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Electric & Hybrid
What is checked on an electric car MOT?
The vast majority of an EV's MOT is identical to a standard vehicle test. The key differences are a small number of additional high-voltage checks — and the removal of anything exhaust-related, which simply doesn't apply.
An electric car MOT covers all the usual roadworthiness items — brakes, tyres, lights, steering, and bodywork — plus EV-specific checks for high-voltage warning lights, cable condition, and the Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS). Exhaust emissions and exhaust system checks are skipped entirely. Battery health is not assessed as part of the DVSA test.
Standard checks — same as any vehicle
The following are assessed on every MOT, regardless of whether the vehicle is electric, hybrid, or combustion-powered:
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BrakesBraking performance is tested on a rolling road. The tester checks brake efficiency, balance between axles, and the condition of pads, discs, and pipes where visible. Note that EVs with regenerative braking can mask wear — disc and pad condition is still physically inspected.
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TyresAll four tyres are checked for minimum tread depth (1.6mm across the central three-quarters), sidewall damage, correct inflation where visible, and matching types on the same axle.
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LightsHeadlights, rear lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, number plate lights, and fog lights are all tested for function, alignment, and condition. Daytime running lights are also checked on vehicles where fitted.
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Steering and suspensionThe tester checks for excessive play in the steering, condition of suspension components, and any unusual movement or wear in joints and bushes.
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VisibilityWindscreen condition (any damage in the driver's critical zone is a failure), wiper function and blade condition, mirrors, and washer fluid system are all assessed.
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Bodywork and chassisVisible bodywork is checked for sharp edges or damage that could injure a pedestrian. The underbody and chassis are inspected for corrosion that could compromise structural integrity.
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Seatbelts and hornAll seatbelts are inspected for condition, correct function, and secure mounting. The horn is tested to confirm it works.
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Number platesFront and rear plates are checked for legibility, correct font, and secure fitting. Personalised or altered plates that do not meet DVLA standards are a failure item.
EV-specific checks
In addition to the standard test, electric vehicles are subject to a small number of checks that relate specifically to their high-voltage drivetrain:
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High-voltage system warning lightsThe tester will check that no high-voltage fault warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard when the vehicle is ready to drive. An active battery management or drivetrain warning light is treated as a potential failure item, as it suggests an unresolved fault in a safety-critical system.
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High-voltage cables and connectorsAll visible high-voltage wiring — identifiable by its bright orange sheathing — is inspected for damage, exposed conductors, chafing, or insulation breakdown. These cables operate at voltages that can cause serious injury and their condition is a safety-critical check item.
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Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS)EVs first registered after 1 July 2019 are legally required to emit a sound at speeds below approximately 20 km/h. The tester will confirm the AVAS is present and operating correctly. A non-functioning or missing AVAS on an applicable vehicle is a failure item.
Checks that do not apply to electric cars
Because electric vehicles have no combustion engine or exhaust system, the following standard MOT checks are simply not carried out:
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Exhaust emissions test — not applicableThe standard emissions test measures hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and other combustion by-products. Electric cars produce none of these, so the test does not apply and is skipped entirely.
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Exhaust system inspection — not applicableThere is no exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, silencer, or tailpipe to inspect on an electric vehicle. This section of the test is omitted.
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Fuel system checks — not applicableChecks relating to fuel tanks, fuel lines, and fuel system integrity do not apply to battery electric vehicles.
Is battery health checked during an MOT?
No. A standard MOT does not evaluate the state of health of the high-voltage traction battery. The tester will only check for active fault codes displayed on the dashboard and for physical damage to visible battery-related components. Battery capacity degradation — even if significant — is not a testable item under the DVSA test standard.
If you want to know the remaining capacity of your EV's battery, you will need to request a separate diagnostic check from an EV specialist or your manufacturer's dealership. Some vehicles allow state-of-health data to be read via an OBD-II port using compatible software.
Tip: EVs with regenerative braking can sometimes accumulate surface rust on brake discs more quickly than combustion vehicles, because the friction brakes are used less often. It's worth checking your discs look clean and even before your test — a heavily corroded disc surface can be flagged as an advisory or, in severe cases, a failure.
Check your AVAS before the test: The Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System is easy to forget about — it operates automatically and most drivers never think about it. If it has developed a fault or been tampered with, it will cause a failure. Give it a quick test at low speed in a car park before your MOT appointment.
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