Don’t Let Your Car Fail Its MOT: Every year, millions of UK drivers face the stress and expense of a failed MOT. From worn tyres to faulty lights, many failures are due to simple, preventable issues. Avoiding MOT failure not only keeps your vehicle road-safe but also saves time, money, and hassle.
In this guide, we’ll break down the most common MOT failures, how to prevent them, and tips to pass your MOT on the first try. Whether you’re a first-time car owner or a seasoned driver, these insights will help ensure your car stays compliant with UK road laws.
Don’t Let Your Car Fail Its MOT
| Issue Area | Failure Rate (% of MOT Fails) | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting & Signalling | 18.9% | Check bulbs weekly; replace any faulty lights immediately |
| Suspension | 13% | Listen for rattles or uneven ride; get checked at service |
| Brakes | 10% | Test for responsiveness, strange noises; replace worn pads |
| Tyres | 7.7% | Ensure 1.6mm tread depth; check for bulges or damage |
| Visibility (wipers, etc.) | — | Inspect windscreen, mirrors, and washer fluid |
| Exhaust & Emissions | — | Listen for noise; address smoke or warning lights |
| Dashboard Warning Lights | — | Any light = fail; fix underlying issue |
| Source | RAC, DVSA | RAC MOT Failure Data |
Failing an MOT is a hassle no one wants. The good news? Most failures are preventable with a little maintenance and awareness. From checking your lights to listening for weird noises, staying alert and proactive will keep your vehicle roadworthy and your wallet happier.
With these practical tips and a quick checklist, you’re far more likely to pass your MOT the first time—saving time, money, and unnecessary stress.
What Is an MOT and Why Does It Matter?
The MOT test (Ministry of Transport test) is an annual inspection required for most vehicles over three years old in the UK. It ensures your car meets road safety and environmental standards.
Without a valid MOT, your vehicle is illegal to drive (except to a pre-booked MOT) and may invalidate your insurance. Additionally, driving a car that’s unfit for the road poses real danger to you and others.
Top 10 Most Common MOT Failures (And Avoid Them)
1. Faulty Lighting and Signalling (Nearly 1 in 5 Failures)
This includes:
- Headlights
- Brake lights
- Indicators
- Number plate lights
Prevention Tip: Check all exterior lights weekly. Ask someone to watch as you press the brake pedal. Replace bulbs immediately—they’re cheap and easy.
2. Suspension Wear or Damage
Suspension issues like worn shock absorbers or broken springs often go unnoticed.
Symptoms: Clunking noises, uneven car height, or unstable handling.
Prevention Tip: Pay attention to unusual handling or sounds. Have suspension inspected during regular servicing.
3. Brake Issues
Worn pads, warped discs, or fluid leaks can all lead to a failed test.
Symptoms: Squealing, reduced braking power, or pulling to one side.
Prevention Tip: Get your brakes inspected every 6 months or if performance changes.
4. Tyre Tread and Condition
By law, tyres must have at least 1.6mm tread depth.
Quick Test: Insert a 20p coin into the tread. If the outer rim is visible, the tread is too shallow.
Prevention Tip: Check pressure monthly and visually inspect for cuts or bulges.
5. Visibility Problems
This covers:
- Cracked or chipped windscreen
- Worn or ineffective wipers
- Empty washer fluid
Prevention Tip: Replace wiper blades annually and top up washer fluid regularly. Cracks over 40mm on the windscreen can be a fail.
6. Emissions and Exhaust Problems
Excessive smoke, noise, or leaks can result in an automatic fail.
Prevention Tip: If your car fails a road-side emissions test or has a warning light, get it checked before MOT day.
7. Dashboard Warning Lights
An illuminated engine or airbag light? That’s a fail.
Prevention Tip: Don’t ignore warning lights—get diagnostics done early.
8. Registration Plate Issues
Plates must be:
- Clean and readable
- Properly fixed
- Displaying the correct font and spacing
Prevention Tip: Give them a wipe before the MOT. Replace cracked or faded plates.
9. Seatbelts and Safety Restraints
Check that all belts:
- Clip in securely
- Retract smoothly
- Show no frays or damage
Prevention Tip: Test every belt before the MOT and clean dirt from mechanisms.
10. Minor Obstructions (Yes, Really!)
Items like air fresheners or stickers on the windscreen can fail your MOT if they obstruct the driver’s view.
Prevention Tip: Clear clutter and keep the dashboard and windscreen tidy.
MOT Preparation Checklist
Before heading to the test centre, run through this quick DIY MOT checklist:
- Lights (front, rear, indicators, brake)
- Windscreen clean and crack-free
- Wipers and washers working properly
- Tyres above legal tread and undamaged
- Brake function and fluid level
- Mirrors clean and stable
- Seatbelts working and locking
- Warning lights OFF
- Number plates readable
- Horn works
Bonus tip: Clean your car inside and out—it gives a good impression and may uncover hidden issues.
Don’t Let Your Car Fail Its MOT Book an MOT (and Save Money)
You can book your MOT up to one month (minus a day) before it’s due and still retain your original renewal date.
Where to Book
- Authorised MOT test centres (look for the blue sign with white MOT triangle)
- Some garages offer free retests if booked directly
Costs
- Cars: Up to £54.85 (maximum fee)
- Motorbikes: Up to £29.65
Compare garages on platforms like:
- GOV.UK MOT Test Centre Search
- BookMyGarage
- Kwik Fit MOT
What Happens If You Fail Your MOT?
You’ll get a VT30 ‘Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate’ explaining the faults.
Options After a Fail
- Get it repaired immediately at the test centre and get a free retest
- Drive away and return within 10 working days for a partial retest (at reduced cost)
- Let MOT expire = illegal to drive (except to and from test/repairs)
- Your MOT history and mileage are publicly visible: Check MOT History
FAQs On Don’t Let Your Car Fail Its MOT
Q1: How early can I book my MOT?
A: Up to one month minus one day before your current MOT expires.
Q2: What if I forget and my MOT expires?
A: You cannot drive legally (except to a pre-booked test). You may face fines or invalidated insurance.
Q3: Do electric vehicles need an MOT?
A: Yes. EVs are exempt from emissions checks but must pass all other MOT requirements.
Q4: Can I do an MOT at home?
A: No. MOTs must be performed at approved testing centres.
Q5: What documents do I need?
A: None. Your MOT tester accesses your records digitally.
