MOT tips to avoid a fail and stay safe

Mechanic carrying out checks on a vehicle

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is urging drivers to carry out regular, simple checks on their vehicles to avoid MOT fails and the accidents that defects cause. 








​​Make sure that:

• brakes work smoothly and that the vehicle doesn’t pull to one side
• tyres are correctly inflated, have no cuts or bulges, and that they all have at least 1.6mm of tread
• headlights and other lights work - give them a tap to check they’re not loose or damaged and check the colours are correct and match
• windscreen wipers and washers work
• the driver’s view of the road is clear of any obstruction, such as stickers, toys or air fresheners, stone chips or cracks repaired

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Check that brakes work smoothly, tyres are legal, headlights and other lights work, windscreen wipers and washers work, and the driver’s view of the road is clear of any obstruction.

​Car defects contributing to accidents

The 2015 road casualties report for Great Britain shows that car defects were a contributory factor in 1,131 accidents.
Over 75% of defects that contributed to accidents were either braking or tyre issues.
The MOT is there to help avoid this and help you keep your vehicle safe to drive. However, you need to follow the standard to pass the MOT all year round.
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Remember an MOT is not the same as a service and don't replace each other. 
 test your knowledge of the MOT.
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