What the MOT checks
DVSA's MOT inspection manual splits the test for cars and light vans into numbered sections. When we show an advisory or defect, we link it to the section it most likely comes from, so you can see which part of the car it's about.
One rule worth knowing: car tyres must have at least 1.6mm of tread across the central three-quarters of the tread, all the way round.
Registration plates and VIN
The registration plates and the vehicle identification number (VIN).
Brakes
Brake pads, discs, pipes and hoses, the parking brake, ABS and how well the brakes work.
Steering
The steering gear, column and linkage, and power steering.
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
The driver's field of view, the condition of the glass, mirrors, wipers and washers.
Lights, battery and wiring
Headlamps, position and stop lamps, indicators, fog and reversing lamps, rear plate lamps, reflectors, wiring and the battery.
Tyres, wheels and suspension
Axles and wheel bearings, wheels and tyres, springs, shock absorbers, suspension arms, joints and bushes.
Body, exhaust, fuel and corrosion
General condition and corrosion, the exhaust and fuel systems, bumpers, towbars, transmission and engine mountings, doors, floor and seats.
Seat belts, airbags, horn and speedometer
Seat belts and airbags (SRS), the horn, speedometer and electronic stability control.
Emissions, noise and leaks
Noise, exhaust emissions and fluid leaks.
We match each advisory to a section by its wording. The full detail of what's checked, and how, is in DVSA's manual.
Sources
- DVSA: MOT inspection manual for private passenger and light commercial vehicles
- GOV.UK: MOT changes, 20 May 2018 (defect categories)
Checked 14 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@motmileage.co.uk.