The most common reasons 29 percent of cars fail their MOT test

A motoring expert has revealed the most common reasons why a vehicle might fail its annual MOT test.

In 2022, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) revealed that 29 percent of vehicles tested failed their MOT.

Calum Thomson, Group Aftersales Director at the car dealership Macklin Motors, highlighted the importance of checking your vehicle before taking it for its MOT test.

He said: “To avoid any unpleasant and costly surprises, it’s crucial for drivers to be aware of the potential issues that could see their vehicle fail its MOT.

“We recommend regular vehicle maintenance throughout the year, which will help drivers keep a better eye on the condition of their car.”

According to the company’s data, the most common reason why cars fail their MOT test is due to issues with the brakes, such as worn-out pads and linings. 

If the brake pads are under 1.5mm thick, not only will the car fail its MOT immediately, but it could also lead to other braking components being damaged and longer stopping distances.

Similarly, many other cars fail their MOTs due to worn out tyres, which may also increase the amount of time needed to stop and could cause the vehicle to lose grip with the road in cold or wet weather.

Macklin Motors also stated that other common reasons why cars don’t pass an MOT test include faulty or badly adjusted lights, and worn out or split wiper blades.

Callum explained how taking the time to check these issues could help to save you money in the long run. 

He said: “This will not only increase the likelihood of you passing your MOT but may also save you money in the long run by catching any potential issues before they become a more expensive fix.”

Under current UK law, every motorised vehicle over the age of three needs to be MOT tested every year in order to be considered roadworthy. 

An MOT can result in a vehicle receiving ‘advisories’, small faults that the driver may wish to get repaired, and ‘defects’, which are reasons why the vehicle failed the test.

If a vehicle is seen being driven or parked on a public road with an expired or failed MOT, the police can fine the owner up to £1,000.