The MOT checks 9 areas of a car, from brakes and steering to lamps, tyres and emissions, against legal standards. It does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox. Any major or dangerous defect is a fail; minor defects and advisories still pass.
Figures verified 23 October 2026 against GOV.UK and DVSA
- Areas inspected (cars): 9
- Not checked: Engine, clutch, gearbox
- Fail: Any major or dangerous defect
- Pass: Minor defects and advisories only
What the MOT covers and what it does not
The MOT test is a legal minimum safety and environmental check, not a mechanical inspection or service. It confirms that important parts of the vehicle meet the standards set out in law at the time of the test. It does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox, so a valid certificate is no guarantee that these components are free from fault or wear.
The DVSA inspection manual for cars and light vans sets out the areas examined during the test. These are identification of the vehicle; brakes; steering; visibility; lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment; axles, wheels, tyres and suspension; body, structure and attachments; other equipment; and nuisance, which includes emissions and noise.
Each of these areas is assessed against published pass and fail criteria.
- Identification of the vehicle
- Brakes
- Steering
- Visibility
- Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
- Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension
- Body, structure and attachments
- Other equipment
- Nuisance (emissions, noise, leaks)
Source: DVSA MOT inspection manual, checked 23 October 2026.
How each item is graded
Each defect found during the inspection is graded into one of four result types. Minor defects have no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. A vehicle with only minor defects passes and gets a certificate, though recording minor defects is mandatory. Major defects may prejudice the safety of the vehicle, put other road users at risk or have a more significant impact, and any major defect means a fail.
Dangerous defects are a direct and immediate risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment. Any dangerous defect means a fail. An advisory is used when an item is not deteriorated enough to justify a fail, to inform the presenter. Advisories do not cause a fail.
Results, including minor problems and advisories, are recorded in the MOT database. This means the outcome of every inspection is held on record, whether the vehicle passes with minor defects or fails on major or dangerous items. The grading applied to each item therefore determines the overall result and the certificate issued.
| Result | What it means | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous | Direct and immediate risk to road safety, or serious environmental impact | Fail |
| Major | May affect safety, put other road users at risk, or more significant impact | Fail |
| Minor | No significant effect on safety or the environment | Pass |
| Advisory | Not deteriorated enough to fail; noted for information | Pass |
Source: DVSA MOT inspection manual, checked 23 October 2026.
What happens after the test
Once the inspection is complete, the result is recorded in the MOT database. A pass means an MOT test certificate is issued for the vehicle. A fail is also recorded in the database, and the test centre can issue a refusal of an MOT test certificate, known as form VT30. This document sets out the defects found during the inspection.
After a fail, the vehicle can be taken away only if the current MOT is still valid and no dangerous problems were listed. If the existing certificate has expired, or if dangerous defects were recorded, the vehicle must be repaired before it is driven on the road. The refusal notice records the defects that led to the fail.
A vehicle must meet roadworthiness standards at all times, regardless of its MOT status. Driving a vehicle after a fail is permitted only within the conditions above. Where those conditions are not met, the vehicle must remain off the road until the necessary repairs have been completed and the vehicle is roadworthy.
Frequently asked questions
What does the MOT test actually check?
The MOT checks that important parts meet legal standards. The DVSA inspection manual for cars and light vans covers identification of the vehicle, brakes, steering, visibility, lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, axles, wheels, tyres and suspension, body, structure and attachments, other equipment, and nuisance such as emissions and noise.
Does the MOT check the engine, clutch or gearbox?
No. The MOT checks that important parts meet legal standards, but it does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox. Those items fall outside the scope of the inspection, so their condition is not assessed as part of the test.
What is the difference between minor and major defects?
Minor defects have no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. A vehicle with only minor defects passes and gets a certificate, and recording minor defects is mandatory. Major defects may prejudice the safety of the vehicle, put other road users at risk or have a more significant impact, and any major defect means a fail.
What happens if a dangerous defect is found?
Dangerous defects are a direct and immediate risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment. Any dangerous defect means a fail. After a fail, the vehicle can be taken away only if the current MOT is still valid and no dangerous problems were listed; otherwise it must be repaired first.
What is an advisory and is it recorded?
An advisory is used when an item is not deteriorated enough to justify a fail, to inform the presenter. Advisories do not cause a fail. Results, including minor problems and advisories, are recorded in the MOT database. A fail is also recorded there, and the test centre can issue a refusal of an MOT test certificate (form VT30).
