During the MFK, an official examiner inspects the vehicle against a fixed checklist: brakes and braking force on a roller test bench, lighting, tyre tread and condition, steering, suspension, axle play, exhaust and emission values, corrosion on load-bearing parts, seat belts and bodywork. The vehicle papers and any modifications (tuning, tow bar) are checked as well.
In Switzerland a passenger car must go to its first MFK roughly 5 years after first registration, then after a further 3 years and after that every 2 years – older vehicles may be called more frequently. The road traffic office sends you an appointment notice, which you can reschedule if needed. The test itself usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.
It makes sense to have a pre-check at a garage before the official inspection. The garage checks the same points, replaces wear parts (worn tyres, faulty bulbs, porous brake hoses) and correctly adjusts headlights and brakes. This helps you avoid a re-inspection, which costs time and a second fee.
As a guideline (no guarantee): the official inspection fee is roughly CHF 50–70 depending on the canton. An MFK preparation at a garage costs about CHF 100–300 depending on effort, plus any repairs. If the car fails, you get a deadline to fix the defects and a chargeable re-inspection.
If the vehicle passes, the inspection is recorded in the vehicle registration document and you may keep driving. In case of serious defects the document can be withdrawn until the repair is proven.