During an MOT test, your car is checked for road safety and environmental standards. The inspector examines your brakes, lighting, tires, steering system, exhaust, seat belts, and bodywork, among other things. These are minimum safety requirements that every car must meet to be allowed on the road. In this article, we explain exactly what is checked and how you can prepare your car.
Why are so many things checked during an MOT?
The annual periodic inspection checks whether your car meets legal minimum safety requirements for road safety and the environment. The government has made this inspection mandatory to keep unsafe cars off the road and keep emissions within standards. It’s not a check on the general condition of your car, but a verification that your car is safe for you, other road users, and the environment.
The MOT test has existed since 1960 and has become increasingly strict over the years. What used to be overlooked is now immediately failed. Think of rust on load-bearing parts, broken lights, or tires with insufficient tread. It might sound excessive, but every component that is checked has a direct relationship with safety or the environment.
The inspection doesn’t look at how nice your car looks or how well the engine runs. A dent in the door or a grinding clutch is not a problem for the MOT. It’s purely about components that could pose a danger. Think of brakes that don’t work properly, broken lights that prevent others from seeing you clearly, or rust that weakens the structure.
For petrol and electric cars, the first MOT test is needed after 4 years, then annually. Diesel cars must be tested for the first time after 3 years. These differences relate to emission standards and the speed at which certain components wear out.
Which parts of your car are checked exactly?
During an MOT check, your car is systematically examined in different areas. The inspector checks the operation of your brakes, all front and rear lighting, tire pressure and tread, steering system, suspension, bodywork, exhaust and emissions, windshield wipers, seat belts, mirrors, and your chassis number. This seems like a lot, but each check focuses on a specific safety or environmental aspect.
Brakes and brake system
The brakes are perhaps the most important component for your safety. The inspector tests whether both axles brake evenly and whether the handbrake works properly. Brake fluid is also checked for leaks. Brake pads and brake discs must have sufficient thickness.
Lighting and signaling
All lights are checked: headlights (dipped beam and main beam), turn signals, brake lights, rear lights, license plate lighting, and fog lights. The alignment of your headlights is also measured. Headlights set too high blind oncoming traffic; too low means you have insufficient visibility yourself.
Tires and wheels
Your tires must have at least 1.6 mm of tread across the full width. The inspector also looks for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. Different tire sizes on the same axle are not permitted. Wheels may not have cracks or major damage.
Steering system and suspension
The steering system is checked for play and damage. Too much play in the steering means your car doesn’t respond properly to steering commands. The shock absorbers, springs, and rubber components of the suspension are also examined. Leaking shock absorbers are immediately failed.
Bodywork and chassis
Rust is permitted, but not on load-bearing parts or sharp edges. The inspector crawls under your car to examine the chassis. Rust at suspension mounting points or at the wheel arches can lead to failure. Protruding parts or sharp edges are also not allowed.
Exhaust and emissions
Exhaust gases are measured to check whether your car stays within environmental standards. For petrol cars, CO content is measured; for diesels, soot emissions. A broken catalytic converter or particulate filter often leads to failure. The exhaust itself must also not leak or be loose.
Other components
Windshield wipers must work properly and the rubber blades must not be torn. The washers must deliver sufficient fluid to the windshield. Seat belts must click in properly and must not be damaged. Mirrors must be securely attached and not cracked. The horn must be audible. The chassis number must be readable and match the paperwork.
What is the difference between a minor and major MOT failure?
With an MOT failure, a distinction is made between minor defects (advisory) and major defects (failure). With an advisory, you get a repair notice and can still drive normally. You then have time to fix the defect and return for a retest. With a major failure, you may not drive until the problem is resolved.
Minor defects are problems that don’t directly endanger road safety. Think of one broken light (if the other still works), a cracked wing mirror, a non-working windshield washer, or light rust without structural consequences. You then get a month to have it repaired and return for a retest.
Major defects make your car immediately unsafe. Examples include defective brakes, multiple broken lights, tires with insufficient tread, serious rust on load-bearing parts, a leaking fuel line, or excessive emissions. In these cases, you don’t get MOT approval and may not drive anymore. Your car must first be repaired before you can have a new test.
Some garages offer to fix minor defects immediately and retest the car. This saves you a separate trip back. For larger repairs, you get a quote and can choose where to have it repaired. With a retest within the specified time frame, only the failed component is checked again.
For Renault, Peugeot, and Citroën, we have extensive experience with common MOT problems. But for all other brands as well, we can help you with repairs and maintenance after a failure. We always explain what’s wrong and what the best solution is.
How can you prepare your car for the MOT test?
You can check several things yourself before going for the MOT test. Test all lights by asking someone to check if everything works while you operate the switches. Check tire pressure and examine the tread with a coin (the golden edge should not be visible). See if your windshield wipers clean properly and top up the washer fluid if it’s low. Clean your license plate and check if it’s not damaged.
Small checks beforehand can save you a lot of time and money. Replacing a broken bulb costs a few euros and five minutes, but will result in a failure if you don’t do it. The same applies to tire pressure or washer fluid. These things you can easily do yourself without technical knowledge.
If your car is older or if you know there are problems, it’s wise to have maintenance done first. We then look at things that could cause problems during the MOT. Think of brake wear, leaking shock absorbers, or developing rust. By addressing this beforehand, you prevent surprises during the test.
Certain repairs are better to combine with the MOT. If your timing belt needs replacement or if you have major service planned anyway, we can do that together with the MOT. This saves you an extra visit to the garage. We then schedule sufficient time to do everything properly at once.
For expats who might not know all the Dutch terms: we always calmly explain what is checked and what any problems mean. The MOT test is a Dutch requirement that many foreigners are initially unfamiliar with. Don’t worry, we’re happy to help you along.
Conclusion
The MOT test checks whether your car meets the minimum safety requirements for traffic and the environment. From brakes to lighting, from tires to emissions: everything is systematically examined. By checking your car beforehand for simple things like lights and tire pressure, you prevent unnecessary failures.
At Autobedrijven Verdonk, we carry out official MOT tests for all brands. We take the time to explain what is checked and advise directly on any repairs needed. For Renault, we work as an authorized dealer with flat rate codes, but for Peugeot, Citroën, and all other brands, you’re also in the right place with us. We combine the knowledge of a dealer with the accessibility of a village garage. Questions about your upcoming MOT? We’re happy to help.
Need help with your MOT test?
Want to have your car tested or have questions about the MOT? At Autobedrijven Verdonk in Veldhoven, we’re here for you. We not only carry out the test but also help you with any repairs needed to get your car approved. Make an appointment and we’ll ensure your car can safely get back on the road.