MOT Checks You Can Do in 2 Minutes

Did you know that a significant number of MOT failures are for things that take less than two minutes to check? Seriously!

We’re not talking about complex mechanical inspections that require a trained mechanic and a hydraulic lift – just simple visual checks that anyone can do, armed with nothing more than their own eyes and a few spare minutes.

These are the fastest, easiest MOT checks you can do before you leave your driveway. Do these before your test, and you could save yourself a retest, the hassle of rescheduling, and the embarrassment of failing on something super basic.

The two minute MOT checklist

Here’s what to look at, in the order you’d naturally walk around your car.

1. Number plates

Start at the front. Your number plates need to be clean, readable, and securely attached. For most drivers, the only thing to check is that they’re not cracked, faded, or held on with sticky tape.

A dirty number plate is an instant fail if the tester can’t read it, so give it a quick wipe with a damp cloth. It takes five seconds and could save you a retest!

2. Lights and indicators

Walk around the entire car and check every single light. That means headlights (both dipped and main beam), sidelights, indicators (front and rear), brake lights, fog lights, and reverse lights.

To check indicators, turn on your hazard lights, then walk around the car. For brake lights, reverse up to a reflective surface like a garage door or shop window and press the pedal. You’ll see the reflection glow red.

A single blown bulb is one of the most common MOT failures. Bulbs cost a few pounds and take minutes to fit – so there’s simply no excuse for failing on this! That said, we can help you out with small things like bulbs if you need them, and will advise you after your test.

3. Windscreen and glass

Stand at the front of the car and look at the windscreen. Any damage larger than 10mm in the driver’s direct line of sight will fail the MOT. That’s roughly the size of a 5p coin. 

Damage elsewhere on the windscreen can be up to 40mm, just shy of the width of a credit card.

Damage includes chips, cracks, and breaks. If you’re unsure whether a chip is within the limits, get it repaired before the test. Most windscreen repair services are cheap and can be done at your home or workplace. Okay, so that’s not a 2 minute job, but checking it certainly is!

While you’re looking, make sure that the windscreen is clean inside and out. A tester needs to see through it clearly to assess your car.

4. Wipers and washers

This one takes ten seconds. Pull the wiper stalk towards you. Does washer fluid spray onto the windscreen? If nothing comes out, top up the washer bottle. If the jets are blocked or misdirected, a pin or needle can usually clear them.

Then turn the wipers on. Do they clear the screen without leaving smears or skipping patches? Worn blades are cheap and easy to replace – and a split or torn blade will fail an MOT. Don’t let a five pound wiper blade cost you a retest and a wasted day!

5. Horn

Press the horn. If it’s loud and clear, you’re fine. If it’s quiet, crackly, or silent, you have a problem. The horn must be in working order, and not a musical one (yes, that’s a real thing that testers have to fail!).

6. Tyres

This is the most important safety check on the list. Walk around the car and look at each tyre. You’re checking for three things:

First, tread depth. The legal minimum is 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tyre. Insert a 20p coin into the tread – if you can see the outer rim of the coin, your tread is too low.

Second, condition. Look for cuts, bulges, lumps, or exposed cords in the sidewall. Any of these will fail an MOT immediately. Bulges indicate internal damage that can lead to a blowout.

Third, pressure. Underinflated tyres wear faster, waste fuel, and affect handling. Overinflated tyres reduce grip and cause uneven wear. Check your pressures when the tyres are cold and adjust to the manufacturer’s recommendation. You’ll find the correct pressures in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame.

7. Doors and mirrors

Open and close each door. Do they latch securely? Will the tester be able to open them from the inside and outside? A door that doesn’t close properly is a failed MOT.

Check your mirrors. The car must have at least two mirrors in good condition that give a view to the rear.

8. Seatbelts

Pull each seatbelt out and let it retract. Does it click into the buckle securely? Does it release when you press the button? Look for fraying, cuts, or damage to the webbing. The driver’s seatbelt gets the most use, so pay special attention to that one.

The MOT tester will check that all fitted seatbelts are present, in good condition, and work correctly. A single faulty seatbelt is a fail.

9. Fuel cap

This is one of the most commonly missed checks. The fuel cap needs to seal properly. If it’s missing, damaged, or doesn’t tighten correctly, your car will fail. The tester will also check that the cap is the correct type for the car.

While you’re there, look for any obvious fluid leaks under the car. A small puddle of oil, coolant, or fuel is a fail and needs professional attention.

10. Dashboard warning lights

Get in the driver’s seat and turn the ignition on, but don’t start the engine. All the dashboard warning lights should illuminate briefly and then go out once the engine is running. Pay special attention to the airbag light, ABS light, and electronic stability control light. If any of these stay on, or don’t come on at all when they should, you’ll fail the MOT.

What to do if you find a problem

Found something wrong during your two minute check? Don’t panic.

Most of the issues we’ve covered are small, cheap, and quick to fix. A bulb is a couple of pounds. A pair of wiper blades can be under a tenner. Tyre tread might mean new tyres (which is a proper expense), but at least you’ll know before the test rather than finding out with a red fail sheet.

If you’re not confident fixing something yourself, a local garage can sort most of these items in minutes. Many garages even offer a “pre-MOT check” service that runs through exactly these items for a small fee.

The important thing is that you’ve caught the problem early. You now have time to fix it, rather than discovering it when the tester hands you a failure notice. And hey, if you want to keep using your car, you’ll have to sort it anyway!

Two minutes well spent

A thorough check takes about two minutes once you know what you’re looking for. That’s it.

Those two minutes could save you a retest fee, the hassle of booking another appointment and taking more time off work – and they could save you the quiet shame of being the driver who failed their MOT because of a number plate bulb!

So give your car a quick once over before every MOT. It’s the cheapest and fastest way to stay ahead.

Book your next MOT

Need to book a MOT test? Book yours with We Only Do MOTs. We promise to provide an impartial, independent MOT to everyone, and will carry out most minor repairs for free.

Send your message to enquiries@onlydomots.co.uk or call us on 023 8064 7180