The MOT: that legally required annual inspection which comes all too soon, often bringing with it a list of necessary repairs before your car is once again certified as safe for use on the road.

For most, the MOT is a mere irritating inconvenience, but for drivers of older vehicles it can be a worrisome trial, as a mechanic probes the car for faults.

With the test becoming ever more stringent, it is perhaps no wonder that more and more motorists are risking large fines by forgoing getting their car MOTd. According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) a third of motorists admit to driving around after their ticket had expired. It’s a worrying statistic, and a practice that puts the safety of all road users in jeopardy.

Thankfully, there are a few simple checks you can do yourself before taking your car for testing. We’ve teamed up with the SMMT and their Head of Communications Keith Lewis, who’s given us a tick list of items to look over. From ensuring all your lights are working, and making sure your tyres have sufficient tread depth, to new requirements, such as determining the cause of fault lights, our video will improve your car’s chances of passing the MOT test first time.