What parts are tested during a Car MOT?

Introduced in 1960, an MOT is the ‘Ministry of Transport’ Test, an annual test of vehicle safety that is carried out by Approved MOT Test Centres. This is a legal requirement for most cars over three years old which are being used on public roads in Great Britain. Foster & Heanes is one of about 20,000 local car repair garages who are authorised to perform testing and issue certificates.

In the 1960’s an MOT only tested braking, steering and lighting equipment but over the years, new parts and standards have been introduced to comply with latest safety legislations and now include checks on the following:

Interior Checks

Seats and Seat belts
Warning lamps
Switches (position lamp, headlamp, hazards)
View to front, wipers & washers
Brake controls, servo operation
Steering wheel & column
Doors, mirrors, horn

Exterior Checks

Exterior checks
Registration plates
Lamps, registration plate lamps
Indicators, hazards
Headlamps & aim
Stop lamps, fog lamps, reflectors
Wheels, tyres
Shock absorbers
Mirrors, wiper blades, fuel tank cap
Glazing (Class 5 only)
Doors, boot lid, loading doors, bonnet
Towbars
General condition of body

Under bonnet checks

Vehicle structure
Braking systems
Exhaust systems, fuel system
Speed limiter (if applicable)
Steering & power steering components
Suspension components

Under vehicle checks

Steering including power steering
Drive shafts (if applicable)
Suspension, shock absorbers
Wheel bearings
Wheels & tyres
Brake systems & mechanical components
Exhaust system
Fuel system & fuel tank
Structure, general vehicle condition

Your car needs to pass an MOT Test every year to ensure it complies with, at least, the minimum road safety and environmental standards. The MOT Test can be undertaken within 1 month of expiry. Mileage is also now recorded to help reduce vehicle crime.

If you would like to book your car in for an MOT at Foster & Heanes in Fleet, please call 01252 615657 or go to the online MOT Booking Form. We offer FREE MOT Re-Tests if the vehicle is returned within 10 days to be re-tested.