MOT DVSA: What Official Checks Happen During Your MOT Test

🚨 MOT DVSA: What Official Checks Happen During Your MOT Test

The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is a vital annual safety and environmental check for vehicles over three years old in the UK. Administered by approved testers under the strict regulation of the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), the test is thorough, covering over 150 different components. Consequently, many drivers feel nervous because they are unsure what exactly the MOT DVSA check entails.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the test section-by-section, detailing what DVSA checks during your MOT test. Knowing the official inspection standards is the first step to preparing your car and ensuring it passes the DVSA MOT inspection successfully.

Part 1: Under the Bonnet and Emissions (Engine Bay DVSA Checks)

The tester begins the inspection by examining items that affect immediate safety and the environment. Therefore, this is a critical part of the DVSA MOT check.

1. Fluids and Leaks

Brake Fluid: The level must be sufficient and free from contamination.
Power Steering Fluid: The tester checks for leaks and verifies the correct level (where applicable).
Leaks: The tester specifically looks for excessive oil or fluid leaks that could pose an environmental or fire risk.

2. Emissions Testing

The tester runs the engine to measure pollutant levels during this phase.

Exhaust System: Testers check the exhaust system for leaks, security, and noise level.
Emission Control Devices: The tester verifies that catalytic converters or Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) are fitted and functional (as required for the vehicle type). The MOT DVSA standard dictates that specific pollutant levels must not be exceeded.

3. Vehicle Structure (Corrosion)

While structural checks occur throughout the test, the tester checks the engine bay for:

Corrosion in areas supporting the suspension, steering, and braking systems.
Security of the battery and wiring.

Part 2: Exterior and Visibility DVSA Inspection Points

The tester moves to the car’s exterior, focusing on visibility, security, and road legality. This section highlights what DVSA checks during your MOT test on common wear items.

4. Lights and Electricals

The functionality, colour, position, and aim of all mandatory lights must be correct. For example, the tester checks:

Headlights (dip and main beam).
Side lights, indicators, hazard lights, brake lights, reverse lights, and fog lights.
Registration plate lights.

5. Tyres and Wheels

This is a major source of failure and is rigorously inspected according to DVSA MOT standards:

Tread Depth: Must be a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
Condition: Testers check for cuts, bulges, and exposed cord.
Pressure/Sizing: Tyres on the same axle must be of the same size and construction.
Security: Wheels must be securely attached.

6. Brake Components (Visual)

The tester visually inspects brake discs, pads (if visible), pipes, and hoses for leaks, corrosion, damage, and security.

7. Windscreen, Wipers, and Washers

View of the Road: Damage (cracks/chips) in the ‘swept’ area (especially Zone A, directly in front of the driver) that exceeds a specified size results in failure.
Wipers: Wipers must clean the screen effectively.
Washers: Washers must operate and effectively clear the screen.

8. Bodywork and Doors

Doors, bonnet, and boot must open and close securely.
Furthermore, the driver’s door must be able to be opened from both the inside and outside.

Part 3: Interior and Controls (The MOT DVSA Safety Check)

The tester moves inside to verify driver controls, safety systems, and documentation.

9. Safety Devices

Horn: It must be fully functional and suitable for the vehicle.
Speedometer: It must be present and functional.
Seatbelts: The tester checks them for condition, security, and correct operation (must clasp and release correctly).
Warning Lights: Illuminated SRS (Airbag) or ABS/ESC warning lights result in an immediate fail, as these indicate a fault in a critical safety system.

10. Documentation and Identification

The VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) must be present and readable.
Registration plates must be secure and compliant with current UK standards.

Part 4: Under the Vehicle (The Pit Inspection by the DVSA)

Using a lift or inspection pit, the tester checks components crucial for handling and structural integrity. Indeed, this is the most in-depth part of the DVSA inspection points.

11. Steering and Suspension

The tester physically checks for excessive wear and play in:

Steering rack and linkages.
Ball joints, track rod ends, and suspension bushes.
Shock absorbers (checked for leaks and effectiveness).

12. Braking System (Performance and Components)

Performance: The garage conducts a rolling road test to measure the braking effort of all wheels, including the handbrake.
Pipes: The tester checks pipes for corrosion, leaks, or being incorrectly routed.

13. Corrosion and Structure

The tester looks for excessive corrosion or damage in load-bearing areas (sills, chassis rails, suspension mountings) that could affect the vehicle’s structural integrity. This is a crucial check under the MOT DVSA guidelines. For more visual detail, consult the official DVSA YouTube channel to see the test in action. [Outbound Link 1: Link to DVSA YouTube video showing the MOT test]

14. Exhaust and Fuel System

Exhaust Security: The exhaust system must be securely mounted and must not leak at joints.
Fuel Pipes and Tank: Testers check these components for leaks, damage, and secure mounting.

What Happens if an Item Fails the DVSA MOT Check?

The tester categorizes any defects using the official MOT standards:

Dangerous: Immediate failure. You must not drive the vehicle until you repair it.
Major: Immediate failure. The vehicle must be repaired and retested.
Minor: The vehicle passes, but defects are recorded. You should repair these as soon as possible.
Advisory: Item noted as needing future attention. The vehicle passes, but repair is recommended.

For more information on handling failures and retests, see our guide on Understanding MOT Failures and Retests [Internal Link 1]. Additionally, you can check your car’s specific history via the government website. [Outbound Link 2: Link to GOV.UK Check MOT history page]

Conclusion

Knowing what DVSA checks during your MOT test eliminates guesswork and empowers you to conduct a thorough pre-test inspection. The DVSA MOT check aims to keep UK roads safe, and preparation is the key to minimizing costs and ensuring a first-time pass. Ultimately, by understanding the official DVSA inspection points, you can focus your attention where it matters most.

For advice on selecting a trustworthy MOT centre, consult our guide on Choosing an Approved MOT Garage

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