What the MOT Tester Looks for During Your Test

When it's time for your annual MOT, it helps to know exactly what the tester will be looking at. Not only can it give you peace of mind, but it also puts you in a better position to avoid any unexpected issues. If you live in Bedfordshire and drive regularly, the MOT isn’t something you can shrug off. It’s a legal requirement to make sure your vehicle is safe, roadworthy, and meets environmental standards.

Whether you’ve been through the test before or it’s your first time, understanding how your car is checked can go a long way. From the basics under the bonnet to the things you might overlook, everything gets examined. Below, we’ll explain what happens during an MOT and break it down into simple sections so there are no surprises when it’s your car’s turn.

Understanding The MOT Test

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport test. It’s a yearly check required by law once your vehicle is over three years old. The goal is to make sure your car meets the minimum safety and environmental standards to be on the road. Anyone caught driving a car without a valid MOT in Bedfordshire not only risks a fine but could also be compromising their own safety and that of other drivers.

In a nutshell, the MOT tester looks at key parts of your vehicle to spot signs of wear, damage, or anything that could lead to dangers on the road. They're not checking that your engine runs perfectly or that your car looks nice. They're checking things that directly affect how your car performs, stops, and handles, and that includes what it emits into the air.

How often do you need one? Every year if the car is more than three years old. Skipping it isn’t just risky. It could make your insurance invalid. And even if you're not clocking up many miles, time alone can harm key parts of the car, especially rubber components like tyres and wiper blades.

Initial Checks By The MOT Tester

The first things the tester looks at are usually quick, visual checks that help confirm basic facts about the vehicle. It’s a way to tick off the must-haves right at the start.

Here’s what they usually start with:

- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This is checked to make sure it matches the one recorded in the documents.

- Registration Plate: It needs to be clean, correct, and fully readable from a distance. Any missing or damaged digits are an instant problem.

- Make and Model: Confirmation that the car’s branding and identification has not been tampered with.

- Lights and Indicators: Every light and signal, both front and back, must light up correctly. That includes the number plate light, brake lights, reverse light, fog lights, and indicators.

Lights in poor condition are one of the most common causes of MOT failure, yet they’re one of the easiest things to check yourself ahead of time. One bad bulb or a cracked cover can mean a return trip to get retested. It’s worth doing a quick walk-around with someone in the car turning indicators and pressing the brakes before your appointment. This simple check could save lots of hassle later.

Vehicle Structure And Body Inspection

Your car’s structure must be solid, safe, and in one piece. Any damage found in this part of the test could affect stability or safety in an accident.

Here's what the tester is looking for:

- Visible rust or corrosion in key areas, especially near suspension mounts or brake pipes

- Cracks or warping in the vehicle’s frame or underbody

- Doors, bonnet, and boot all must open, stay secure when shut, and in some cases, unlock from both inside and outside

- Sharp edges from body damage that could potentially injure pedestrians

Even small dents and dings won’t usually fail the test, but anything that interferes with safety features might. For example, if your bonnet doesn’t close properly or your boot lid could swing open while driving, the tester will count that as a fail.

One example we’ve seen before is a driver who ignored a large dent on the side panel, not realising that it had also knocked one wheel arch loose. During the MOT, that arch was flagged as insecure, putting the car at risk for loose debris on the road. Small issues can hide bigger problems if left unchecked.

Under-The-Hood And Under-The-Car Inspections

This part of the MOT is all about what's hidden under your car, and it's where a lot of problems can show up without you even knowing. Driving around Bedfordshire’s roads over time takes a toll on these less visible components, especially if you've hit a few too many potholes.

The tester will be paying close attention to:

- Brake performance: Any signs of wear, poor response, or fluid leaks could mean a fail. The brake pedal must feel firm, and braking must be even on both sides.

- Suspension: Springs, shock absorbers, and suspension arms are checked for cracks, wear, or movement. If anything’s loose or sagging, it won’t pass.

- Steering system: Including power steering functionality and all connections. Anything causing excessive play or stiffness can be flagged.

- Exhaust system: This needs to be attached properly and in good condition. Loud or damaged systems will raise issues, especially if exhaust fumes are leaking.

- Emissions levels: Depending on the car’s age and fuel type, a probe might be inserted into the exhaust to measure how much pollution it creates.

A common MOT failure in this section comes from worn brake pads. They tend to wear out gradually, making them easy to ignore if you're not paying close attention. One good habit is to notice whether your brakes feel soft or if your car pulls to one side when stopping. If that happens, it’s worth getting it looked at before the test rolls around.

Interior And Safety Checks

Inside the car, the MOT tester checks everything related to safe driving. It’s not about how tidy the seats are or whether your dashboard is dusty. It’s about whether you’ve got a clear view of the road and whether safety features work as they should.

Key inspection areas include:

- Seatbelts: Must lock, release, and rewind properly. The tester will check each belt for fraying and ensure every seat is fitted with one.

- Driver’s view: That means windscreen condition, clear visibility, wipers working properly, and full washer fluid levels. Any cracks that block your line of sight are a problem.

- Horn: It should be loud, working, and easy to access from the steering wheel.

- Dashboard lights: If warning lights stay on, especially related to brakes, airbags, or engine systems, it could hurt your chances of passing.

Some vehicles also have electronic handbrakes or advanced driver assists. The tester won’t inspect the full technical side of these, but if the car’s own safety system reports a fault, someone needs to take responsibility. That’s why it’s smart to book repairs instead of leaving dashboard messages flashing and hoping for the best.

Staying Roadworthy: Post-Test Actions

When your MOT is complete, you’ll be told whether your vehicle passed or failed, and if any defects were found. Even when everything seems fine, it's possible your car receives notes about issues to keep an eye on.

Here’s what you need to know about the three types of MOT outcomes:

1. Pass: Your car met all the required checks. You’re legally allowed to keep driving without changes, though notes on wear might still be included for future attention.

2. Minor Defects: Your car still passes, but you’re advised to fix those small issues soon. Left unchecked, they could develop into more serious faults.

3. Major or Dangerous Failures: These mean your vehicle didn’t meet legal safety standards. Major faults must be fixed before a retest. Dangerous faults mean the car shouldn’t be driven at all until sorted.

If your car fails, the test centre will explain what needs doing and what the next steps are. You can’t just ignore the result and carry on driving. Apart from being unsafe, you're also breaking the law.

After an MOT, it’s smart to get in the habit of doing occasional checks between yearly tests. Looking at basic things once a month like tyre pressure, fluid levels, and lights can help you spot something early and fix it before your next test comes around.

Helping You Prepare for Your MOT the Right Way

When you understand how MOT testers approach each part of the car, it doesn't just make the test feel less intimidating. It helps you think more like a car owner who’s in control. You won’t worry about getting caught out by a simple bulb or a wobbly exhaust if you know what’s expected.

Living in Bedfordshire means dealing with everything from busy dual carriageways to quiet country lanes. Your car goes through a bit of everything. That’s why keeping it safe, reliable, and legally ready is about more than ticking a box. It’s about making sure you feel confident every time you turn the key.

To help keep your car safe and compliant on the road, booking your MOT in Bedfordshire should be part of your yearly routine. At Krause Autos Ltd, we carry out thorough checks to make sure your vehicle meets current safety and emissions standards. Whether you're due for your first test or need a retest, we’re here to take the stress out of the process and keep your car in top form.