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MOT Fail Codes

updated May 4, 2023 - Erin Yurday, Founder

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Failed MOT? Your MOT refusal notice will list the fail codes that explain the different defects found on your vehicle. Here is what those codes mean, the specific defects that can fail a car—and how serious they are.

MOT Fail Code Example

The fail sheet will list the code(s) identifying the defects that cause your vehicle to failed. MOT fail codes are composed of a Section, Subsection, Subject and Defect that explain exactly what is wrong and needs to be addressed so that your car can pass the MOT. For example:

Section (e.g., 1. Brakes)
Subsection (e.g., 1.1. Brake condition and operation)
Subject (e.g., 1.1.13. Brake linings and pads)
Defect (e.g., 1.1.13.(a)(i) Brake lining or pad: worn down to wear indicator)

Below you can find all of the MOT fail codes and defects for each of the eleven categories—plus the severity of each (i.e., minor, major or dangerous). The severity is important because a "major" or "dangerous" defect will fail your MOT inspection. Not only that, but having a "dangerous" defect means you can't drive your car until the problem has been fixed.

List of MOT Fail Sheet Codes

Section 0. Identification of the vehicle
Section 1. Brakes
Section 2. Steering
Section 3. Visibility
Section 4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
Section 5. Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension
Section 6. Body, structure and attachments
Section 7. Other equipment
Section 8. Nuisance
Section 9. Supplementary tests for buses and coaches
Section 10. Seat belt installation checks

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Section 0. Identification of the vehicle

The number plate must be checked to ensure it is safely secured to the vehicle and that it is clearly visible—this includes looking for delamination of the number plate which can prevent identification by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR). In addition the tester will ensure that the plate conforms to specified requirements such as spacing between characters and checking the vehicle identification number (VIN) number.

MOT Fail Codes: Section 0. Identification of Vehicle		Severity
0.1. Registration plates
	(a) Number plate missing or so insecure that it is likely to fall off	Major
	(b) Number plate inscription missing or illegible	Major
	(c) Number plate showing an incorrect registration	Major
	(d) Number plate does not conform to the specified requirements	Major
0.2. Vehicle identification number (VIN)
	(a) VIN missing or cannot be found	Major
	(b) VIN incomplete, illegible or obviously falsified	Major
	(c) More than one different VIN displayed	Major

Section 1. Brakes

Brakes are the 3rd most common reason for MOT failure. If your car fails the MOT on a "Dangerous" category then you will not be able to drive away from the test until the defect has been fixed—and many of the brake fail codes fall into the "Dangerous" category. What's checked? The condition of the brakes (including service, secondary brakes and parking brakes), anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic braking system (EBS), brake pads, brake fluid, and more are inspected.

MOT Fail Codes: Section 1. Brakes		Severity
1.1. Condition and operation
1.1.1. Service brake pedal or hand lever pivot
	(a) Pivot too tight	Major
	(b) Excessive wear or free play	Major
1.1.2. Service brake pedal or hand lever condition and travel
	(a) Insufficient reserve travel	Major
	(b) Service brake control:
	(i) not releasing correctly	Minor
	(ii) functionality of brakes affected	Major
	(c) Anti-slip provision missing, loose or worn smooth	Major
1.1.3. Air and vacuum systems
	(a) Insufficient pressure/vacuum assistance for less than:
	(i) four brake applications after the warning device has operated (or gauge shows an unsafe reading)	Major
	(ii) two brake applications after warning device has operated (or gauge shows an unsafe reading)	Dangerous
	(b) Time taken to build up air pressure/vacuum to safe working value not in accordance with the requirements	Major
	(c) Repeated operation of any ancillary air or vacuum system completely depletes the stored air or vacuum for the braking system	Major
	(d) Air leak causing a noticeable drop in pressure or audible air leak	Major
	(e) External damage likely to affect the function of the braking system	Major
1.1.4. Low-pressure warning
	(a) Low-pressure warning gauge or indicator:
	(i) malfunctioning or defective	Minor
	(ii) not identifying low-pressure	Major
1.1.5. Hand operated brake control valve
	(a) Control cracked, damaged or excessively worn	Major
	(b) Control insecure on valve or valve insecure	Major
	(c) Loose connections or leaks in the system	Major
	(d) Malfunctioning	Major
1.1.6. Parking brake lever or control
	(a) Ratchet not holding correctly	Major
	(b) Parking brake lever pivot or ratchet mechanism:
	(i) obviously worn	Minor
	(ii) worn to the extent that the brake may inadvertently release	Major
	(c) Parking brake lever has excessive movement indicating incorrect adjustment	Major
	(d) Parking brake control missing, defective or inoperative	Major
	(e) Electronic parking brake MIL indicates a malfunction	Major
	(f) Parking brake is not capable of being maintained in operation by direct mechanical action only (vehicle first used on or after 1 January 1968)	Major
1.1.7. Brake valves
	(a) Valve:
	(i) damaged or excessive air leak	Major
	(ii) leaking such that brake functionality is affected	Dangerous
	(b) Excessive oil discharge from a compressor or brake valve	Minor
	(c) Valve insecure or inadequately mounted	Major
	(d) Hydraulic fluid:
	(i) leak from a brake valve	Major
	(ii) leak from a brake valve such that brake functionality is affected	Dangerous
1.1.8. Not in use
1.1.9. Pressure storage reservoirs
	(a) Reservoir:
	(i) has minor damage or corrosion	Minor
	(ii) heavily damaged, heavily corroded or leaking	Major
	(b) Drain device on an air brake system:
	(i) operation affected	Minor
	(ii) inoperative	Major
	(c) Reservoir insecure or inadequately mounted	Major
1.1.10. Brake servo units and master cylinder (hydraulic systems)
	(a) Brake servo:
	(i) defective or ineffective	Major
	(ii) inoperative	Dangerous
	(b) Master cylinder:
	(i) defective but brake still operating	Major
	(ii) leaking	Dangerous
	(c) Master cylinder insecure	Major
	(d) Brake fluid:
	(i) below minimum mark	Minor
	(ii) significantly below minimum mark	Major
	(iii) not visible	Dangerous
	(e) Master cylinder reservoir cap missing	Major
	(f) Brake fluid warning light illuminated or defective	Minor
	(g) Incorrect functioning of brake fluid level warning device	Minor
1.1.11. Rigid brake pipes
	(a) Brake pipe is at imminent risk of failure or fracture	Dangerous
	(b) Leaking brake pipe or connection:
	(i) on an air brake system	Major
	(ii) on a hydraulic system	Dangerous
	(c) Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded	Major
	(d) Brake pipe:
	(i) inadequately clipped or supported	Minor
	(ii) likely to become detached or damaged	Major
1.1.12. Flexible brake hoses
	(a) Brake hose damaged and likely to fail	Dangerous
	(b) Flexible brake hose:
	(i) slightly damaged, chafed or twisted	Minor
	(ii) excessively damaged, deteriorated, chafed, twisted or stretched	Major
	(c) Brake hoses or connections leaking on:
	(i) air brake systems	Major
	(ii) hydraulic systems	Dangerous
	(d) Brake hose bulging under pressure	Major
	(e) Brake hose porous	Major
	(f) Brake hose ferrules:
	(i) excessively corroded	Major
	(ii) excessively corroded and likely to fail	Dangerous
1.1.13. Brake linings and pads
	(a) Brake lining or pad:
	(i) worn down to wear indicator	Major
	(ii) worn below 1.5mm	Dangerous
	(b) Brake lining or pad contaminated with oil, grease etc.	Major
	(c) Brake lining or pad missing or incorrectly mounted	Dangerous
1.1.14. Brake discs and drums
	(a) Brake disc or drum:
	(i) significantly and obviously worn	Major
	(ii) insecure, fractured or otherwise likely to fail	Dangerous
	(b) Contaminated with oil, grease etc.	Major
	(c) Missing	Dangerous
	(d) Brake drum back plate insecure	Major
1.1.15. Brake cables, rods, levers and linkages
	(a) Cable damaged or knotted	Major
	(b) Component excessively worn or corroded	Major
	(c) Cable, rod or joint insecure	Major
	(d) Cable guide defective affecting operation	Major
	(e) Restriction in free movement of the braking system	Major
	(f) Abnormal movement of levers indicating maladjustment or excessive wear	Major
1.1.16. Brake actuators - including spring brakes, hydraulic cylinders and callipers
	(a) Actuator cracked or damaged and:
	(i) braking performance not affected	Major
	(ii) braking performance affected	Dangerous
	(b) Actuator leaking and:
	(i) braking performance not affected	Major
	(ii) braking performance affected	Dangerous
	(c) Actuator insecure or inadequately mounted and:
	(i) braking performance not affected	Major
	(ii) braking performance affected	Dangerous
	(d) Actuator:
	(i) excessively corroded	Major
	(ii) excessively corroded and likely to crack	Dangerous
	(e) Actuator has:
	(i) excessive travel of operating system indicating need for adjustment	Major
	(ii) no reserve travel and braking performance affected	Dangerous
1.1.17. Load sensing valve
	(a) Load sensing valve linkage defective	Major
	(b) Load sensing valve linkage obviously incorrectly adjusted	Major
	(c) Load sensing valve seized or inoperative and:
	(i) ABS functioning	Major
	(ii) ABS not fitted or inoperative	Dangerous
	(d) Load sensing valve missing where fitted as standard	Dangerous
1.1.18. Brake slack adjuster
	(a) Adjuster damaged, seized or having abnormal movement, excessive wear or incorrect adjustment	Major
	(b) Adjuster defective	Major
	(c) Incorrectly installed	Major
1.1.19. Additional braking device (retarder), if fitted
	(a) Endurance braking system connectors or mountings:
	(i) insecure	Minor
	(ii) insecure and functionality affected	Major
	(b) Endurance braking system obviously defective	Major
1.1.20. Not in use
1.1.21. Complete braking system
	(a) Other braking system (e.g. antifreeze pump, air dryer etc.) component damaged or corroded:
	(i) to the extent that the braking system is adversely affected	Major
	(ii) leaking and system functionality adversely affected	Dangerous
	(b) Air or antifreeze:
	(i) leaking	Minor
	(ii) to the extent that braking performance is affected	Major
	(c) Any component insecure or inadequately mounted	Major
	(d) Braking system component modification:
	(i) unsafe	Major
	(ii) adversely affecting braking performance	Dangerous
	(e) The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any braking system actuation component mounting (a prescribed area):
	(i) is significantly reduced (see Appendix A)	Major
	(ii) is so weakened that the functionality of the braking system is affected	Dangerous
1.2. Service brake performance and efficiency
1.2.1. Performance
	(a) Braking effort:
	(i) inadequate at a wheel	Major
	(ii) not recording at a wheel	Dangerous
	(b) Brakes imbalance across an axle such that:
	(i) the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle. Or in the case of testing on the road, the vehicle deviates excessively from a straight line	Major
	(ii) the braking effort from any wheel is less than 50% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on a steered axle	Dangerous
	(c) A brake on any wheel grabbing severely	Major
	(d) Abnormal lag in brake operation on a wheel	Major
	(e) Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution	Major
	(f) Significant brake effort recorded with no brake applied indicating a binding brake	Major
	(g) Brake performance unable to be tested	Major
1.2.2. Efficiency
	(a) Service brake efficiency:
	(i) below minimum requirement	Major
	(ii) less than 50% of the required value	Dangerous
1.3. Secondary brake performance and efficiency
1.3.1. Performance
	(a) Braking effort:
	(i) inadequate at any wheel	Major
	(ii) not recording at any wheel	Dangerous
	(b) Brakes imbalance across an axle such that:
	(i) the braking effort from any wheel is less than 70% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on the same axle. Or in the case of testing on the road, the vehicle deviates excessively from a straight line.	Major
	(ii) the braking effort from any wheel is less than 50% of the maximum effort recorded from the other wheel on a steered axle	Dangerous
	(c) A brake on any wheel grabbing severely	Major
1.3.2. Efficiency
	(a) Parking brake efficiency:
	(i) below minimum requirement	Major
	(ii) less than 50% of the required value	Dangerous
1.4. Parking brake performance and efficiency
1.4.1. Performance
	(a) Parking brake inoperative on one side, or in the case of testing on the road, the vehicle deviates excessively from a straight line	Major
1.4.2. Efficiency
	(a) Parking brake efficiency:
	(i) below minimum requirement	Major
	(ii) less than 50% of the required value	Dangerous
1.5. Additional braking device (retarder) performance
	(a) Control for electronic retarder does not allow gradual variation in effort	Major
	(b) System obviously inoperative	Major
1.6. Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
	(a) Warning device not working	Major
	(b) Warning device shows system malfunction	Major
	(c) Wheel speed sensors missing or damaged	Major
	(d) Wiring damaged	Major
	(e) Other components missing or damaged	Major
1.7. Electronic braking system (EBS)
	(a) Warning device not working	Major
	(b) Warning device shows system malfunction	Major
1.8. Brake fluid
	(a) Brake fluid contaminated	Major

Section 2. Steering

The steering section of the MOT test checks the steering wheel and column (or handlebar, forks and yokes for a motorcycle), steering play and electronic power steering (EPS) and general mechanical condition of the steering gear.

MOT Fail Codes: 2. Steering		Severity
2.1. Mechanical condition
2.1.1. Steering gear condition
	(a) Excessive roughness in operation of steering	Major
	(b) Sector shaft:
	(i) twisted or splines excessively worn	Major
	(ii) twisted or splines worn to the extent that functionality is affected	Dangerous
	(c) Sector shaft:
	(i) excessively worn	Major
	(ii) worn to the extent that functionality is affected	Dangerous
	(d) Sector shaft:
	(i) has excessive movement	Major
	(ii) movement so excessive that functionality is affected	Dangerous
	(e) Steering box:
	(i) leaking oil	Minor
	(ii) leaking to the extent that oil is dripping	Major
2.1.2. Steering gear security
	(a) Steering gear casing:
	(i) not properly attached	Major
	(ii) retaining devices dangerously loose or relative movement to chassis/bodywork visible	Dangerous
	(b) Steering gear casing fixing holes in chassis:
	(i) elongated	Major
	(ii) elongated to the extent that attachment is seriously affected	Dangerous
	(c) Steering gear fixing bolts:
	(i) missing or ineffective	Major
	(ii) missing or ineffective to the extent that attachment is seriously affected	Dangerous
	(d) Steering gear casing:
	(i) fractured	Major
	(ii) fractured and stability or attachment of casing affected	Dangerous
	(e) The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any steering component mounting (a ‘prescribed area’):
	(i) is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
	(ii) is so weakened that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected	Major
		Dangerous
2.1.3. Steering linkage condition
	(a) A steering linkage component with:
	(i) relative movement between components which should be fixed	Major
	(ii) excessive movement between components or likely to become detached	Dangerous
	(b) A steering ball joint:
	(i) with excessive wear or free play	Major
	(ii) worn to the extent there is a serious risk of detachment	Dangerous
	(c) A steering linkage component:
	(i) fractured or deformed	Major
	(ii) fractured or deformed to the extent that steering is affected	Dangerous
	(d) Steering linkage retaining or locking device missing or ineffective	Major
	(e) Track rod or drag link ends seriously misaligned	Major
	(f) A steering linkage component:
	(i) with an unsafe modification	Major
	(ii) modified to the extent that steering is affected	Dangerous
	(g) Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover:
	(i) damaged or deteriorated	Minor
	(ii) missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc.	Major
2.1.4. Steering linkage operation
	(a) Steering linkage fouling any part of the vehicle	Major
	(b) Steering lock-stop missing or incorrectly adjusted	Major
2.1.5. Power steering
	(a) Power steering fluid leaking or system malfunctioning	Major
	(b) Power steering fluid:
	(i) level below minimum mark	Minor
	(ii) reservoir empty	Major
	(c) Power steering:
	(i) inoperative	Major
	(ii) inoperative and steering adversely affected	Dangerous
	(d) Power steering component:
	(i) fractured or insecure	Major
	(ii) fractured or insecure and steering adversely affected	Dangerous
	(e) Power steering component:
	(i) fouling or misaligned	Major
	(ii) fouling or misaligned and steering adversely affected	Dangerous
	(f) Power steering component:
	(i) with an unsafe modification	Major
	(ii) modified and steering adversely affected	Dangerous
	(g) Power steering pipe, hose or wiring:
	(i) excessively damaged or corroded	Major
	(ii) damaged or corroded and steering adversely affected	Dangerous
2.2. Steering wheel and column or handlebar, forks and yokes
2.2.1. Steering wheel or handlebar condition
	(a) Relative movement between steering wheel and column:
	(i) indicating looseness	Major
	(ii) such that there is a serious risk of detachment	Dangerous
	(b) Steering wheel:
	(i) retaining device missing	Major
	(ii) likely to become detached	Dangerous
	(c) Steering wheel rim or spokes:
	(i) fractured or loose	Major
	(ii) likely to become detached	Dangerous
	(d) Handlebar:
	(i) fractured or insecure	Major
	(ii) fractured or insecure to the extent that steering is adversely affected or detachment likely	Dangerous
	(e) Handlebar:
	(i) excessively deformed or corroded	Major
	(ii) deformed or corroded to the extent that steering is adversely affected or failure likely	Dangerous
	(f) Handlebar handgrips:
	(i) missing	Major
	(ii) insecure to handlebar	Dangerous
2.2.2. Steering column or forks and yokes
	(a) Excessive movement of centre of steering wheel up or down	Major
	(b) Excessive radial movement between the top of the steering column and the shaft indicating an excessively worn top bearing	Major
	(c) Excessive wear or play in a universal joint or a flexible coupling excessively deteriorated	Major
	(d) Attachment of steering column:
	(i) defective	Major
	(ii) defective to the extent that there is a serious risk of detachment	Dangerous
	(e) Unsafe modification to steering column, forks or fork yoke	Major
	(f) Forks or fork yoke:
	(i) deformed, fractured or insecure	Major
	(ii) in such a condition that steering control is adversely affected or detachment likely	Dangerous
	(g) Steering head bearings have excessive wear or play	Major
2.3. Steering play
	(a) Free play in the steering, measured at the rim of the steering wheel is:
	(i) excessive	Major
	(ii) excessive to the extent that safe steering is affected	Dangerous
2.6. Electronic power steering (EPS)
	(a) EPS MIL indicating a system malfunction	Major
	(b) On ‘fly by wire systems’, the angle of the steering wheel and the angle of the road wheels is:
	(i) inconsistent	Major
	(ii) inconsistent to the extent that the steering is adversely affected	Dangerous
	(c) Electronic power assistance not working	Major

Section 3. Visibility

Visibility fails account for around 8% of car MOT fails. The inspection checks the field of vision for the driver, as well as bonnet catches, the condition of the glass, the rear view, windscreen wipers and washers. Major fails include a windscreen blade being missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen. Cracks can count as a Major or Dangerous fail if the damage in front of the driver is more than 10mm in diameter, or more than 40mm in the rest of the windscreen’s swept area.

