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Which Bulbs Are MOT Tested?
| Bulb | Tested? | Failure If |
|---|---|---|
| Dipped beam headlights | Yes | Not working, wrong colour, incorrect aim |
| Main beam headlights | Yes | Not working, wrong colour |
| Sidelights (front position) | Yes | Not working |
| Front indicators | Yes | Not working, wrong colour, wrong flash rate |
| Rear indicators | Yes | Not working, wrong colour, wrong flash rate |
| Brake lights | Yes | Not working (all must work) |
| Rear tail lights | Yes | Not working |
| Rear fog light | Yes | Not working (at least one required) |
| Number plate light | Yes | Not working, wrong colour (must be white) |
| Reverse light | Yes | Not working |
| Hazard warning lights | Yes | Not working |
| Interior/boot lights | No | N/A |
Recommended Bulbs for Car
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Pre-MOT Bulb Check
Before your MOT, do a quick walkaround check:
- Turn on your lights and walk around the car.
- Check both indicators (front and rear) flash at the correct rate.
- Press the brake pedal (have someone watch or use a wall reflection).
- Select reverse gear and check the white reverse light.
- Turn on the rear fog light.
- Check both number plate lights are white and working.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a blown bulb fail my MOT?
Yes — any external bulb that’s required by law (headlights, brake lights, indicators, etc.) will fail the MOT if it’s not working. It’s one of the most common MOT failure reasons.
Are LED bulbs an MOT failure?
Not automatically. Factory LED bulbs pass fine. E-marked retrofit LEDs should also pass. Non-approved retrofit LEDs may fail on beam pattern.
What happens if a bulb blows during the MOT test?
The tester will record it as a failure. You’ll need to replace the bulb and have the car retested (usually free if done within a set period at the same station).
Recommended Products
Philips RacingVision GT200
Up to 200% more light than the legal minimum standard (Philips’ own claim)
Osram Night Breaker Laser
Up to 150% more light than the minimum ECE R112/R37 requirement (OSRAM’s own claim)
How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →