Just 3 Things Cause 50% Of All MOT Inspection Test Fails - They're Common & Avoidable Faults!!

Each year, millions of vehicles fail the MOT test in the UK — but did you know nearly half of these failures are down to 3 common faults? Understanding what they are can help you avoid costly repairs, downtime and the hassle of a failed MOT certificate. In this video, we break down the top 3 reasons vehicles fail their annual MOT. These come straight from UK government MOT test data and include simple issues like lighting faults, tyre condition, and windscreen visibility problems. These aren’t obscure mechanical faults — they’re things you can check yourself in just a few minutes. MOT stands for ministry of transport and many countries have similar inspections regularly carried out. Even if you live in a state where testing is not required it helps to know the common failures so you can avoid the problems associated with them. You’ll learn: 👉 How lighting issues (which account for over 30% of failures) can be spotted and fixed at home. From dodgy headlamp aim to incorrect bulb colours, this is the most preventable cause of MOT failure. Just walk around your car, test your indicators, brake lights, high beam and low beam. Even a trendy blue bulb can land you with a fail. 👉 Why tyres cause around 10% of test failures, and what to look for. Worn tread, sidewall damage and under-inflation are key culprits. A quick pressure check and visual inspection for splits or bulges can save you from getting flagged. 👉 What counts as a failure in your driver's view of the road. Around 8.5% of MOT failures relate to windscreen chips, poor wipers, blocked washers, or even dashboard items obstructing visibility. A phone mount in the wrong place? That could do it. We also dive into: The difference between a dangerous defect and a serious defect Why advisories today often mean failures next year MOT pass rate trends from 2013–2025 Why testing early gives you a free re-test window How some testers go the extra mile — & what they’re technically not allowed to do According to the DVSA, there were over 65 million MOT tests recorded in the last year alone. Of those, 22.4% initially failed but were later fixed. That's a sharp drop from 30% a decade ago, showing more drivers are maintaining their vehicles better — but that also means testers expect more from your car. We explain the rules, the warnings, and the smart ways to get ahead. If you’ve ever had a vehicle fail on something silly, drop a comment — we’d love to hear your story. This isn’t just about passing, it’s about keeping your car safe and roadworthy year-round. 💡 Tip: Book early. Some testing stations are overwhelmed after September when new registrations and backlog spikes hit. Don’t wait until your MOT is about to expire — you might not get it sorted in time or be forced to pay exorbitant prices. Boot that like button if this video helped you. And if you're not yet subscribed, hit the bell icon — we’ve got loads more content lined up to help you keep your car in top shape without the drama. #MOTTest #CarFails #CarMaintenance #UKDriving #MOTFailureReasons #PreventMOTFails #TyreSafety #WindscreenCheck #MOTCheckList #drivingintheuk https://www.torquecars.com Legal Notice: Unless we have inspected your car we can only provide generic theory. All information is provided without warranty, please check any recommendations made with a mechanic locally to verify it would be legal in your area or region and that it would be suitable for your car and your needs.