MOT Fail Codes: Section 3. Visibility		Severity
3.1. Field of vision
	(a) An obstruction:
	(i) within the driver’s field of view that materially affects his view in front or to the sides outside the swept area of windscreen	Minor
	(ii) materially affecting the driver’s view of the road through the swept area of the windscreen or an obligatory external mirror not visible	Major
	(b) A bonnet:
	(i) which cannot be safely secured in the closed position	Major
	(ii) seriously at risk of opening inadvertently	Dangerous
	(c) A bonnet primary retaining device excessively deteriorated, ineffective or insecure	Major
3.2. Condition of glass
	(a) Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured:
	(i) but not adversely affecting driver’s view	Minor
	(ii) and affecting the driver’s view of the road or of an obligatory external mirror	Major
	(b) Windscreen or window excessively tinted:
	(i) but not adversely affecting driver’s view	Minor
	(ii) and visibility through swept area of windscreen or of an obligatory external mirror seriously affected	Major
	(c) Windscreen or window:
	(i) in an unacceptable condition e.g. due to excessive scratching	Major
	(ii) in such a condition that visibility through swept area is seriously affected	Dangerous
	(d) The windscreen or a window wholly or partly on either side of the driver’s seat is not made from safety glass	Major
	(e) A window not wholly or partly on either side of the driver’s seat is not made from safety glass or safety glazing	Major
3.3. View to rear
	(a) Obligatory mirror or device missing	Major
	(b) Obligatory mirror or device:
	(i) slightly damaged or loose	Minor
	(ii) inoperative, excessively damaged or insecure	Major
	(c) Obligatory mirror or device not providing an adequate view to the rear	Major
3.4. Windscreen wipers
	(a) Wiper not operating or missing	Major
	(b) Wiper blade:
	(i) defective	Minor
	(ii) missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen	Major
3.5. Windscreen washers
	(a) Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen	Major

Section 4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Section 4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the number 1 reason for failed MOT tests. This large category encompasses headlamps, daytime running lamps, brake lights, indicators, hazard warning lamps, fog lamps, reversing lamps, trailer electrical sockets, electrical wiring and batteries. Bulbs are prone to burning out, fuses are prone to blowing and electrics are notoriously delicate, especially in newer cars that have sophisticated electrical systems where lots can go wrong.

MOT Fail Codes: Section 4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment		Severity
4.1. Headlamps
4.1.1. Presence, condition and operation
	(a) A headlamp:
	(i) with up to ½ light sources not functioning in the case of LED	Minor
	(ii) missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED	Major
	(b) Headlamp reflector or lens:
	(i) slightly defective	Minor
	(ii) seriously defective or missing	Major
	(c) Lamp not securely attached	Major
4.1.2. Headlamp alignment
	(a) The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements	Major
	(b) Headlamp aim unable to be tested	Major
	(c) Beam image obviously incorrect	Major
4.1.3. Switching
	(a) Headlamp ‘on’ switch does not operate in accordance with the requirements	Minor
	(b) Headlamp ‘dip’ switch does not operate in accordance with the requirements	Major
4.1.4. Compliance with requirements
	(a) Headlamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements	Major
	(b) Product on the lens or light source which obviously reduces light intensity or changes emitted colour to other than white or yellow	Major
	(c) Light source and lamp not compatible	Major
	(d) Mandatory headlamps, intended to be a matched pair, are not the same shape, size or colour	Major
4.1.5. Levelling devices
	(a) Headlamp levelling device inoperative	Major
	(b) Manual levelling device cannot be operated from the driver’s seat	Major
4.1.6. Headlamp cleaning devices
	(a) Headlamp cleaning device:
	(i) inoperative	Minor
	(ii) inoperative in the case of LED or gas discharge systems (HID)	Major
4.2. Front and rear position lamps, daytime running lamps and end-outline marker lamps
4.2.1. Presence, condition and operation
	(a) Lamp:
	(i) multiple light source up to a half not functioning	Minor
	(ii) missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than a half not functioning	Major
	(b) Defective lens	Major
	(c) Lamp:
	(i) not securely attached	Minor
	(ii) likely to become detached	Major
4.2.2. Switching
	(a) Switch does not operate in accordance with the requirements or the rear position lamps can be switched off when the headlamps are on	Major
	(b) Function of the switch impaired	Major
4.2.3. Compliance with requirements
	(a) Lamp:
	(i) emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements	Minor
	(ii) showing red light to the front, white light to the rear or has heavily reduced light intensity	Major
	(b) A lamp with a product on the lens or light source:
	(i) which obviously reduces light intensity or changes emitted colour	Minor
	(ii) which shows red light to the front, white light to the rear or has heavily reduced light intensity	Major
	(c) A lamp adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp	Major
4.3. Stop lamps
4.3.1. Presence, condition and operation
	(a) Stop lamp(s):
	(i) with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning	Minor
	(ii) missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning	Major
	(iii) all missing or inoperative	Dangerous
	(b) A lens defective:
	(i) which has no effect on emitted light	Minor
	(ii) such that the emitted light is adversely affected	Major
	(c) A stop lamp:
	(i) not securely attached	Minor
	(ii) likely to become detached	Major
4.3.2. Switching
	(a) Stop lamp(s):
	(i) switch does not operate in accordance with the requirements	Minor
	(ii) switch with a delay in operation	Major
	(iii) remain on when the brakes are released	Dangerous
4.3.3. Compliance with requirements
	(a) A stop lamp:
	(i) emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements	Minor
	(ii) showing white light to the rear or significantly reduced light intensity	Major
	(b) A stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp	Major
4.4. Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps
4.4.1. Presence, condition and operation
	(a) A direction indicator:
	(i) lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning	Minor
	(ii) lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning	Major
	(b) A lens defective:
	(i) which has no effect on emitted light	Minor
	(ii) such that the emitted light is adversely affected	Major
	(c) A lamp:
	(i) not securely attached	Minor
	(ii) likely to become detached	Major
	(d) Mandatory hazard warning device not fitted	Major
	(e) Mandatory hazard warning device inoperative	Major
4.4.2. Switching
	(a) Indicator or hazard warning switch:
	(i) does not operate in accordance with the requirements	Minor
	(ii) inoperative	Major
4.4.3. Compliance with requirements
	(a) Lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not in accordance with the requirements	Major
	(b) A direction indicator lamp adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp	Major
4.4.4. Flashing frequency
	(a) Rate of flashing not between 60 and 120 times per minute	Minor
4.5. Front and rear fog lamps
4.5.1. Presence, condition and operation
	(a)
	(i) A front or rear fog lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/2 not functioning	Minor
	(ii) An obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or a front or rear fog lamp inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning	Major
	(b) A lens defective:
	(i) which has no effect on emitted light	Minor
	(ii) such that emitted light is adversely affected	Major
	(c) A front or rear fog lamp:
	(i) not securely attached	Minor
	(ii) likely to become detached	Major
4.5.2. Not in use
4.5.3. Switching
	(a) Front or rear fog lamp switch:
	(i) not operating in accordance with the requirements	Minor
	(ii) inoperative	Major
4.5.4. Compliance with requirements
	(a) Front or rear fog lamp emitted colour or position not in accordance with the requirements	Major
	(b) A rear fog lamp adversely affected by the operation of any other lamp	Major
4.6. Reversing lamps
4.6.1. Condition and operation
	(a) A reversing lamp inoperative	Major
	(b) A reversing lamp lens defective	Major
	(c) A reversing lamp:
	(i) not securely attached	Minor
	(ii) likely to become detached	Major
4.6.2. Compliance with requirements
	(a) Reversing lamp emitted colour or position not in accordance with the requirements	Major
4.6.3. Switching
	(a) Reversing lamp switch not operating in accordance with the requirements	Major
4.7. Rear registration plate lamps
4.7.1. Presence, condition and operation
	(a) A rear registration plate lamp throwing direct white light to the rear	Minor
	(b) A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative:
	(i) when rear registration plate has 2 or more lamps or light sources	Minor
	(ii) when rear registration plate has only one lamp or all lamps not working	Major
	(c) A registration plate lamp:
	(i) not securely attached	Minor
	(ii) likely to become detached	Major
4.7.2. Compliance with requirements
	(a) Rear registration plate lamp does not illuminate simultaneously with the position lamps	Major
4.8. Rear reflectors
4.8.1. Presence, condition and operation
	(a) Reflector defective or damaged:
	(i) by up to 50% of the reflecting surface	Minor
	(ii) by more than 50% of the reflecting surface	Major
	(b) Reflector:
	(i) not securely attached	Minor
	(ii) likely to become detached	Major
4.8.2. Compliance with requirements
	(a) Reflector:
	(i) colour or position not in accordance with the requirements	Minor
	(ii) missing or reflecting white to the rear	Major
4.9. ‘Tell-tales’ mandatory for lighting equipment
4.9.1. Presence, condition and operation
	(a) A mandatory tell-tale:
	(i) for direction indicators or hazard warning missing or inoperative	Minor
	(ii) for main beam headlamp or rear fog lamp missing or inoperative	Major
4.9.2. Compliance with requirements
	(a) A hazard warning lamp tell-tale is not a flashing light	Minor
4.10. Trailer electrical socket
	(a) A trailer electrical socket:
	(i) insecure	Minor
	(ii) likely to become detached	Major
	(b) Trailer electrical socket wiring:
	(i) insulation damaged or deteriorated	Minor
	(ii) insulation damaged or deteriorated and likely to cause a short-circuit	Major
	(c) A 13-pin trailer socket:
	(i) not functioning correctly	Major
	(ii) not functioning at all	Dangerous
4.11. Electrical wiring
	(a) Electrical wiring:
	(i) insecure or inadequately secured	Minor
	(ii) insecure and in contact with sharp edges or connectors likely to become disconnected	Major
	(iii) likely to touch hot or rotating parts, drag on the ground or the connectors for braking or steering disconnected	Dangerous
	(b) Electrical wiring:
	(i) slightly deteriorated	Minor
	(ii) so damaged or deteriorated it is likely to cause a short-circuit	Major
	(iii) for braking or steering components extremely deteriorated	Dangerous
	(b) Electrical wiring insulation:
	(i) damaged or deteriorated	Minor
	(ii) heavily deteriorated	Major
	(iii) in such a condition there is an imminent risk of fire or formation of sparks	Dangerous
4.13. Battery(ies)
	(a) A battery insecure:
	(i) but not likely to fall from carrier	Minor
	(ii) and likely to fall from carrier or cause a short circuit	Major
	(b) A battery leaking	Major

