The quickest way to find your nearest MOT test station

All you need to know to pass an MOT

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PRE MOT CHECKS

Avoid a Failure	Reasons For Failure	Council MOT Centres
Handbrake	Footbrake	Steering Wheel
Windscreen/Mirrors	Seat Belts	Doors
Electrical	Brakes	Shock Absorbers
Steering Mechanism	Braking System	Wheels/Tyres
Bodywork	Steering/Suspension	Exhaust System
Drive Shafts	Fuel/Exhaust	Petrol Emissions
Diesel Emissions	Reg Plates/VIN

Avoiding MOT Failure

Footbrake

Check that when you press your foot on the brake that the pedal does not travel all the way to the floor and also that it does not contine to creep down when holding your foot on the pedal. This would indicate a leak in the system and needs to be repaired, before driving, for safety and not just to pass an MOT!

Excess travel in the pedal can be caused by lack of adjustment (Drum brakes) or worn Pads or disks. These can be checked later in external checks with the wheel off if necessary.

A spongey brake pedal reveals air in the system which must be removed from the system by bleeding

Look for signs of fluid leakage around the base of the pedal (Stains on the carpet etc)

Pump the brakes a few time and then press you foot on the pedal and start the engine. The pedal should move down slightly as the brake servo is engaged. If the pedal does not move this can mean a faulty servo or a leak in the vacuum pipe from the engine (Inlet manifold) to the servo.

Make sure that the pedal is secure and does not have excess travel from side to side

Further Help

Bleeding the brakes

Changing brake pads/Discs