If your car is more than three years old, an MOT test will be carried out yearly to test the roadworthiness of your car, but what happens in the 364 days between tests?

Some simple checks can be the difference between a safe and an unsafe vehicle, so it’s important to carry out these tasks before they cause more serious issues. Failure to do so could result in fines, points on your license, or the endangerment of yourself or other road users.

Here are 10 essential legal requirements that every driver should know.

A Valid MOT Certificate

An MOT Test is a test designed to test the general safety of a vehicle that is more than three years old. It tests things like brakes, seat belts, emissions, etc., to give an overall impression of how safe your car is. The test is a legal requirement — driving without a valid MOT can lead to a fine of up to £1,000, rising to £2,500 with potential penalty points if the vehicle is also found to be in a dangerous condition, plus invalidated insurance if not carried out. With correct preparation, your car should have no problems passing an MOT if it’s kept in good condition.

Proper Vehicle Tax

Vehicle tax, or VED, is a must if driving a vehicle on public roads. In the past, some vehicles, like electric cars, were exempt from VED, but this has changed in recent years, which may have caught some motorists out. You can easily check if your vehicle is taxed on the Government website.

Valid Car Insurance

In order to legally drive a vehicle in the UK, you must have at least third-party insurance, which covers other vehicles on the road in the event of an accident. Failure to purchase this insurance, or lying on the application, can lead to a £300 fine and 6 penalty points on your driving licence, which will almost certainly end up inflating the cost of your insurance in the future.

Roadworthy Tyres

An MOT test will check the roadworthiness of your tyres, but it only comes around once per year. For your tyres to be roadworthy, they must have a tread depth of at least 1.6 millimetres, no cuts, bulges or other significant damage, and the correct pressure to maintain grip and stability. Check your tyres regularly to ensure that they meet the legal safety requirements.

Well-Functioning Brakes

Another crucial element of your car’s safety is its ability to stop. Brakes should respond immediately to stop the car smoothly and safely. If you notice that your brakes feel spongy or squeak when pressed, it could be a sign that their best days are over. In this case, you should have them immediately inspected by a professional. 

Working Lights and Indicators

Without lights, both visibility and overall safety are significantly reduced. To ensure that your car is safe and legal to drive, you must check that its exterior lights – headlights, brake lights, indicators and registration plate lights – are working correctly.

If a light is out, it’s usually a quick, cheap fix, so don’t get caught out with a fine of £50 to £100, which can result in 3 penalty points on your licence if one of your lights is out.

Good Windscreen and Mirror Condition

Continuing the theme of visibility, your windscreen and mirrors play a crucial role in your ability to see your surroundings when driving. Your windscreen should be clean and free from major cracks or obstructions, with restrictions in place for things like sun strips.

Your mirrors should be intact and correctly positioned to provide maximum visibility to the driver.

To keep your windscreen clear in even the most extreme weather, use a high-quality screen wash.

Safe Steering and Suspension

Any unusual noises, vibrations or movements from your steering or suspension should be investigated immediately. If left alone, these issues can quickly become major problems that are both costly to fix and potentially life-threatening.

 And, like most of the entries on this list, issues with your steering or suspension can cause an MOT failure, causing a logistical headache when you least expect it.

Secure Exhaust System

The exhaust system is responsible for safely transporting hot, toxic combustion gases away from the engine. It’s no wonder, then, that a faulty exhaust system is a serious cause for concern. Check that your exhaust is securely attached to the underside of your vehicle and that the general condition is adequate, with no holes or cracks that might leak gases.

Seatbelts are Worn and in Good Condition

Since their invention in 1959, the 3-point seatbelt is estimated to have saved over 1 million lives globally. So, it should go without saying that it’s important to keep this component in working order. The seatbelt should be in good condition and be able to fasten securely. It’s also crucial that both drivers and passengers wear their seatbelts at all times; failing to do so can result in an on-the-spot Fixed Penalty Notice fine of £100, which can escalate up to £500 if the case goes to court.   

Now armed with the knowledge of what to check, you can take the initiative to regularly verify the safety of your vehicle, without relying solely on the annual MOT test.  Of course, an MOT test is still a legal requirement, but with proper maintenance, your vehicle could sail through the MOT without so much as an advisory.

For more help and advice on vehicle maintenance fluids, check out our blog.