Help & Advice

Tyres should have 1.6mm or more tread depth across 75% of their width.

Replace any tyres that are visibly damaged or deteriorated and check the tyre pressure is correct.

TIP: If you don’t have a tyre gauge to test the tread use the edge of a 20p coin – if the rim around the edge of the coin is smaller than the tread level you’re OK!

Check that all of the lights are working, clean and the correct colour.

Headlights (white), rear lights (red), sidelights (white), brake lights (red), indicators (yellow), hazard lights (yellow) and lights for number plates (white).

TIP: If lights flicker when you tap them, the bulbs probably need tightening up or replacing.

Wiper blades must be clean, intact and no smears on the screen which will obscure the driver’s view.

TIP: If your wipers have picked up a lot of grease from the road that’s smearing the window, give them a wipe over with some white vinegar.

The windscreen needs to allow the driver a clear view.

Any chips over 10mm in size in the area directly above the steering wheel (top to bottom of the window), this is likely to cause an MOT failure.

Elsewhere on the windscreen, the limit is 40mm.
Screen wash should be be topped up and working properly.

TIP: If the washer jet is a bit weak (and the screen wash tank is not empty)
wiggle a pin in the nozzle to see if that clears it.

There must be at least two rear view mirrors or indirect vision devices (cameras) fitted with a clear view towards the rear of the vehicle.
One of these must be fitted to the offside (driver’s side).

Make sure all doors and the bonnet can be opened and closed properly.
Front doors need to be opened from both inside and outside whilst rear doors only have to be opened from outside.

TIP: While you’re checking the bonnet, make sure that your oil and brake fluid are topped up.