Number plates
- How to check
- Both plates present, clean, legible and firmly attached; the rear plate light works.
- Fails when
- A plate is missing, cracked, faded, loose or unlit.
Inspection pre-check
Go through what the inspector checks, before you book. Mark each item after checking it yourself.
An owner pre-check, not the official test: stations measure things you can't (brake force, headlight aim, emissions). Rules differ by country - always confirm with the official source.
Next inspection due
Enter the first registration date to calculate when the next inspection is due.
Calculated from the general rule; exceptions exist. Check the official source: Official information · Official inspection history · DVSA
Identification
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Vehicle identification number
- How to check
- Find the VIN (usually base of the windscreen or door pillar) and check it is legible and matches your registration document.
- Fails when
- The VIN is unreadable, tampered with, or doesn't match the documents.
Brakes
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Brake and ABS warning lights
Safety-related- How to check
- Start the engine: the brake and ABS lights should come on briefly, then go out. The parking brake light should go off when released.
- Fails when
- A brake or ABS warning light stays on.
Brake pedal and pulling
Safety-related- How to check
- With the engine running, the pedal should feel firm and not sink slowly under steady pressure. On a quiet road at low speed, the car should brake straight.
- Fails when
- The pedal is spongy or sinks, or the car pulls to one side when braking.
Parking brake
Safety-related- How to check
- Park facing up a slope and apply the parking brake: the car must hold without the footbrake.
- Fails when
- The car rolls, or the lever travels unusually far.
Brake fluid
Safety-related- How to check
- Level between MIN and MAX in the reservoir; no fluid on the inside of the wheels or under the car.
- Fails when
- Level below MIN or any sign of a brake fluid leak.
Discs and pads
Safety-related- How to check
- Look through the wheel spokes: discs without deep grooves or a pronounced lip, pad material still visible. Don't touch - brakes get very hot.
- Fails when
- Heavily scored or worn discs, pads worn down, or grinding when braking.
Steering
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Steering
Safety-related- How to check
- Engine running, car still: turn the wheel gently left and right. The wheels should respond almost immediately, with no knocking.
- Fails when
- Noticeable free play, knocking, stiffness, or a power steering warning.
Visibility
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Windscreen
- How to check
- Check for chips and cracks, especially in the area the wipers clear in front of the driver.
- Fails when
- Cracks or chips in the driver's field of view (national size limits apply).
Wipers and washers
- How to check
- Wipers clear the screen without smearing; washer jets spray onto the screen.
- Fails when
- Torn blades, wipers that don't clear, or no washer fluid spray.
Mirrors
- How to check
- All required mirrors present, intact and adjustable.
- Fails when
- A mirror is missing, cracked or won't stay in position.
Lights and electrics
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Headlights
- How to check
- Dipped and main beam work on both sides; lenses clear, not cracked or badly faded. Aim is measured at the station.
- Fails when
- A beam doesn't work, a lens is broken, or the light dazzles.
Indicators and hazard lights
- How to check
- All indicators and the hazard lights flash, at a normal rate.
- Fails when
- An indicator doesn't work or flashes fast (usually a failed bulb).
Brake lights
- How to check
- Ask someone to watch, or reverse up to a wall at night: all brake lights incl. the high-level one light up.
- Fails when
- Any brake light not working.
Other lights
- How to check
- Side/position lights, rear fog light, reversing light and number plate light all work.
- Fails when
- Any required light not working.
Warning lights on the dashboard
Safety-related- How to check
- Start the engine: airbag, engine management, ABS and other warning lights must go out after a few seconds.
- Fails when
- An airbag, engine management or other safety warning light stays on.
Horn
- How to check
- Press the horn: one steady, clear sound.
- Fails when
- No sound, or a weak or intermittent sound.
Wheels, tyres and suspension
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Tyres
Safety-related- How to check
- Tread depth at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters (EU minimum; winter tyre rules may be stricter). No cuts, bulges or exposed cords; same size and type on each axle.
- Fails when
- Tread below the legal minimum, damage to the sidewall, or mismatched tyres on an axle.
Suspension
Safety-related- How to check
- Drive slowly over bumps: no knocking or clunking. No oil on the shock absorbers, no broken springs, car sits level.
- Fails when
- Knocking, leaking shock absorbers, broken springs, or the car leans.
Body and structure
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Rust and structure
Safety-related- How to check
- Look under the sills, floor, jacking points and around suspension mounts for rust holes.
- Fails when
- Rust that has made holes in the floor, sills or near suspension or seat-belt mounts.
Fluid leaks
Safety-related- How to check
- Check under the car after it has been parked: no fresh oil, coolant or fuel drips.
- Fails when
- Any fuel leak, or a significant oil or coolant leak.
Doors, bonnet and boot
- How to check
- All doors, the bonnet and the boot open and close properly and latch securely.
- Fails when
- A door, bonnet or boot that doesn't latch securely.
Safety equipment
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Seat belts
Safety-related- How to check
- Pull each belt out fully: no fraying or cuts; it clicks in, releases, and retracts smoothly. It locks when pulled sharply.
- Fails when
- A frayed belt, a buckle that doesn't latch, or a belt that doesn't retract or lock.
Exhaust and emissions
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Exhaust system
- How to check
- Engine running: no blowing or rattling, no unusually loud noise; the system is secured.
- Fails when
- An exhaust leak, a loose or damaged system, or excessive noise.
Smoke and emissions
- How to check
- No visible smoke once warm. The emissions test itself is measured at the station. A removed or emptied particulate filter (DPF) fails and is illegal.
- Fails when
- Visible smoke, an engine warning light, or an emissions device removed or tampered with.
Your readiness
An owner pre-check, not the official test: stations measure things you can't (brake force, headlight aim, emissions). Rules differ by country - always confirm with the official source.