In short:Check every light, including the number-plate lamps. Check tread across the whole tyre, not just the middle. Top up washer fluid and replace a smearing wiper blade.
Lights and visibility
Get someone to help check headlights, indicators, brake lights, reversing lights, fog lights and the plate lamps. Look for cracked lenses. Then check the horn, wipers and washer jets — all common, all cheap to fix.
Tyres and fluids
Check tread across the full width of each tyre and look for cuts or bulges. Set pressures cold. Top up oil, coolant and washer fluid, and look under the car for fresh leaks after it's been parked.
If a warning light is on, get it looked at before the test rather than hoping it's unrelated.
Questions
Can I check the MOT myself?
You can catch lights, tyres and fluids. You can't assess every safety component, so treat it as avoiding common failures, not replacing the test.
What's the most common avoidable failure?
Lighting, wipers and tyres. A five-minute check usually catches them.
This is general information, not a diagnosis or a quote. Prices checked October 2026 and vary by car. We'll inspect the vehicle and confirm the price before any work starts.