Section 5. Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension

Nearly all defects in Section 5 count as "Major" or "Dangerous" and will fail your car in the MOT inspection. This section covers axles, wheels, wheel bearings, tyres, suspension, springs, etc.

MOT Fail Codes: Section 5. Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension		Severity
5.1. Axles
5.1.1. Axles
	(a) An axle fractured or deformed	Dangerous
	(b) An axle:
	(i) insecure or with loose fixing bolts	Major
	(ii) insecure such that stability is impaired or functionality affected	Dangerous
	(c) An axle:
	(i) with an unsafe modification	Major
	(ii) modified so that vehicle stability is impaired or axle functionality affected	Dangerous
5.1.2. Stub axles
	(a) A stub axle fractured	Dangerous
	(b) A stub axle swivel pin and/or bush:
	(i) excessively worn	Major
	(ii) is so excessive the stub axle is likely to become insecure or directional stability is impaired	Dangerous
	(c) Movement between the stub axle and axle beam:
	(i) is excessive	Major
	(ii) insecure or directional stability is impaired	Dangerous
	(d) A king pin:
	(i) loose in the axle beam	Major
	(ii) so loose it is likely to affect directional stability	Dangerous
5.1.3. Wheel bearings
	(a) A wheel bearing:
	(i) with excessive play	Major
	(ii) play so excessive it is likely to break up or directional control impaired	Dangerous
	(b) A wheel bearing:
	(i) excessively rough	Major
	(ii) likely to collapse	Dangerous
5.2. Wheels and tyres
5.2.1. Road wheel and hub
	(a) A wheel:
	(i) with a loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud	Major
	(ii) with more than one loose or missing wheel nut, bolt or stud	Dangerous
	(b) A spigot mounted wheel hub:
	(i) excessively worn or damaged	Major
	(ii) worn or damaged to the extent that wheel security is adversely affected	Dangerous
5.2.2. Road wheel condition
	(a) Any fracture or welding defect on a wheel	Dangerous
	(b) A tyre retaining ring:
	(i) not correctly fitted	Major
	(ii) likely to come off	Dangerous
	(c) A wheel:
	(i) badly distorted or wear between wheel and hub at spigot mounting	Major
	(ii) distorted or worn to the extent the wheel or tyre is likely to become detached	Dangerous
	(d) A wheel and its fixings not compatible	Major
5.2.3. Tyres
	(a) A tyre:
	(i) load capacity or speed rating not in accordance with the minimum requirements	Major
	(ii) load capacity insufficient for axle presented weight	Dangerous
	(b) Tyres on the same axle or on twin wheels are different sizes	Major
	(c) Tyres on the same axle of different structure	Major
	(d) A tyre:
	(i) with a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords	Major
	(ii) with a lump, bulge or tear caused by separation or partial failure of its structure, including any lifting of the tread rubber or with cords exposed or damaged	Dangerous
	(e) Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements	Dangerous
	(f) A tyre fouling a part of the vehicle	Major
	(g) A recut tyre fitted to a vehicle not permitted to be fitted with recut tyres	Major
	(h) Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously not working	Major
	(i) A tyre not fitted in compliance with the manufacturer’s sidewall instructions	Major
	(j) A tyre valve seriously damaged or misaligned likely to cause sudden deflation of the tyre	Dangerous
	(k) A tyre incorrectly seated on the wheel rim	Major
	(l) Tyre obviously under-inflated	Minor
5.3. Suspension
5.3.1. Springs
	(a) A spring:
	(i) insecurely attached to chassis or axle	Major
	(ii) with fixings loose to the extent that relative movement is visible	Dangerous
	(b) A spring:
	(i) or spring component fractured or seriously weakened	Major
	(ii) main leaf fractured	Dangerous
	(c) A spring:
	(i) missing	Major
	(ii) missing and directional control affected	Dangerous
	(d) A spring:
	(i) with an unsafe modification	Major
	(ii) modified so that the suspension is inoperative	Dangerous
5.3.2. Shock absorbers
	(a) A shock absorber:
	(i) insecurely attached to chassis or axle	Major
	(ii) missing or likely to become detached	Dangerous
	(b) A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage	Major
	(c) A shock absorber bush excessively worn	Major
5.3.3. Suspension arms, rods, struts, sub-frames, anti-roll bars etc.
	(a) A suspension component:
	(i) insecurely attached to chassis or axle	Major
	(ii) missing, likely to become detached or directional stability impaired	Dangerous
	(b) A suspension component:
	(i) excessively damaged or corroded	Major
	(ii) fractured or likely to fail	Dangerous
	(a) A suspension component:
	(i) with an unsafe modification	Major
	(ii) modified so that the suspension is inoperative or likely to foul other components	Dangerous
5.3.4. Suspension joints, pins and bushes
	(a) A suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing:
	(i) excessively worn	Major
	(ii) likely to become detached	Dangerous
	(b) A suspension joint dust cover:
	(i) severely deteriorated	Minor
	(ii) missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc.	Major
5.3.5. Gas, air and fluid suspension
	(a) A gas, air or fluid suspension system inoperative	Dangerous
	(b) A gas, air or fluid suspension system component damaged, modified or deteriorated in a way that:
	(i) it would adversely affect the functioning of the system	Major
	(ii) its function is seriously affected	Dangerous
	(c) An obvious leak from any part of the system	Major
5.3.6. Complete suspension system
	(a) The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a ’prescribed area’):
	(i) is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired	Major
	(ii) is so weakened that control of the vehicle is likely to be adversely affected	Dangerous

