MOT Fail List - Check MOT Failure Codes

If a vehicle fails its MOT test check, you as the driver are presented with an MOT refusal certificate, also known as a VT30 and the details will be logged in the MOT database. If you do fail your MOT test you might be eligible for a FREE MOT Retest 

Read through the article to get inside out details of various MOT Fail codes and their reasons
 

What is An MOT Test?

An MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual, mandatory test for vehicles over three years old that measures a vehicle’s safety, exhaust emissions and roadworthiness. ​

If you do fail your MOT test you might be eligible for a free MOT retest, click here for more information.

Not sure when your MOT is due? No problem! Simply click on the button below and enter your registration number!

MOT Fail List

Listed on your MOT fail sheet is a code as to why your vehicle has failed its MOT test check. The code listed applies to the section of the MOT test that the vehicle failed. For example, code 6.1.b.2 can be broken down to the following; Section 6. Sub-Section 1. b Subject. 2 Reason for fail.

To avoid failing your MOT, use the links below for more information on the details behind MOT testing, what to check before sending your vehicle into the test centre and common reasons for MOT Test failures:

• Help! When Does My New Vehicle Need its first MOT?

• Checking Your Vehicle's MOT Status

• What is included in an MOT test

• Top ten things to check before your next MOT

• The most common reasons for MOT failures

• If you do fail your MOT test you might be eligible for a FREE MOT RE-TEST

Below are the sections, sub-sections and subject items checked throughout the MOT test check that generates MOT failure codes:

Lamps are usually checked to ensure the lighting and signalling are in good condition, reflectors are checked for their colour and positioning and electrical equipments, such as; horn, battery, wiring etc are checked with single operation of the switch. If the engine warning light is on during an MOT test then the vehicle will fail. The major risks of driving with the engine light on, relate to road safety of other motorists and an impact on the environment. It is not advised to drive until the issue has been resolved by a reputable garage.  

1.1 Front and Rear Position Lamps and Registration Plate Lamps
a. Front and rear position lamps
b. End outline marker lamps
c. Registration plate lamps

1.2 Stop Lamps

1.3 Rear Fog Lamps

1.4 Direction Indicators and Hazard Warning Lamps
a. Flashing type
b. Hazard warning device
c. Semaphore type

1.5 Rear Reflectors

1.6 Audible Warning (Horn)

1.7 Headlamps

1.8 Headlamp Aim
a. All headlamps
b. European 'E' Beam Headlamps
c. British American Type (Main Beam)
d. British American Type (Dipped Beam)

1.9 Electrical Wiring and Batter

Book your MOT now to avoid the rush later

Steering is usually checked by pushing the steering wheel in different directions. Suspension is unlike other tests, it is bit complex in comparison to others. It is usually tested by elevating the vehicle on a lift to inspect the suspension.

2.1 Steering control

2.2 Steering System

2.3 Power Steering

2.4 Suspension – General

a. All suspension types
b. Leaf springs
c. Coil springs
d. Fluid/gas/air suspension
e. Torsion bars
f. Bonded suspension units
g. Suspension arms and linkages, sub frames etc
 

2.5 Front Suspension Front Wheel Bearings and Drive Shafts

a. Suspension joints and wheel bearings (wheels jacked)
b. Suspension joints (wheel on turning plates)
c. Front wheel drive shafts and couplings

2.6 Rear Suspension and Wheel Bearings

2.7 Shock Absorbers

2.8 Suspension Type Diagrams

Book your MOT now to avoid the rush later Not sure when your MOT is due? No problem! Use our FREE MOT CHECKER

Brakes are usually checked for their efficiency and balance on road with a roller brake tester. During an MOT test, a vehicle’s brake pads and discs are checked. If the brake pads are below 3mm, you will be advised to change them, however the legal limit is 1.5mm and if your brake pads are below this you will fail your MOT test.  

3.1 Parking Brake Control

3.2 Hand Operated Brake Control Valves

3.3 Service Brake Control

a. All types of braking systems
b. Hydraulic systems (including servo assisted)
c. Vehicles with High Servo Boost
d. Full power hydraulic braking systems
e. Air and vacuum systems

3.4 Anti-lock Braking and Electronic Stability Control Systems

3.5 Mechanical Brake Components

3.6 Braking systems and Additional Braking Devices

a. All braking systems
b. Brake pipes and flexible hoses
c. Servos and master cylinders
d. Reservoirs (air/vacuum), including accumulators, pressure and vacuum vessels
e. Valves
f. Pumps and compressors
g. Hydraulic systems
h. Air systems
i. Additional braking devices
j. Electronic braking systems (class 5 only)

3.7 Brake Performance

a. Roller brake test
b. Decelerometer test
c. Plate brake test
d. Gradient test

3.8 Method of Calculating brake performance

3.9 Brake Efficiency Tables

Book your MOT now to avoid the rush later

At Protyre Autocare, we provide thorough MOT testing to ensure your vehicle meets all safety and environmental standards. During your MOT, it's crucial to have tyres that are in good condition. Explore our range of tyre types, including premium car tyres, rft tyres, best summer tyres, and winter snow tyres. We also offer a variety of trusted premium tyre brands such as Goodyear all season tyres, Michelin tyre, Pirelli tyres, Bridgestone turanza, Conti tyres, and many more. Ensuring you have the right tyres can make a significant difference in passing your MOT and maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance.

