1. Lights. This causes almost a fifth of cars to fail and MOT test, most commonly a blown bulb or a cracked lens.
2. Suspension. In the UK, over one in ten cars fail as a result of suspension issues. So if your car doesn’t sit level or ‘clucks’ as you drive over bumpy roads, you are likely to have a problem.
3. Brakes. Again, about one in ten cars and vans fail the MOT test because the footbrake or handbrake is not up to standard. If you have a problem it should be obvious, like having to 'pump’ the brake pedal or squealing or grinding noise from the brakes.
4. Tyres. Another major item is tyres which also amount to around one in ten failures. Try and get into the habit of checking your tyres monthly for tread wear and damage. Issues in the areas would mean you fail and MOT test.
The driverhelpline car gurus have a list of quick and easy checks below which you can do yourself, before your MOT test.