MOT Inspection Manual

Cars & passenger vehicles — Sections 0–8

Source: GOV.UK / DVSA • Open Government Licence v3.0

Dangerous Major Minor Advisory

0. Identification

View on GOV.UK ↗

0.1 Registration plates

0.1 Registration plates

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	A registration plate is missing	Major
(b)	A registration plate is insecure	Minor
(c)	A registration plate character is not clearly legible	Major
(d)	A registration plate is incorrect	Major
(e)	A registration plate does not comply with regulations	Minor

0.2 Vehicle identification number (VIN)

0.2 VIN

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	No VIN can be found	Major
(b)	VIN is incomplete or illegible	Major
(c)	Multiple conflicting VINs	Major

Full section 0 on GOV.UK ↗

1. Brakes

View on GOV.UK ↗

1.1 Condition and operation

1.1.1 Service brake pedal or hand lever pivot

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Pivot too tight	Major
(b)	Excessive wear or free play	Major

1.1.2 Service brake pedal or hand lever condition and travel

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Insufficient reserve travel	Major
(b)(i)	Brake control not releasing correctly	Minor
(b)(ii)	Brake control — brakes functionality affected	Major
(c)	Anti-slip provision missing, loose or worn smooth	Major

1.1.10 Brake servo units and master cylinder

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Brake servo defective or ineffective	Major
(a)(ii)	Brake servo inoperative	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Master cylinder defective	Major
(b)(ii)	Master cylinder leaking	Dangerous
(c)	Master cylinder insecure	Major
(d)(i)	Brake fluid below minimum mark	Minor
(d)(ii)	Brake fluid significantly below minimum mark	Major
(d)(iii)	Brake fluid not visible	Dangerous
(e)	Master cylinder reservoir cap missing	Major
(f)	Brake fluid warning light illuminated or defective	Minor

1.1.11 Rigid brake pipes

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Brake pipe at imminent risk of failure or fracture	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Leaking pipe/connection — air brake system	Major
(b)(ii)	Leaking pipe/connection — hydraulic system	Dangerous
(c)	Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded	Major
(d)(i)	Brake pipe inadequately clipped or supported	Minor
(d)(ii)	Brake pipe likely to become detached or damaged	Major

1.1.12 Flexible brake hoses

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Brake hose damaged and likely to fail	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Hose slightly damaged, chafed or twisted	Minor
(b)(ii)	Hose excessively damaged or deteriorated	Major
(c)(i)	Hose/connections leaking — air brake system	Major
(c)(ii)	Hose/connections leaking — hydraulic system	Dangerous
(d)	Hose bulging under pressure	Major
(e)	Hose porous	Major
(f)(i)	Ferrules excessively corroded	Major
(f)(ii)	Ferrules corroded and likely to fail	Dangerous

1.1.13 Brake linings and pads

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Pad/lining worn down to wear indicator	Major
(a)(ii)	Pad/lining worn below 1.5mm	Dangerous
(b)	Pad/lining contaminated with oil or grease	Major
(c)	Pad/lining missing or incorrectly mounted	Dangerous

1.1.14 Brake discs and drums

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Disc or drum significantly and obviously worn	Major
(a)(ii)	Disc or drum insecure, fractured or likely to fail	Dangerous
(b)	Disc or drum contaminated with oil or grease	Major
(c)	Disc or drum missing	Dangerous
(d)	Brake drum back plate insecure	Major

1.1.15 Brake cables, rods, levers and linkages

Ref	Defect description	Category
(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 lever movement indicating maladjustment or excessive wear	Major

1.1.16 Brake actuators

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Actuator cracked or damaged — performance not affected	Major
(a)(ii)	Actuator cracked or damaged — performance affected	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Actuator leaking — performance not affected	Major
(b)(ii)	Actuator leaking — performance affected	Dangerous
(c)(i)	Actuator insecure — performance not affected	Major
(c)(ii)	Actuator insecure — performance affected	Dangerous
(d)(i)	Actuator excessively corroded	Major
(d)(ii)	Actuator excessively corroded and likely to crack	Dangerous

1.1.21 Complete braking system

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Other braking component damaged — adverse effect	Major
(a)(ii)	Other braking component leaking — system affected	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Air or antifreeze leaking	Minor
(b)(ii)	Air or antifreeze leaking — braking performance affected	Major
(c)	Any component insecure or inadequately mounted	Major
(d)(i)	Braking system modification unsafe	Major
(d)(ii)	Braking system modification adversely affecting performance	Dangerous
(f)	Brake retaining or locking device ineffective or missing	Major

