which has a habit of disappearing under the rear seat.

AUDIBLE WARNING

The horn should operate and must not be a two-tone warning.

DRIVERS VIEW

NOTE - All windscreen checks are made while sitting in the driver's seat.

The windscreen should not be damaged in Zone A such that the damage is more than 10mm in diameter. (Zone A is an area in the swept area 145mm either side of the middle of the steering wheel).

The windscreen should not be damaged outside of Zone A within the swept area such that the damage is more than 40mm in diameter.

Stickers other than official stickers (car tax holders/parking permits etc) and other objects stuck to the windscreen (including after market SATNAVs) are subject to the same rules as windscreen damage.

Front Wiper Blades should not be split and/or perished to the extent that they do not clear the windscreen in conjunction with the washers which should provide sufficient liquid to enable adequate clearing of the windscreen.

NOTE - Rear wiper blades are NOT part of the MOT test.

BODYWORK

Ensure that there are no sharp edges caused by corrosion or damage.

GENERAL

Ensure that keys for all openings (i.e. doors, boot/tailgate, bonnet, fuel-filler cap) are left with the tester.

Ensure that the brake fluid, fuel and oil levels are adequate.

Do not present the vehicle with the boot or rear seats inaccessible to the tester. The tester must be able to gain access to the rear seats for checking rear seat belts and the boot for inspection for corrosion and rear suspension items.

If the car is a diesel-engined vehicle, then you may be asked to verify the service history of the vehicle, in particular whether or not the cam-belt has been replaced according to Manufacturers recommendations. This is because the engine is operated near to maximum revs during the emissions test.

Finally, please ensure that the vehicle is reasonable clean and is able to be started and driven normally.