All these items are checked.
Lighting Equipment, Stop Lamps, Reflectors, and Direction Indicators
Front and rear position lamps, rear registration plate lamps, rear fog lamps
Headlamps
Stop lamps
Rear reflectors
Direction indicators and hazard warning devices
Headlamp aim
Steering (including suspension)
Steering control
Steering system
Power steering
Suspension - general
Front suspension, front wheel bearings and drive shafts
Rear suspension and rear wheel bearings
Shock absorbers
Brakes
Parking brake lever mechanism
Hand operated brake control valves
Service brake control
Anti-lock braking system
Mechanical brake components
Hydraulic, air and vacuum systems
Brake performance
Tyres
Tyres
Road wheels
Seat Belts
Seat belts
General Items
Drivers view of the road
Wipers
Washers
Windscreen
Audible warning (horn)
Exhaust system
Exhaust emissions -petrol & diesel
General condition of vehicle -
vehicle structure
body security
body condition
doors
load security
spare wheel and carrier
seats
Mirrors
Fuel system
Registration plates and VIN details
And if it does not pass you cannot continue to drive the vehicle. The test is universal across the UK. It's not perfect but it does keep most of the unsafe vehicles off the road.
