Mine failed yesterday as the tail gate number plate lights weren't working! About the only thing I hadn't checked. Problem was the wire had broken between the tailgate and car where it passes through the rubber grommet. Well annoyed as I could easily have sorted it before.
I think there's a guide to what they look for at MOT time in the front of Haynes, and somewhere on the Web. You should be able to check almost everything yourself before hand elliminating the nasty surpises. Only things you'd struggle with are the emmisions, and brakes. My last car (Clio) never failed on brakes yet they were attrocious by design, so if you drive the car regularly and in the slightest bit enthusiastically i'm sure your brakes will be fine.
Good Luck.
