MOT Tests Statistics
The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) collects and publishes various statistics on MOT (Ministry of Transport) tests in the UK. These statistics provide insights into the number of MOT tests conducted, pass/fail rates, common reasons for failure, and trends over time. Below are some key aspects of the latest available MOT statistics:
Total Number of MOT Tests
- Annual Volume: In recent years, over are conducted annually in the UK. For example, in the 2020-2021 financial year, around 31.2 million vehicles underwent MOT testing, which is typical in years unaffected by major disruptions (like the COVID-19 pandemic).
- Impact of COVID-19: During 2020, the number of MOT tests dropped sharply due to the government's MOT extension scheme, which allowed vehicles due for a test between March 30 and July 31, 2020, to defer their test by six months. This caused a temporary reduction in tests during that period.
Pass and Fail Rates
- Pass Rate: The overall pass rate for MOT tests has hovered around 70-75% in recent years. For example, in 2021, approximately , meaning they required some form of repair before passing.
- Failure Rate: The remaining 25-30% of vehicles typically fail the test either due to major or dangerous defects.
Common Reasons for MOT Failure
MOT failures are often caused by a range of issues, with the most frequent reasons falling into a few key categories:
- Lighting and Signaling Issues: Faults related to lighting, signaling, and indicators account for a significant portion of MOT failures (around 30-40% of failures).
- Suspension Issues: Suspension problems (e.g., worn or damaged components) also represent a common failure point.
- Brakes: Brake problems are another major reason for MOT failure, accounting for approximately 15-20% of failures.
- Tyres: Worn or damaged tyres are also a frequent issue that causes vehicles to fail MOT tests.
- Exhaust and Emissions: For petrol and diesel vehicles, exhaust system problems and emissions-related failures are common, especially as stricter emissions standards are enforced.
Pass and Failure by Vehicle Age
- Newer Vehicles: Newer cars (up to 3 years old) typically have a high pass rate, often above 90%.
- Older Vehicles: As vehicles age, the pass rate declines. Vehicles that are often see a pass rate of around 50-60%, meaning they are more likely to require repairs or adjustments.
Geographical Variation in MOT Results
- Regional Differences: MOT pass rates can vary across regions in the UK. Urban areas with heavier traffic and environmental conditions might have lower pass rates due to wear and tear, while rural areas might see different patterns. For instance, areas with more diesel vehicles might have higher fail rates due to stricter emissions standards.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) and MOTs
- Pass Rate for EVs: While data for electric vehicle (EV) MOTs is still growing as more EVs enter the market, early data suggests EVs tend to have a than their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. This is partly because EVs have fewer mechanical components, such as exhaust systems and engines, that could fail the test.
MOT Test Center Performance
There are over across the UK. The performance of these centers is monitored by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency), and compliance rates are generally high. There are regular inspections and audits to ensure testing stations adhere to strict standards.
Government Extensions and Changes
The DVLA periodically publishes data on the number of vehicles benefiting from MOT extensions or deferrals. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, 9.58 million vehicles had their MOTs deferred as part of the extension scheme, leading to a significant backlog in later months.
Trends in MOT Failures
Increase in Emissions-Related Failures: As emissions standards tighten, particularly for diesel vehicles, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of MOT failures due to emissions-related issues, especially since the introduction of stricter regulations under .
MOT Retest Data
Vehicles that fail their MOT can undergo a at the same test center, and many of the vehicles that initially fail are repaired and pass on a second attempt. The number of retests is not separately tracked in most public statistics but is a common outcome for failed vehicles.
Summary of Key MOT Statistics (Typical Year)
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Total MOT Tests | 30-32 million annually |
| Pass Rate | 70-75% |
| Fail Rate | 25-30% |
| Common Failure Reasons | Lights, brakes, suspension, tyres, emissions |
| Vehicles Failing on First Attempt | 30-35% |
| Vehicles Over 10 Years Old (Pass Rate) | 50-60% |
Maria Coursey
Contributor
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