Section 6. Body, structure and attachments

Section 6 includes checks of some significant structures integral to the safety of your vehicle. Such is the seriousness of this section that a fail in 4 out of 10 defect categories means you can't drive away until the defect is fixed (they are considered "Dangerous" defects). The MOT inspection covers the transmission, driving controls, door catches, coupling mechanisms, fuel system, exhaust system, bumpers, body condition and more.

MOT Fail Codes: Section 6. Body, structure and attachments		Severity
6.1. Structure and attachments
6.1.1. General condition
	(a) A main load-bearing structural member:
	(i) fractured or deformed such that structural rigidity is significantly reduced	Major
	(ii) fractured or deformed such that steering or braking is likely to be adversely affected	Dangerous
	(b) Strengthening plates or fastenings:
	(i) insecure	Major
	(ii) so insecure that structural rigidity is seriously reduced	Dangerous
	(c) Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that:
	(i) the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced	Major
	(ii) steering or braking is likely to be adversely affected	Dangerous
6.1.2. Exhaust system
	(a) Exhaust system has a major leak or is insecure	Major
	(b) Exhaust fumes:
	(i) entering cabin	Major
	(ii) causing a danger to health of persons on board	Dangerous
6.1.3. Fuel system
	(a) Fuel tank, pipe or hose:
	(i) insecure	Major
	(ii) insecure such that there is a risk of fire	Dangerous
	(b) Fuel system:
	(i) leaking, or missing or ineffective filler cap	Major
	(ii) leaking excessively or a risk of fire	Dangerous
	(c) Fuel pipe or hose:
	(i) chafing	Minor
	(ii) damaged	Major
	(d) Not in use
	(e) Fire risk due to fuel tank shield or exhaust shield missing where fitted as original equipment	Dangerous
	(f) Any part of an LPG/CNG/LNG or hydrogen system defective	Dangerous
6.1.4. Bumpers
	(a) Bumper:
	(i) insecure or with damage likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted	Major
	(ii) likely to become detached	Dangerous
6.1.5. Spare wheel carrier (if fitted)
	(a) A spare wheel carrier fractured or insecure	Major
	(b) A spare wheel:
	(i) insecure in carrier	Major
	(ii) likely to become detached	Dangerous
6.1.6. Coupling mechanisms and towing equipment
	(a) A towbar component damaged, defective or fractured	Major
	(b) A towbar component:
	(i) excessively worn	Major
	(ii) so worn it is likely to fail	Dangerous
	(c) A towbar attachment:
	(i) defective or insecure	Major
	(ii) likely to become detached	Dangerous
	(d) A towbar safety device damaged or not operating correctly	Major
	(e) A towbar coupling indicator not working	Major
	(f) Towbar:
	(i) obstructing the registration plate or any lamp	Minor
	(ii) obstructing the registration plate so that it is unreadable	Major
	(g) Unsafe modification:
	(i) to towbar secondary components	Major
	(ii) to towbar primary components	Dangerous
	(h) Coupling too weak	Major
	(i) The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any towbar mounting bracket:
	(i) is significantly reduced	Major
	(ii) is so weakened that the towbar is likely to become detached	Dangerous
6.1.7. Transmission
	(a) A transmission shaft:
	(i) securing bolts loose or missing	Major
	(ii) likely to become detached	Dangerous
	(b) A transmission shaft bearing:
	(i) excessively worn	Major
	(ii) likely to break up	Dangerous
	(c) A transmission:
	(i) joint, belt or chain excessively worn	Major
	(ii) so worn it is likely to fail	Dangerous
	(d) A transmission shaft flexible coupling:
	(i) excessively deteriorated	Major
	(ii) so deteriorated it is likely to fail	Dangerous
	(e) A transmission shaft bent or badly damaged	Major
	(f) A transmission shaft bearing housing:
	(i) fractured or insecure	Major
	(ii) likely to fail	Dangerous
	(g) A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot:
	(i) severely deteriorated	Minor
	(ii) missing, split, insecure or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt	Major
6.1.8. Engine mountings
	(a) An engine mounting or bracket:
	(i) severely damaged or deteriorated resulting in excessive movement	Major
	(ii) fractured, missing or excessively loose	Dangerous
6.2. Body and interior
6.2.1. Body condition
	(a) A body panel or body component:
	(i) damaged or corroded and likely to cause injury when grazed or contacted, or insecure	Major
	(ii) likely to become detached	Dangerous
	(b) A body pillar:
	(i) insecure	Major
	(ii) so insecure that load stability or security likely to be seriously impaired	Dangerous
	(c) The passenger compartment in such a condition that:
	(i) it permits the entry of exhaust fumes	Major
	(ii) exhaust fumes lead to a danger to health of persons on board	Dangerous
	(d) Body:
	(i) has an unsafe modification	Major
	(ii) modification likely to adversely affect braking or steering	Dangerous
	(e) A bootlid, tailgate, dropside, loading door or access panel cannot be secured in the closed position	Major
6.2.2. Cab and body mounting
	(a) A body or cab:
	(i) insecure	Major
	(ii) insecure to the extent that stability is seriously impaired	Dangerous
	(b) A body or cab obviously not squarely located on chassis	Major
	(c) Body or cab mounting:
	(i) fixings missing or insecure such that overall security is significantly reduced	Major
	(ii) fixings missing or insecure such that stability is seriously impaired	Dangerous
	(d) Body, cab or chassis:
	(i) excessively corroded at mounting points	Major
	(ii) corroded at mounting points to the extent that overall security or stability is seriously impaired	Dangerous
6.2.3. Doors and door catches
	(a) A door will not open using the relevant control or close properly	Major
	(b) A door likely to open inadvertently or not remain closed:
	(i) in the case of a sliding door	Major
	(ii) in the case of a turning door	Dangerous
	(c) A door hinge, catch or pillar:
	(i) excessively deteriorated	Minor
	(ii) missing or insecure	Major
6.2.4. Floor
	(a) A floor:
	(i) excessively deteriorated or insecure	Major
	(ii) so deteriorated or insecure it is likely to cause loss of control of the vehicle, injury, load insecurity or instability	Dangerous
6.2.5. Driver’s seat
	(a) A driver’s seat:
	(i) with a defective structure	Major
	(ii) insecure	Dangerous
	(b) A driver’s seat:
	(i) fore and aft adjustment mechanism not working as intended	Major
	(ii) seat moving inadvertently or backrest cannot be retained in the upright position	Dangerous
6.2.6. Passenger seats
	(a) A passenger seat:
	(i) with a defective structure or the backrest cannot be retained in the upright position	Major
	(ii) insecure	Dangerous
6.2.7. Driving controls
	(a) A driving control necessary for the safe operation of the vehicle:
	(i) not functioning correctly	Major
	(ii) not working or functioning such that safe operation of the vehicle is affected	Dangerous
6.2.8. Cab steps (if fitted)
	(a) A cab step or step ring:
	(i) insecure	Minor
	(ii) so insecure that it is likely to cause injury	Major
	(b) A cab step or step ring in such a condition that it is likely to cause injury	Major
6.2.9. Not in use
6.2.10. Not in use
6.2.11. Not in use
6.2.12. Handgrips and footrests
	(a) A handgrip or footrest missing or insecure	Major

