11/02/2026
MOT due soon? 🚘 here’s what you can do to get prepared for it👇🏼
✅ 1. Check All Lights
• Headlights (dip & full beam)
• Brake lights
• Indicators & hazard lights
• Number plate lights
• Reverse light
Replace any blown bulbs.
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🛞 2. Check Tyres
• Minimum tread depth: 1.6 mm
• No cuts, bulges, or cracks
• Correct tyre pressure
Tip: Use a 20p coin to quickly check tread depth.
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🚗 3. Test Brakes
• Car should not pull to one side when braking.
• No unusual noises (grinding/squeaking).
• Handbrake holds the car on a hill.
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💡 4. Dashboard Warning Lights
• No engine management light.
• No ABS or airbag warning lights.
If any are on, get them checked before the test.
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👀 5. Windscreen & Wipers
• No large cracks or chips in driver’s view.
• Wipers clean properly.
• Washer fluid topped up.
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🔢 6. Number Plates
• Clean and easy to read.
• Correct font and spacing.
• Securely attached.
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🚪 7. Doors, Mirrors & Seatbelts
• All doors open from inside and outside.
• Mirrors secure and not cracked.
• Seatbelts lock and retract properly.
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🌫 8. Exhaust & Emissions
• No excessive smoke.
• No loud blowing noise from exhaust.
• If diesel: give the car a good motorway drive before the test to clear soot.
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🛠 9. Simple Clean Up
• Clean the car (inside & out).
• Remove clutter.
• Make sure boot can be accessed if needed.
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📅 Bonus Tip
Book your MOT up to 1 month before expiry to keep the same renewal date.
We provide MOT tests for classes 4 & 7, this includes light commercial vehicles. You can either leave your vehicle with us or wait in our cosy waiting area. We also provide Taxi Inspection Tests on behalf of Dorset Council.
