What Is a Pre-MOT Check?
FixMyCar explains how a pre-MOT check could save you time, money and stress.
Book a pre-MOT check nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Thursday September 04 2025
5 min read
A pre-MOT check or inspection is a great way to identify and fix problems before your car has its MOT, increasing the likelihood of a first-time pass. In this guide, we explain what’s checked, key benefits and how much it costs.
What's included in a pre-MOT check?
A pre-MOT inspection covers many of the same checks as an MOT to identify any areas where your car might fail.
These checks include:
Lights and indicators: Must be correctly positioned, in good condition and the right colour.
Horn: Must make a continuous sound loud enough to be heard by other road users.
Battery and wiring: Must be secure and in good condition.
Fluids: Must be topped up to the correct level.
Steering and suspension: Must be functional and in good condition.
Brakes: The levers, pedal and brakes must be functional and in good condition.
Tyres: Tread depth must not be below 1.6mm; tyre condition should be good, with no cuts, tears or lumps.
Seat belts: Must be functional and in good condition.
Registration plates: Must be clean, secure and readable from 20 metres away.
Exhaust: Must be secure and free from leaks.
Mirrors: Must be secure and provide an adequate view of the road.
What are the benefits of booking a pre-MOT check?
Booking a pre-MOT check can save you time, money and stress.
Identify issues early
The inspection can catch common issues that cause MOT failures, such as broken lights, bald tyres and worn suspension. You then have time to fix these issues before your test, increasing the chance of your car passing the first time.
Save money
If your car fails its MOT and your existing MOT certificate has run out, you can't drive it anywhere else for repairs - you're stuck with the prices of the garage where the test took place. However, if you get a pre-MOT check first, you have the freedom to shop around for the best repair price, which could ultimately save you a significant amount of money.
Convenience
You can plan repairs at a time and place that suits you, rather than rushing to get your vehicle back on the road after an MOT failure. It also reduces the chance of you being without a car unexpectedly.
Higher pass rate
Cars that have a pre-MOT check are more likely to pass the first time, reducing the amount of stress and uncertainty you face.
Peace of mind
Booking a pre-MOT check helps you catch issues early before they become bigger, more expensive to repair, and potentially dangerous. You can drive with confidence knowing your car is roadworthy and likely to pass its MOT with flying colours.
How long does a pre-MOT check take?
It usually takes less than an hour. It depends on the thoroughness of the check; it's worth asking what's included before you book your car in.
How much does a pre-MOT check cost?
The average price of a pre-MOT check on FixMyCar is £35.98.
Is a pre-MOT check worth it?
A pre-MOT check not only improves your chances of passing first time but also protects your car’s value.
A strong record of clean MOT passes makes your vehicle more attractive to buyers and can boost its resale price. If your car fails, you’re stuck - you can’t legally drive it away, which means you’re tied to that garage’s repair costs with no chance to shop around.
By spotting issues early, a pre-MOT gives you choice, flexibility and peace of mind.
Book your pre-MOT check today
Stay in control of costs, boost your chance of a first-time MOT pass and protect your car’s value. Enter your registration number to compare trusted garages and get the best deal near you.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, your car still needs to have an MOT test even if the pre-MOT check doesn't flag any issues. It's a legal requirement for vehicles to have an annual MOT, except in specific circumstances.
A pre-MOT check is all about helping your car pass its MOT. It mirrors the same key checks inspectors carry out, so any issues can be fixed in advance. Think of it as a safety net to avoid a fail.
A full service, on the other hand, focuses on your car's overall health and long-term reliability. Along with basic safety checks, it typically includes oil and filter changes, fluid top-ups, and replacement of some parts, such as spark plugs. It keeps your car running smoothly and prevents breakdowns.
Ideally, you'll want to book a pre-MOT check a few weeks before your car's actual MOT. This timeframe will give you enough time to arrange repairs if any are needed, but it's also close enough that new issues won't develop between the check and your test.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:
- Related topics:
- Maintenance
- Mot
- Pre Mot Check
- Servicing And Mot
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.