MOT failure rates are anticipated to climb this winter as cold and wet conditions make driving more difficult. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has revealed an initial failure rate of 26.82%, hinting that around one in four drivers might not pass their MOT this year.
In the UK, driving a vehicle that hasn’t passed its MOT could result in fines up to £2,500. If a car is found ‘dangerous’ during an MOT test, the driver could also be hit with three penalty points on their licence.
Car expert Ollie Green from Collect Service Go has sounded the alarm for motorists to perform essential checks on their vehicles. He’s urging drivers to book their MOTs before the festive period kicks in, as many garages will shut over Christmas and New Year’s Day, and it’s against the law to drive with an expired MOT.
Ollie highlighted braking issues, noting: “Recent data from the 2023-2024 MOT tests shows that brakes remain one of the leading causes of failure, accounting for 9.92% of all tests that fail. This is a key area for drivers to watch out for, as brake-related major defects, which makeup 6.03% of failures, can significantly impact road safety.”
Coventry Live reported on issues flagged concerning vehicle lights and reflectors. Ollie stated, “Lamps, reflectors, and electrical equipment are another significant cause for concern, contributing to 10.69% of all tests that fail. Of these, 25.11% are major defects, underscoring the importance of ensuring that all lights and reflectors are functioning properly, especially during winter months when visibility is reduced.”
He further highlighted common problems leading to MOT failures, noting that: “In terms of general maintenance, suspension and tyres are key components that play a big role in MOT failures. Suspension issues alone account for 12.58% of tests that fail, and tyre-related problems makeup 8.46%. Suspension faults specifically contribute to 6.57% of dangerous defects, which can affect the vehicle’s handling, making it harder to control and increasing the risk of accidents.”
Turning his attention to seat belts, Ollie warned: “Seat belts are often an overlooked key safety feature that represents 7.42% of all tests that fail,” adding, “It’s important to check seat belts before your MOT, as even minor issues like fraying, wear, or malfunction can lead to serious problems. This is especially important because 8.16% of these faults are classified as major and need immediate attention.”
Ollie stressed the significance of what might seem like minor problems, noting that noise, emissions, and leaks are responsible for 4.58% of MOT failures. He alerted motorists by saying: “Leaks, in particular, can be tricky to detect, so it’s worth inspecting exhaust systems and seals for damage,” warning that ignoring a small leak could lead to more severe mechanical issues or fines for environmental damage.
On steering complications, Ollie pointed out: “Steering problems, although less common, still represent a significant cause of failure, accounting for 2.36% of all tests that fail, with 2.59% of all steering-related defects classified as major. Any issue with the steering system can severely impact vehicle control, particularly in winter weather when precise handling is critical.”
He also underscored that body, chassis, and structural concerns are critical, representing 9.70% of failed tests, highlighting that rust or structural damage could weaken a vehicle’s integrity significantly. Finally, Ollie reminded car owners about the MOT scheduling allowance – that an MOT can be done up to a month (minus one day) before the due date to keep the same renewal time frame; for example, if an MOT is due on 15 May, to preserve the renewal date for next year, the earliest retest would be 16 April.
You have the option to get your MOT done earlier, but this will change the renewal date for the next year to one year (minus a day) from the date the vehicle last passed its MOT. For instance, if your MOT is due to expire on 15 May, the earliest you can get it done is 16 April.
However, if you choose to take your vehicle for its MOT on 14 April and it passes, the MOT expiry date will then shift to 13 April the following year.