Car
Roadworthy Certificates. Fast!

Check low and high beams, indicators, hazard lights, brake lights and reversing lights where fitted. Ask someone to help check the rear lights while the car is safely secured. Look for dim or flickering bulbs and damaged lenses.

Look for worn tread, exposed wear indicators, cuts, cracks, bulges and uneven wear. Use a proper tread-depth gauge rather than a coin, and check pressures against the vehicle’s tyre placard. Have a tyre professional assess damage or tread you are unsure about.

Tell your mechanic about a soft or sinking brake pedal, grinding noises, pulling to one side or a parking brake that does not hold securely. Do not drive a car with suspected brake faults. Leave brake-performance testing to a qualified professional.

Check that the wipers move smoothly and clear the windscreen without leaving heavy streaks. Replace split or perished blades, top up washer fluid and make sure the jets spray onto the glass. Check the rear wiper and washer if fitted.

Give the horn a brief check while parked somewhere suitable. It should operate reliably and sound clearly. If it is weak, intermittent or silent, arrange a repair before your inspection.

Make sure mirrors are secure, adjustable and give a clear view. Check the windscreen and windows for chips, cracks or damage that affects visibility. Whether glass damage is acceptable depends on its size, location and the inspection criteria.

Check every seatbelt for cuts, fraying or other damage. Pull it out and allow it to retract, then check that the buckle latches and releases correctly. A damaged belt or faulty buckle needs professional attention.

Look for fresh drips beneath the car after it has been parked on a clean, level surface. Clear water from air conditioning can be normal, but unexplained fluid loss needs checking. Do not identify fluids by colour alone or crawl under an unsupported vehicle.

Walk around the car and look for loose panels, sharp edges, insecure parts and signs of corrosion. Rust near structural or mounting points needs particular attention. Surface appearance alone cannot confirm whether corrosion is safe.

Notice any unusual exhaust noise, rattling, fumes or persistent smoke. These can indicate a fault that needs diagnosis. Only run the engine in an open, well-ventilated area, and avoid touching hot exhaust components.

Report unusual steering play, heavy steering, clunks, persistent bouncing or a car that sits unevenly. These symptoms need professional assessment. The inspector checks components that are not always visible during a walk-around.

Check that seats are secure and their adjustment mechanisms lock into position. Doors, the bonnet and the boot should close and latch properly. Tell the inspector about missing seats, damaged hinges or catches that do not hold securely.

Follow your owner’s manual to check the normal warning-light sequence at start-up. If a brake, ABS, airbag or other fault warning stays on, arrange diagnosis. Do not disconnect or cover a warning lamp to hide a fault.

Look for visible wheel damage or missing wheel nuts. Leave checks of wheel bearings, fastener tightness and wheel suitability to a qualified professional. Tell the inspector about aftermarket wheels, suspension changes or other modifications.