Pre-MOT checklist: observation-only checks

Last reviewed · OBDCode UK editorial

A walk-round can catch visible issues, but it does not replace an MOT or prove that safety-critical systems are sound.

Park before checking

Use level ground away from traffic, switch the engine off for physical observations and ask a helper to operate lights where needed. Do not go beneath the vehicle or rely on the vehicle jack.

  • Check lamps, indicators and number-plate illumination without dismantling lamp units.
  • Look for tyre cuts, bulges, exposed cord and obviously low pressure; use the handbook’s cold pressures.
  • Check that wipers, washers, mirrors, horn, seat belts and number plates are present and visibly serviceable.
  • Observe dashboard warning lamps during the normal start sequence; do not clear faults to hide a lamp.
  • Read the previous MOT result for unresolved defects or recurring advisories.

Stop rather than prepare for test

Arrange repair or recovery for a dangerous defect, brake or steering change, damaged tyre, fuel leak, overheating, severe structural damage or a component likely to detach.

UK cost

This checklist does not estimate repair costs. Obtain a written diagnosis and vehicle-specific estimate for any defect found.

Related guides

Sources

General guidance, not professional advice.

Where does this guidance come from?

This page is written against the UK MOT record and the official guidance that sits behind it, so you can check the underlying material yourself rather than take this page's word for it. The DVSA publishes anonymised MOT test results as open data under the Open Government Licence, and that release is the source this site is built from.