Checks to increase your success of passing your MOT

Passing your MOT is essential. Not just to stay legal on the road, but to keep your vehicle safe and reliable. The good news? With a little preparation, you can avoid surprises and give yourself the best chance of a smooth, hassle-free MOT.

At Ayvens, we want to help you get there with confidence. Below is your essential checklist to spot and fix common issues before the test. It’s not exhaustive, but it covers the key areas that often make the difference.

Make sure every light is working, visible and free from cracks. Bulbs need to show the correct colour. Red for brakes, white for reverse. Reflectors should be clean and damage-free. If you need a hand, ask someone to help check them.

Tyres must be properly inflated and have at least 1.6mm tread depth. Use a gauge or the simple 20p coin test to check. Watch out for lumps, bulges, cracks or exposed cords on the sidewalls. Tyres should match the manufacturer’s recommended size and ratings and be paired on each axle. Notice any pulling or veering while driving? That could mean a suspension issue. Also, brakes should be free of grinding or unusual noises. Don’t forget to test your handbrake by applying it on a hill to ensure it holds firmly.

Wiper blades must clear the screen smoothly with no damage in the swept area. Chips or cracks directly in front of the driver shouldn’t be bigger than 1cm; elsewhere, no more than 4cm. Make sure your washers spray enough fluid to keep the screen clear. Also, keep the windscreen free from any obstructions like hanging air fresheners or sat-navs that could block your view.

Your dashboard shouldn’t be showing any warning lights when the engine is running. Watch out for key indicators like Electronic Stability Control (ESP), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), tyre pressure sensors and seatbelt reminders. Any illuminated warning light could lead to an MOT fail.

Check for damaged or corroded panels, sharp edges that could cause injury, or loose parts that might fall off. Doors must open from both inside and outside, and the bonnet should open easily.

All required door mirrors must be securely in place, damage-free and provide a clear rear view.

Ensure seatbelts are in a good condition and fully functional.

Keep your fluid levels topped up. While not all fluids are checked during the MOT, if they’re too low, the garage may refuse to test your vehicle.

Give your vehicle a good clean inside and out before the MOT. Examiners need safe, hygienic access to inspect your vehicle. Don’t forget to clean your number plates so they’re fully legible—dirty or obscured plates can result in failure.

Failing your MOT can be costly and inconvenient. Leading to repairs, fines, or even penalty points. If your vehicle isn’t ready when the tester arrives, they might refuse to test it, meaning you’ll need to reschedule. A quick pre-check like this can save you time, money, and stress, helping you get through your MOT with confidence.

If you have an Ayvens maintenance agreement, just contact our team. We’ll handle the MOT booking, liaise with garages and keep you updated every step of the way. No maintenance agreement? No problem. You can book your MOT at any VAT-registered garage or test centre that uses manufacturer-approved parts.

Need tyre replacements or extra support? Check out our tyre service and maintenance options to keep your vehicle in top shape.

Top causes of Van MOT failures: Fleet Insights: Top Causes of Van MOT Failures

Check your vehicle MOT status Check the MOT status of a vehicle - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)