1.2 Service brake performance and efficiency

1.2.1 Service brake performance

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Braking effort inadequate at a wheel	Major
(a)(ii)	Braking effort not recording at a wheel	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Brake imbalance across axle (>30%)	Major
(b)(ii)	Brake imbalance >50% on steered axle	Dangerous
(c)	A brake grabbing severely on any wheel	Major
(d)	Abnormal lag in brake operation	Major
(e)	Excessive fluctuation in brake effort	Major
(f)	Significant brake effort with no brake applied (binding)	Major

1.2.2 Service brake efficiency

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Service brake efficiency below minimum requirement	Major
(a)(ii)	Service brake efficiency less than 50% of required value	Dangerous

1.3 Secondary brake performance and efficiency

1.3.1 Secondary brake performance

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Braking effort inadequate at any wheel	Major
(a)(ii)	Braking effort not recording at any wheel	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Brake imbalance across axle (>30%)	Major
(b)(ii)	Brake imbalance >50% on steered axle	Dangerous
(c)	A brake grabbing severely	Major

1.3.2 Secondary brake efficiency

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Secondary brake efficiency below minimum requirement	Major
(a)(ii)	Secondary brake efficiency less than 50% of required value	Dangerous

1.4 Parking brake performance and efficiency

1.4.1 Parking brake performance

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Parking brake inoperative on one side	Major

1.4.2 Parking brake efficiency

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement	Major
(a)(ii)	Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of required value	Dangerous

1.5 Additional braking device (retarder) performance

1.5 Additional braking device performance

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Control does not allow gradual variation in effort	Major
(b)	System obviously inoperative	Major

1.6 Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

1.6 ABS system

Ref	Defect description	Category
(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
(f)	ABS system obviously removed	Major

1.7 Electronic braking system (EBS)

1.7 EBS system

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Warning device not working	Major
(b)	Warning device shows system malfunction	Major

1.8 Brake fluid

1.8 Brake fluid

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Brake fluid contaminated	Major

Full section 1 on GOV.UK ↗

2. Steering

View on GOV.UK ↗

2.1 Mechanical condition

2.1.1 Steering gear condition

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Excessive roughness in operation	Major
(b)(i)	Sector shaft twisted or splines excessively worn	Major
(b)(ii)	Sector shaft worn — functionality affected	Dangerous
(c)(i)	Sector shaft excessively worn	Major
(c)(ii)	Sector shaft worn — functionality affected	Dangerous
(d)(i)	Sector shaft has excessive movement	Major
(d)(ii)	Sector shaft movement so excessive — functionality affected	Dangerous
(e)(i)	Steering box leaking oil	Minor
(e)(ii)	Steering box leaking to the extent oil is dripping	Major

2.1.2 Steering gear security

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Steering gear casing not properly attached	Major
(a)(ii)	Steering gear casing dangerously loose	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Steering gear casing fixing holes in chassis elongated	Major
(b)(ii)	Fixing holes elongated — attachment seriously affected	Dangerous
(c)(i)	Steering gear fixing bolts missing or ineffective	Major
(c)(ii)	Fixing bolts missing — attachment seriously affected	Dangerous
(d)(i)	Steering gear casing fractured	Major
(d)(ii)	Steering gear casing fractured — attachment affected	Dangerous

2.1.3 Steering linkage condition

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Steering linkage component with relative movement	Major
(a)(ii)	Steering linkage component with excessive movement or likely to detach	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play	Major
(b)(ii)	Steering ball joint — serious risk of detachment	Dangerous
(c)(i)	Steering linkage component fractured or deformed	Major
(c)(ii)	Steering linkage fractured — steering affected	Dangerous
(d)	Retaining or locking device missing or ineffective	Major
(e)	Track rod or drag link ends seriously misaligned	Major
(g)(i)	Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover damaged	Minor
(g)(ii)	Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing	Major

2.1.4 Steering linkage operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Steering linkage fouling any part of the vehicle	Major
(b)	Steering lock-stop missing or incorrectly adjusted	Major

2.1.5 Power steering

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Power steering fluid leaking or system malfunctioning	Major
(b)(i)	Power steering fluid level below minimum mark	Minor
(b)(ii)	Power steering fluid reservoir empty	Major
(c)(i)	Power steering inoperative	Major
(c)(ii)	Power steering inoperative and steering adversely affected	Dangerous
(d)(i)	Power steering component fractured or insecure	Major
(d)(ii)	Power steering component — steering adversely affected	Dangerous
(g)(i)	Power steering pipe, hose or wiring excessively damaged	Major
(g)(ii)	Power steering pipe/wiring — steering adversely affected	Dangerous

