Having a dirty car or a broken lightbulb are just some of the most common reasons why your car could fail its MOT.
Other minor faults that could result in a retest include dodgy seatbelts and damage to your car's bodywork.
An MOT certificate lasts for one year and if you drive without one, you could get a police caution and fines of up to £1,000.
Your car is also not deemed to be safe on the road if it has failed its MOT test.
We spoke to consumer rights and motoring expert Scott Dixon, who runs thegrumpygit.com website, to round up some of the most common MOT faults.
He said: “Nearly 50% of all MOT failures can be avoided by carrying out regular simple checks and maintenance by checking and replacing bulbs, wipers and tyres as necessary before an MOT.
“I recommend that you get your car MOT tested well in advance to give you plenty of time to have any defects fixed before the current MOT certificate expires.
“This will allow you to drive it if it fails an MOT if a current certificate is still valid, so long as the vehicle is not deemed unroadworthy.”
If your car fails an MOT and you leave it with the garage for repair and a re-test, then it is done for free.
You can take your vehicle away for repairs and return it for a re-test for free by the end of the next working day.
MOT tests cost an average of £30 for a car depending on which garage you go to, but there are laws that state you cannot be charged more than £54.85.
Here are some of the most common MOT failures:
Dirty car
You could end up failing your test before it has even begun if you car is too filthy, as an MOT tester can refuse to carry out the test.
Before your test, make sure that your car is clean and tidy and the windows, doors, bonnet release and boot all work.
Dirty number plates
Your number plates also need to be clean and visible with a working light bulb at the rear.
To avoid an MOT failure, it is worth giving them a quick wipe down and checking the bulb is working before you head to the garage.
Lights not working
If you have a light out, this will result in an MOT failure as you'll be deemed as not safe for driving in the dark.
Take a minute to walk around your car and check all bulbs are working including headlights, sidelights, brake lights, indicators and the number plate bulb.
Cracks on the headlights can also result in a MOT failure if it affects the beam.
Dodgy seatbelts
Your MOT tester will look at your seatbelts to check they'll keep you safe in the event of an accident.
Things they'll look for include checking the seatbelt retracts easily and has no tears or knots.
Loose bumpers
If you've recently been in an accident, it is worth checking your body work is up to scratch before an MOT test.
Any accident damage such as loose bumpers or sharp edges will result in a MOT failure.
Broken wipers
Your wipers help keep your visibility sharp if it is raining or your driving down a muddy road.
If they don't clean your window properly - so without any smears - or have any rips or tears, this too could be an MOT fail.
Blocked view of the road
While they may make your car smell nice, an air freshener could result in an MOT failure if it blocks your view of the road.
The same goes for phone cradles or anything else that is deemed a distraction.
Do you think MOT tests are too expensive? Let us know the comments.
Worn out tyres
Check the tread depth and perished tyre walls to avoid being pulled up during your MOT.
The minimum legal tyre tread depth is 1.6mm so any less than less will be a failure.
Saying that, it is still recommended that tyres are changed when tread reaches 3mm.
Poor brakes
Check your brakes for squealing or grinding noises – these are signs that the brake pads will need replacing.
It could also be worth checking the handbrake on a slope as well to make sure it effectively stops the car from sliding.
Bad suspension
Having bad or dodgy suspension is also an MOT fail.
If you don't know what you're looking out for, listen for unusual clunks when you are driving.
Another tell-tale sign is if you're feeling every bump and car jerk while driving, or your vehicle is veering to one side.
