How to align your car headlights ahead of an MOT check
Once your car reaches three years old, it must pass an MOT test every year to confirm it is safe, roadworthy and legal to drive on UK roads. Driving without a valid MOT is illegal, so giving your car the best chance of passing is essential.
In 2016, the government updated MOT rules around headlight aim, placing greater emphasis on correct alignment. This guide explains how to align your headlights at home and outlines other simple checks you can make before your MOT.
If your MOT is due, you can book an MOT or use our MOT date checker to confirm when your test is required.
Book an MOT
How to align your headlights before an MOT
Correct headlight alignment ensures you can see the road clearly without dazzling other drivers. Here’s how to check and adjust them safely.
1. Prepare your vehicle
Before checking headlight alignment, you'll need to:
- Remove heavy items from the car and boot.
- Ensure tyres are inflated to the correct pressure.
- Check that the shock absorbers are functioning - this can be tested by bouncing each corner of your car.
Once these steps have been completed, you can park your car 60cm from a flat wall, facing directly towards it.
2. Mark the headlight beam pattern
Turn on your headlights. Each beam will create a circular pattern on the wall. Mark four points for each headlight, using either a pencil or tape, including:
- The top of the circle.
- The bottom of the circle.
- Left edge.
- Right edge.
Where the vertical and horizontal lines meet is the centre point of the beam. Please see the image below for reference when conducting this first headlight check.
Repeat for both headlights, and if aligned correctly, both centre points should sit at the same height.
3. Reverse and check alignment
Reverse around 8 metres while keeping the car headlights on. If the beam centre is now above, below or off to the side of your markings, the headlights need adjusting.
4. Adjust the headlight aim
Locate the headlight adjustment screws inside the headlight housing (your vehicle manual will show their exact position).
- Turn off the headlights.
- Loosen the screws.
- Adjust the bulb housing by hand.
- Turn the lights back on to check alignment.
Repeat this until both beams match the markings on the wall.
Other checks to make before your MOT
Before sending your car in for a MOT there are some checks that you can complete to give it the best possible chance.
Tyres
Your tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm. Anything below this will result in an MOT failure.
Use the 20p test:
- Insert a 20p coin into the tread.
- If you can see the outer rim of the coin, the tyre needs replacing.
Also check for cuts, bulges or visible damage.
Related: Tyres at National
Exhaust
Your exhaust is checked for:
- Emissions.
- Corrosion.
- Leaks or rattling noises.
While you can’t measure emissions without specialist equipment, excessive smoke or unusual noises are signs of potential issues.
Related: How to reduce diesel emissions
Related: Exhausts
Brakes
Before your MOT:
- Check the brake fluid level under the bonnet.
- Test the handbrake - if it pulls up too far or clicks repeatedly, the cable may need adjustment.
A full brake test requires specialist equipment, but these basic checks can highlight obvious issues.
Related: Book a brakes check
General Car Maintenance
Make sure all essential components are working correctly:
- Horn.
- Indicators.
- Headlights and brake lights.
- Seatbelts.
- Wiper blades.
- Doors and bonnet opening/closing properly.
Inspect the exterior for loose trim or damage that could affect the MOT.
Related: Identify wear and tear on your car
To book your MOT at your local National Tyres and Autocare branch, please click on the link below.
Related: Book an MOT
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