2.2 Steering wheel and column or handlebar, forks and yokes

2.2.1 Steering wheel or handlebar condition

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Relative movement between steering wheel and column — looseness	Major
(a)(ii)	Relative movement — serious risk of detachment	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Steering wheel retaining device missing	Major
(b)(ii)	Steering wheel likely to become detached	Dangerous
(c)(i)	Steering wheel rim or spokes fractured or loose	Major
(c)(ii)	Steering wheel rim or spokes likely to become detached	Dangerous

2.2.2 Steering column or forks and yokes

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Excessive movement of centre of steering wheel up or down	Major
(b)	Excessive radial movement of top of column — excessively worn bearing	Major
(c)	Excessive wear or play in a universal joint or flexible coupling	Major
(d)(i)	Attachment of steering column defective	Major
(d)(ii)	Attachment of column defective — serious risk of detachment	Dangerous
(e)	Unsafe modification to column, forks or fork yoke	Major
(f)(i)	Forks or fork yoke deformed, fractured or insecure	Major
(f)(ii)	Forks or fork yoke — steering control adversely affected	Dangerous
(g)	Steering head bearings have excessive wear or play	Major

2.3 Steering play

2.3 Steering play

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Free play at rim of steering wheel is excessive	Major
(a)(ii)	Free play so excessive that safe steering is affected	Dangerous

2.4 Not in use

2.5 Not in use

2.6 Electronic power steering (EPS)

2.6 Electronic power steering (EPS)

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	EPS MIL indicating a system malfunction	Major
(b)(i)	Fly-by-wire: steering wheel and road wheel angles inconsistent	Major
(b)(ii)	Fly-by-wire: inconsistency — steering adversely affected	Dangerous
(c)	Electronic power assistance not working	Major

Full section 2 on GOV.UK ↗

3. Visibility

View on GOV.UK ↗

3.1 Field of vision

3.1 Field of vision

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Driver's field of vision obstructed — affects driving ability	Major

3.2 Condition of glass

3.2 Condition of glass

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Windscreen damaged in wiper-swept zone — vision not significantly affected	Minor
(a)(ii)	Windscreen damaged — vision significantly affected	Major
(b)	Windows, tint or film does not comply with regulations	Major

3.3 Rear-view mirrors

3.3 Rear-view mirrors

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Mirror missing where required	Major
(b)(i)	Mirror damaged — image not significantly impaired	Minor
(b)(ii)	Mirror damaged — image significantly impaired	Major
(c)	Mirror insecure or excessive vibration	Major

3.4 Windscreen wipers

3.4 Windscreen wipers

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Wiper system inoperative	Major
(b)(i)	Wiper blade smearing or streaking — vision not seriously affected	Minor
(b)(ii)	Wiper blade smearing — forward vision seriously affected	Major

3.5 Windscreen washers

3.5 Windscreen washers

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Washer system not functioning adequately	Minor

Full section 3 on GOV.UK ↗

4. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment

View on GOV.UK ↗

4.1 Headlamps

4.1.1 Headlamps — presence, condition and operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Headlamp with up to ½ LED light sources not functioning	Minor
(a)(ii)	Headlamp missing, inoperative or >½ LED sources not functioning	Major
(b)(i)	Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective	Minor
(b)(ii)	Headlamp reflector or lens seriously defective or missing	Major
(c)	Lamp not securely attached	Major

4.1.2 Headlamp alignment

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	The aim of a headlamp is not within the required limits	Major
(b)	Headlamp aim unable to be tested	Major
(c)	Beam image obviously incorrect	Major

4.1.3 Headlamp switching

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Headlamp 'on' switch does not operate as required	Minor
(b)	Headlamp 'dip' switch does not operate as required	Major

4.1.4 Headlamp compliance with requirements

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Headlamp emitted colour, position or intensity not as required	Major
(b)	Product on lens/light source obviously reduces intensity or changes colour	Major
(c)	Light source and lamp not compatible	Major
(d)	Mandatory headlamps not a matched pair	Major

4.1.5 Headlamp levelling devices

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Headlamp levelling device inoperative	Major
(b)	Manual levelling device cannot be operated from driver's seat	Major

4.1.6 Headlamp cleaning devices

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Headlamp cleaning device inoperative	Minor
(a)(ii)	Headlamp cleaning device inoperative (LED or HID headlamps)	Major