Section 7. Other equipment

Section 7 captures the horn, speedometer, airbags, anti-theft devices and the condition and security of seat belts (seat belts are also checked as part of Section 10).

MOT Fail Codes: Section 7. Other equipment		Severity
7.1. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (SRS)
7.1.1. Seat belt security
	(a) The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any seat belt anchorage (a ’prescribed area’):
	(i) is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired	Major
	(ii) anchorage likely to become detached in the event of a collision	Dangerous
	(b) Seat belt anchorage loose	Major
7.1.2. Seat belt fitment and condition
	(a) A statutory seat belt missing	Major
	(b) A seat belt:
	(i) or flexible stalk damaged	Major
	(ii) webbing or flexible stalk significantly stretched or weakened	Dangerous
	(c) Seat belt not functioning as intended or of an incorrect type	Major
	(d) Seat belt buckle missing, damaged or not functioning as intended	Major
	(e) Seat belt retractor not functioning as intended	Major
7.1.3. Seat belt load limiters
	(a) A seat belt load limiter fitted as original equipment obviously missing or a folded webbing type load limiter deployed	Major
7.1.4. Seat belt pre-tensioners
	(a) A seat belt pre-tensioner fitted as original equipment obviously missing or deployed	Major
7.1.5. Airbags
	(a) An airbag fitted as original equipment obviously missing	Major
	(b) Not in use
	(c) An airbag obviously inoperative	Major
7.1.6. Supplementary restraint system (SRS)
	(a) An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction	Major
7.3. Anti-theft device
	(a) Steering lock missing or not functioning	Minor
	(b) Steering lock inadvertently engaging	Dangerous
7.7. Audible warning (horn)
	(a) Audible warning:
	(i) not working properly	Minor
	(ii) inoperative	Major
	(b) Audible warning control insecure	Minor
	(c) Audible warning not in accordance with requirements	Major
7.8. Speedometer
	(a) Speedometer not fitted where one is required	Major
	(b) Speedometer:
	(i) operation impaired	Minor
	(ii) not working	Major
	(c) Speedometer:
	(i) not sufficiently illuminated	Minor
	(ii) not illuminated	Major
7.10. Speed limiter (if required)
	(a) Speed limiter not fitted in accordance with the requirements	Major
	(b) Speed limiter obviously not operational	Major
	(c) Speed limiter with an incorrect set speed	Major
	(d) Speed limiter tamperproof device missing or defective	Major
	(e) Speed limiter plate missing or illegible	Major
7.12. Electronic stability control (ESC)
	(a) Wheel speed sensors missing or damaged	Major
	(b) ESC wiring damaged	Major
	(c) Other ESC component missing or damaged	Major
	(d) ESC switch damaged or not functioning correctly	Major
	(e) ESC MIL indicates a system malfunction	Major

Section 8. Nuisance

The MOT inspection includes rules for noise, exhaust emissions, engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and fluid leaks. All defects in this category count as "Major" or "Dangerous" and will trigger an MOT fail.

MOT Fail Codes: Section 8. Nuisance		Severity
8.1. Noise
8.1.1. Noise suppression system
	(a) Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted	Major
	(b) Any part of the noise suppression system:
	(i) insecure	Major
	(ii) likely to become detached	Dangerous
8.2. Exhaust emissions
8.2.1. Spark ignition engine emissions
8.2.1.1. Exhaust emission control equipment
	(a) Emission control equipment fitted by the manufacturer: missing, obviously modified or obviously defective	Major
	(b) An induction or exhaust leak that could affect emissions levels	Major
8.2.1.2. Gaseous emissions
	(a) Emissions levels exceed the manufacturer’s specified limits	Major
	(b) Emissions levels exceed default limits	Major
	(c) Lambda coefficient outside the default limits or the range specified by the manufacturer	Major
	(d) Emissions test unable to be completed	Major
	(e) Engine is idling clearly above its normal idle speed	Major
	(f) Exhaust emits dense blue or clearly visible black smoke for a continuous period of 5 seconds at idle	Major
	(g) Exhaust emits excessive dense blue or clearly visible black smoke during acceleration which would obscure the view of other road users	Major
	(h) Engine MIL inoperative or indicating a malfunction	Major
8.2.2. Compression ignition engine emissions
8.2.2.1. Exhaust emission control equipment
	(a) Emission control equipment fitted by the manufacturer missing, obviously modified or obviously defective	Major
	(b) An induction or exhaust leak that could affect emissions levels	Major
	(c) Evidence that the diesel particulate filter has been tampered with	Major
8.2.2.2. Opacity
	(a) Smoke opacity levels exceed the manufacturer’s specified limit	Major
	(b) Smoke opacity levels exceed default limit	Major
	(c) Exhaust emits excessive smoke or vapour of any colour to an extent likely to obscure the vision of other road users	Dangerous
	(d) Exhaust on a vehicle fitted with a diesel particulate filter emits visible smoke of any colour	Major
	(e) Emissions test unable to be completed	Major
	(f) Emissions test not completed because smoke levels are significantly in excess of the specified limit values	Major
	(g) Engine MIL inoperative or indicating a malfunction	Major
8.3. Not in use
8.4. Other environmental items
8.4.1. Fluid leaks
	(a) Fluid:
	(i) leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users	Major
	(ii) leaking continuously and likely to pose a serious risk to road safety	Dangerous

Section 9. Supplementary tests for buses and coaches

On buses and coaches, there are additional MOT checks regarding the security of grab handles, properly working doors, emergency exits, etc.

MOT Fail Codes: Section 9. Supplementary tests for buses and coaches		Severity
9.1. Doors
9.1.1. Entrance and exit doors
	(a) An entrance or exit door defective in operation	Major
	(b) An entrance or exit door:
	(i) excessively deteriorated	Minor
	(ii) deteriorated and likely to cause injury	Major
	(c) An entrance or exit door emergency control inoperative	Major
	(d) An entrance or exit door remote control or warning device inoperative	Major
9.1.2. Emergency exits
	(a) An emergency exit defective in operation	Major
	(b) An emergency exit sign:
	(i) illegible or not in accordance with the requirements	Minor
	(ii) missing	Major
	(c) Missing break glass hammer (where required)	Minor
	(d) No emergency exit provided (where one is required) or access blocked	Major
9.2. Not in use
9.3. Not in use
9.4. Not in use
9.5. Not in use
9.6. Passenger grab handles
	(a) Not in use
	(b) A passenger grab handle:
	(i) defective	Minor
	(ii) insecure or unusable	Major
9.7. Steps and stairs
	(a) A step or stair:
	(i) in a deteriorated condition	Minor
	(ii) significantly damaged	Major
	(iii) in such a condition as to affect the stability of passengers during use	Dangerous
	(b) A retractable step not operating correctly	Major

Section 10. Seat belt installation checks

The correct number of seat belts will be checked, as will the bolts and anchorages, condition of the webbing—fraying or cut webbing can be reasons for a failure (e.g., a seat belt chewed by a puppy)—etc.

MOT Fail Codes: Section 10. Seat belt installation checks		Severity
10.1. Seat belt installation requirements (Class 4A & 5A approved VTS only)
10.2. Seat belt installation guidance notes
	(a) Evidence that original webbing has been cut and/or reworked; eg belts knotted, fraying or fluffing removed/ sealed by burning etc (see note A)	Major
	(b) Any part of the installation which has a sharp edge which could or is likely to cut or abrade the webbing	Major
	(c) A directly attached anchorage not secured by standard seat belt mounting bolts and washers as detailed in note D	Major
	(d) An anchorage insecure	Major
	(e) A tubular seat frame that has been drilled for the purpose of attaching a seat belt (see note F)	Major
	(f) A directly attached anchorage not attached to a load bearing member or without suitable reinforcement (see notes I, N and O)	Major
	(g) Retro-fitted three point belt which is not mounted on a suitable structure (see Diagram 5)	Major
	(h) Tubular frame legs or tubular “H” pattern legs which have not been reinforced with buttressing and diagonal bracing (see Diagram 6), or buttressing where a floor mounted belt is fitted close to a seat leg	Major
	(i) Retro-fitted three point belt fitted to a seat on which the leg and frame has not been suitably modified (see note K)	Major
	(j) Rail or other harsh object without suitable padding as required at note M)	Major
	(k) Lower anchorage’s less than 320mm apart (see note P)	Major
	(l) In such a position that loading the belt causes the cushion to be raised or significantly compressed thus allowing the occupant effectively to move forward	Major
	(m) An anchorage attached to the floor without reinforcement plates of a suitable size and contour (see notes N and O)	Major
	(n) With load spreading washer(s) missing from anchorage bolt	Major
	(o) Claw type seat mounting with inadequate means of securing claw (see note P)	Major
	(p) On a seat fitted to a flat rail the bolt does not pass through the leg, rail, floor, and a suitable structural member, or the floor has not been suitably reinforced	Major
	(q) Tracking for seats and wheelchairs insecure (see note R)	Major
	(r) Free movement for a looped belt more than 25mm at the anchorage	Major
	(s) Upper anchorage of three point belt less than 475mm above uncompressed seat cushion measured parallel to the seat back (see note T)	Major
	(t) Upper anchorage of three point belt(s) less than 110mm from centre line of seat (see note T)	Major
	(u) Incorrect positioning of a lap belt or lap section of a three point belt, ie the belt lies across the stomach or forward of the top quarter of the thigh	Major
	(v) A seat belt component fitted to a seat significantly intrudes into a gangway and is likely to cause injury to a passenger	Major

When you take into account all that has to be checked to ensure a vehicle is road worthy, it almost why you wonder why the cost of an MOT isn't higher.

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4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot
Competitive MOT test prices
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Up to 50% cheaper than franchise dealers
Next day bookings at your home or office

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MOT testing guide from Gov.uk

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MOT Fail Code Example

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Section 0. Identification of the vehicle

Section 1. Brakes

Section 2. Steering

Section 3. Visibility

Section 4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

Section 5. Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension

Section 6. Body, structure and attachments

Section 7. Other equipment

Section 8. Nuisance

Section 9. Supplementary tests for buses and coaches

Section 10. Seat belt installation checks

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