Tyres are checked for their nominal size and aspect ratio. Road wheels are checked for the defects such as; fracture/ welding defect on a wheel, a wheel not correctly fitted or a wheel and its fittings are incompatible. The MOT tester will also check signs of the tyre damage which includes- cuts, puncture or tears; lumps and bulges. If the vehicle tyre tread is lower than the legal limit of 1.6mm, this will result in an MOT test fail and the tyres will need to be replaced.

4.1 Tyres
a. Type of structure
b. Load index and speed rating (applicable to class 5 only)
c. Speed rating – Restricted speed vehicles (applicable to class 5 only)
d. Condition of tyres
e. Tread pattern, breadth and depth

At Protyre Autocare, we provide thorough MOT testing to ensure your vehicle meets all safety and environmental standards. During your MOT, it's crucial to have tyres that are in good condition. Explore our range of tyre types, including premium car tyres, rft tyres, best summer tyres, and winter snow tyres. We also offer a variety of trusted premium tyre brands such as Goodyear all season tyres, Michelin tyre, Pirelli tyres, Bridgestone turanza, Conti tyres, and many more. Ensuring you have the right tyres can make a significant difference in passing your MOT and maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance.

4.2 Road Wheels

a. Applicable to all vehicles
b. Additional checks (applicable to class 5, 7 and large class 4 only)

​Book your MOT now to avoid the rush later 

Seat belts are checked by their appropriate size, security and conditions including adjustment fitting and attachments. 

5.1 Seat Belt Requirements

a. Fitment
b. General Information
c. Three-Wheeled Vehicles
d. Passenger Vehicles, Motor Caravans and Ambulances with up to 8 Passenger Seats
e. Minibuses, Motor Caravans and Ambulances with 9-12 Passenger Seats
f. Minibuses, Motor Caravans and Ambulances with 13-16 Passenger Seats
g. Coaches and Other Buses
h. Goods Vehicles and Living Vans
i. Seat Belt Types

5.2 Seat Belt Condition

5.3 Seat Belt Installation Requirements (Class 4A & 5A approved VTS only)

a. Seat belt Installation Check
b. Vehicles Exempt from Seat belt Installation Checks Seat belt Installation
c. Guidance Notes

5.4 Supplementary Restraint Systems
 

Book your MOT now to avoid the rush later Not sure when your MOT is due? No problem! Use our FREE MOT CHECKER

A general inspection on structure is made to ensure the vehicle with no frature, damage or corrosion.    
                            

6.1 Vehicle Structure, Body and General Items

a. Vehicle structure

b. Body security (vehicles with separate bodies only)

c. Body condition

d. Engine mountings

e. Steps and stairs (class 5 only)

6.2 Seats and Doors

a. Seats

b. Doors

c. Passenger entrance and exit doors (class 5 only)

d. Emergency exits (class 5 only)

6.3 Registration Plates and Vehicle Identification Number

a. Registration plates

b. Vehicle Identification Number

c. Registration Plates – Additional Information

6.4 Load Security, Spare Wheel and Carrier

6.5 Speed Limiter

a. Speed limiter plate

b. Speed limiter

6.6 Towbars

6.7 Speedometer

6.8 Driving controls (Class 5 only)

6.9 Glazing (Class 5 only)

Book your MOT now to avoid the rush later 

Exhaust, fuel and emissions are checked with engine running to ensure it is secure from any leakage. Fuel systems will be checked for leaks and to ensure the tap cap is sealed. 
 

7.1 Exhaust system

7.2 Fuel System

7.3 Exhaust Emissions – Spark Ignition

a. All vehicles

b. Vehicles first used on or after 1st August 1975

c. Basic emissions test (BET)

d. Full CAT test

7.4 Exhaust Emissions-Compression Ignition

a. Vehicles First Used Before 1 August 1979

b. Vehicles First Used on or After 1 August 1979

Book your MOT now to avoid the rush later

In this section, the MOT tester will sit in the driver's seat to ensure the view in the wing mirrors and the rear view mirror is clear. Wipers and washers are also checked to ensure the clear view of the road. 

8.1 View to rear

8.2 Wipers and Washers

8.3 Windscreen (Classes 3, 4 and 7 only)

8.4 Bonnet

Book your MOT now to avoid the rush later Not sure when your MOT is due? No problem! Use our FREE MOT CHECKER

MOT due soon? Click the banner below to book your MOT test with Protyre!