4.2 Position lamps, daytime running lamps and end-outline marker lamps

4.2.1 Position lamps / DRLs — presence, condition and operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Lamp multiple light source — up to ½ not functioning	Minor
(a)(ii)	Lamp missing, inoperative or >½ multiple light source not functioning	Major
(b)	Defective lens	Major
(c)(i)	Lamp not securely attached	Minor
(c)(ii)	Lamp likely to become detached	Major

4.2.2 Position lamps switching

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Switch does not operate as required or rear position lamps can be switched off when headlamps are on	Major
(b)	Function of the switch impaired	Major

4.2.3 Position lamps compliance with requirements

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not as required	Minor
(a)(ii)	Lamp showing red to front, white to rear or heavily reduced intensity	Major
(b)(i)	Product on lens reduces intensity or changes emitted colour	Minor
(b)(ii)	Product on lens — red to front, white to rear or heavily reduced	Major
(c)	Lamp adversely affected by operation of any other lamp	Major

4.3 Stop lamps

4.3.1 Stop lamps — presence, condition and operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Stop lamp(s) — up to ½ multiple source not functioning	Minor
(a)(ii)	Stop lamp(s) missing, inoperative or >½ multiple source not functioning	Major
(a)(iii)	All stop lamp(s) missing or inoperative	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Lens defective — no effect on emitted light	Minor
(b)(ii)	Lens defective — emitted light adversely affected	Major
(c)(i)	Stop lamp not securely attached	Minor
(c)(ii)	Stop lamp likely to become detached	Major

4.3.2 Stop lamps switching

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Stop lamp switch does not operate as required	Minor
(a)(ii)	Stop lamp switch with delay in operation	Major
(a)(iii)	Stop lamp(s) remain on when brakes are released	Dangerous

4.3.3 Stop lamps compliance

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Stop lamp position or intensity not as required	Minor
(a)(ii)	Stop lamp not showing steady red or significantly reduced intensity	Major
(b)	Stop lamp adversely affected by other lamp operation	Major

4.4 Direction indicators and hazard warning lamps

4.4.1 Direction indicators — presence, condition and operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Indicator lamp — up to ½ multiple source not functioning	Minor
(a)(ii)	Indicator lamp missing, inoperative or >½ multiple source not functioning	Major
(b)(i)	Lens defective — no effect on emitted light	Minor
(b)(ii)	Lens defective — emitted light adversely affected	Major
(c)(i)	Lamp not securely attached	Minor
(c)(ii)	Lamp likely to become detached	Major
(d)	Mandatory hazard warning device not fitted	Major
(e)	Mandatory hazard warning device inoperative	Major

4.4.2 Indicators switching

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Indicator or hazard switch does not operate as required	Minor
(a)(ii)	Indicator or hazard switch inoperative	Major

4.4.3 Indicators compliance with requirements

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Lamp emitted colour, position or intensity not as required	Major
(b)	Direction indicator adversely affected by other lamp	Major

4.4.4 Flashing frequency

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Rate of flashing not between 60 and 120 times per minute	Minor

4.5 Front and rear fog lamps

4.5.1 Fog lamps — presence, condition and operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Fog lamp — up to ½ multiple light source not functioning	Minor
(a)(ii)	Obligatory rear fog lamp missing, or lamp inoperative	Major
(b)(i)	Lens defective — no effect on emitted light	Minor
(b)(ii)	Lens defective — emitted light adversely affected	Major
(c)(i)	Fog lamp not securely attached	Minor
(c)(ii)	Fog lamp likely to become detached	Major

4.5.2 Not in use

4.5.3 Fog lamps switching

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Fog lamp switch inoperative or not operating as required	Major

4.5.4 Fog lamps compliance with requirements

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Fog lamp emitted colour or position not as required	Major
(b)	Rear fog lamp adversely affected by other lamp	Major

4.6 Reversing lamps

4.6.1 Reversing lamps — condition and operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	A reversing lamp inoperative	Major
(b)	A reversing lamp lens defective	Major
(c)(i)	A reversing lamp not securely attached	Minor
(c)(ii)	A reversing lamp likely to become detached	Major

4.6.2 Reversing lamps compliance

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Reversing lamp emitted colour or position not as required	Major

4.6.3 Reversing lamps switching

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Reversing lamp switch not operating as required	Major

4.7 Rear registration plate lamps

4.7.1 Registration plate lamps — presence, condition and operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Registration plate lamp throwing direct white light to rear	Minor
(b)(i)	Lamp/source missing or inoperative (plate has 2+ sources)	Minor
(b)(ii)	Lamp/source missing or inoperative (plate has only 1 lamp, or all out)	Major
(c)(i)	Registration plate lamp not securely attached	Minor
(c)(ii)	Registration plate lamp likely to become detached	Major

4.7.2 Registration plate lamps compliance

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Registration plate lamp does not illuminate with position lamps	Major

4.8 Rear reflectors

4.8.1 Rear reflectors — presence, condition and operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Reflector defective or damaged (up to 50% of reflecting surface)	Minor
(a)(ii)	Reflector defective or damaged (>50% of reflecting surface)	Major
(b)(i)	Reflector not securely attached	Minor
(b)(ii)	Reflector likely to become detached	Major

4.8.2 Rear reflectors compliance

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Reflector colour or position not as required	Minor
(a)(ii)	Reflector missing or reflecting white to rear	Major

4.9 Tell-tales mandatory for lighting equipment

4.9.1 Tell-tales — presence, condition and operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Mandatory tell-tale for indicators or hazard warning missing/inoperative	Minor
(a)(ii)	Mandatory tell-tale for main beam or rear fog lamp missing/inoperative	Major

4.9.2 Tell-tales compliance

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Hazard warning lamp tell-tale is not a flashing light	Minor

4.10 Trailer electrical socket

4.10 Trailer electrical socket

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Trailer electrical socket insecure	Minor
(a)(ii)	Trailer electrical socket likely to become detached	Major
(b)(i)	Socket wiring insulation damaged or deteriorated	Minor
(b)(ii)	Socket wiring insulation damaged — likely to cause short-circuit	Major
(c)(i)	13-pin trailer socket not functioning correctly	Major
(c)(ii)	13-pin trailer socket not functioning at all	Dangerous

4.11 Electrical wiring

4.11 Electrical wiring

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Electrical wiring insecure or inadequately secured	Minor
(a)(ii)	Wiring insecure — in contact with sharp edges or connectors likely to disconnect	Major
(a)(iii)	Wiring likely to touch hot/rotating parts or braking/steering connectors disconnected	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Electrical wiring slightly deteriorated	Minor
(b)(ii)	Wiring so damaged it is likely to cause a short-circuit	Major
(b)(iii)	Wiring for braking or steering extremely deteriorated	Dangerous

4.12 Not in use

4.13 Battery(ies)

4.13 Battery(ies)

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Battery insecure but not likely to fall from carrier	Minor
(a)(ii)	Battery insecure and likely to fall or cause a short circuit	Major
(b)	Battery leaking	Major

Full section 4 on GOV.UK ↗

5. Axles, wheels, tyres and suspension

View on GOV.UK ↗

5.1 Axles

5.1.1 Front axle beam

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Front axle beam cracked or fractured	Dangerous
(b)	Front axle beam excessively corroded	Major
(c)	Front axle beam insecure	Major

5.1.2 Rear axle

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Rear axle cracked, fractured or loose	Dangerous
(b)	Rear axle excessively corroded	Major

5.1.3 Wheel bearings

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Wheel bearing worn — not affecting handling	Minor
(a)(ii)	Wheel bearing worn — handling affected	Major
(b)	Wheel bearing failed	Dangerous

5.2 Wheels and tyres

5.2.1 Wheel condition

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Wheel has a slight crack	Minor
(a)(ii)	Wheel cracked or fractured — structural risk	Dangerous
(b)	Wheel badly damaged, distorted or excessively corroded	Major
(c)(i)	Wheel loose — not affecting vehicle handling	Minor
(c)(ii)	Wheel loose — affecting vehicle handling	Major

5.2.2 Tyre condition

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Tyre sidewall slightly damaged	Minor
(a)(ii)	Tyre sidewall damaged — risk of failure	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Tyre has a bulge or lump	Major
(b)(ii)	Tyre bulge likely to burst	Dangerous
(c)	Tyre fouling on part of the vehicle	Major
(d)	Tyre type not permitted for the vehicle	Major
(e)	Tyres of different structure on same axle	Major

5.2.3 Tyre tread depth

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Tyre tread worn close to the legal limit (advisory)	Advisory
(a)(ii)	Tyre tread below the minimum legal limit of 1.6mm	Major
(a)(iii)	Tyre tread 0mm across the whole tyre	Dangerous

5.3 Suspension

5.3.1 Front suspension — springs and shock absorbers

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Spring cracked or broken	Major
(a)(ii)	Spring missing or seriously weakened	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Shock absorber leaking slightly	Minor
(b)(ii)	Shock absorber leaking significantly or non-functional	Major

5.3.4 Front suspension — wishbones, hub carriers and sub-frames

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Component slightly damaged or corroded	Minor
(a)(ii)	Component excessively damaged, corroded or cracked	Major
(a)(iii)	Component fractured or about to fail	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Ball joint/pivot pin worn — not significantly affecting handling	Minor
(b)(ii)	Ball joint/pivot pin worn — significantly affecting handling	Major
(b)(iii)	Ball joint/pivot pin likely to disconnect	Dangerous

5.3.5 Rear suspension

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Rear spring cracked or broken — not affecting handling	Major
(a)(ii)	Rear spring missing — handling significantly affected	Dangerous
(b)(i)	Rear component slightly damaged	Minor
(b)(ii)	Rear component excessively damaged or corroded	Major

Full section 5 on GOV.UK ↗

6. Chassis and body

View on GOV.UK ↗

6.1 Chassis / frame

6.1.1 Chassis / frame condition

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Chassis member slightly damaged or corroded	Minor
(a)(ii)	Chassis member excessively damaged or corroded — structural integrity affected	Major
(a)(iii)	Chassis member cracked or fractured	Dangerous

6.1.3 Exhaust system condition

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Exhaust leak — not creating hazard	Minor
(a)(ii)	Exhaust leak — creating hazard to occupants	Major
(b)	Exhaust insecure	Minor
(c)	Exhaust significantly damaged	Major

6.1.4 Fuel tank and pipes

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Fuel pipe slightly damaged or chafing	Minor
(a)(ii)	Fuel pipe excessively damaged or likely to chafe	Major
(b)	Fuel leaking	Dangerous
(c)	Fuel tank insecure or excessively corroded	Major

6.1.6 Transmission — propshaft, driveshaft and CV joints

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	CV/UJ joint slightly worn	Minor
(a)(ii)	CV/UJ joint excessively worn	Major
(b)	Propshaft or driveshaft insecure	Dangerous
(c)	CV boot split or missing	Minor

6.2 Body, cab and load area

6.2.1 Body condition

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)(i)	Body panel slightly damaged — no sharp edges	Minor
(a)(ii)	Body panel damaged — sharp or protruding edges	Major
(b)	Body or fitting insecure	Major

6.2.3 Doors and hinges

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Door cannot be opened and closed correctly	Major
(b)(i)	Door hinge slightly worn	Minor
(b)(ii)	Door hinge excessively worn — risk of door falling	Major
(c)	Door cannot be secured in closed position	Major

Full section 6 on GOV.UK ↗

7. Other equipment

View on GOV.UK ↗

7.1 Speedometer and instruments

7.1.1 Speedometer presence and condition

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Speedometer missing where required	Major
(b)	Speedometer not clearly readable	Minor

7.1.2 Speedometer operation

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Speedometer not operating at all	Major
(b)	Speedometer operating but not reading correctly	Minor

7.7 Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

7.7 Tyre pressure monitoring system

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	TPMS malfunction indicator lamp on	Major

7.8 Airbag and supplementary restraint systems

7.8 Airbag and SRS

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	SRS/airbag warning lamp indicates malfunction	Major

7.12 Alternative fuel systems

7.12 Alternative fuel systems (LPG, CNG, hydrogen)

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Component excessively damaged or corroded	Major
(b)	Gas leak detected	Dangerous
(c)	System insecure	Major

Full section 7 on GOV.UK ↗

8. Nuisance

View on GOV.UK ↗

8.1 Exhaust emissions — petrol engine

8.1.1 Petrol engine emissions

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	CO/HC or lambda emissions outside limits	Major
(b)	Catalyst missing where required as standard	Major

8.2 Exhaust emissions — diesel engine

8.2.1.1 Diesel smoke — free acceleration (standard)

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Smoke opacity exceeds limit	Major

8.2.1.2 Diesel smoke — DPF-equipped vehicles

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Smoke opacity exceeds limit (DPF-equipped vehicle)	Major
(b)	DPF missing or tampered with	Major

8.4 Exhaust system noise

8.4.1 Exhaust system condition and noise

Ref	Defect description	Category
(a)	Exhaust system leaking — not creating hazard to occupants	Minor
(b)	Exhaust system leaking — hazard to occupants	Major

Full section 8 on GOV.UK ↗