MOTs are a vital part of road safety. Every day thousands of trained technicians examine vehicles for faults that could lead to traffic accidents and issue a pass or a fail. While MOTs are crucial, we understand that they can be frustrating and costly if your car fails.
That’s why we’ve assembled a list of the top causes for MOT failures so that you can prepare your car before taking it to be tested. We also offer full, major and interim services to get your car in top shape so that there aren’t any nasty surprises later on.
What are the consequences of not booking an MOT?
If you put off booking an MOT, or simply forget, it can lead to serious consequences. In the UK, it’s illegal to drive your vehicle with an invalid or expired MOT certificate.
- Your insurance policy may become void.
- You could be liable for 3 penalty points on your license.
- You could be issued with up to a £1,000 fine.
- You can even loose your driving license.
If you’re in the process of selling your vehicle, you’ll find it much harder without an MOT. You’ll experience a smaller buying pool who will also likely demand a cheaper price.
Startling MOT Statistics
Did you know, 1 in 5 drivers admit to forgetting their MOT?
- That’s almost 3 million potentially unsafe vehicles on the road, just in the last three years.
- 52% of these reveal that they’ve forgotten more than twice.
- That’s 20% of all drivers risking all of the financial and legal consequences as listed above.
- 46% of those drivers explained that they forgot to book their MOT in time, simply as they forgot their MOT certificate’s expiration date.
Booking an MOT with Halfords
Luckily, Halfords is here to help. With our trusty MOT date look-up tool and regular reminders, we’ll help to ensure road safety and legal compliance.
Check when your vehicle’s MOT is due by entering your reg number or share your email address with us for gentle expiry reminders.
So, don’t risk your MOT slipping your mind during your busy day-to-day life… get your MOT booked (or at least marked in your diary!) today. Plus, when you sign up to Halfords Motoring Club, you’ll receive helpful reminders for when your MOT is due so that you never forget again!
How much does an MOT cost?
The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 while a standard motorcycle should cost £29.65 – as of 2026. Please note that Class 7 vehicles (weighing up to 3.5 tonnes) can cost up to £58.60. If you fail your MOT and require repairs or services in order to pass, it can add up to a lot more.
Most common reasons for failing an MOT
Just a few simple checks can help you pass your next MOT. Take a look at the top reasons vehicles fail and carry out some at-home prep prior to your slot so you’re in the best position possible to pass. We also offer a free 5- and 10-point car checks if you want some professional help and peace of mind prior to your MOT.
1. Lights
Lights are the number‑one cause of MOT failures.
Common issues include:
- Blown bulbs.
- Cracked or cloudy headlight covers
- Faulty brake lights, indicators, fog lights, sidelights, or number‑plate lights
Around 1 in 5 drivers have light‑related problems during their MOT. Most fixes are simple, but ignoring them can lead to a fail. Check all lights before your MOT, or use a headlight restoration service if needed.
2. Suspension
Suspension problems account for roughly 1 in 10 MOT failures.
What to look for:
- Uneven handling or poor cornering.
- Strange knocking or creaking noises.
- A car that doesn’t sit level.
- A corner that doesn’t bounce back normally when pushed down.
Suspension issues can be subtle, so spotting early signs helps avoid surprises at the test.
3. Brakes
Faulty brakes are another major cause of MOT failures, also affecting 1 in 10 vehicles.
Warning signs of brake failure includes:
- The car pulls to one side when braking.
- Grinding or scraping noises.
- A soft or unresponsive brake pedal.
Because brakes are critical for safety, any concerns should be checked immediately.
4. Tyres
Tyre‑related issues are the fourth most common MOT failure. They can be hidden, like a slow puncture or very obvious, like low tyre pressure.
Potential problems include:
- Low tread depth or bald tyres.
- Incorrect tyre pressure.
- Cuts, bulges, punctures, or uneven wear.
The legal minimum tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, although many experts recommend replacing tyres before they reach this limit. Check your tread depth using a depth gauge from Halfords for reliability and precision.
For an approximate tread reading in a pinch, use the 20p test. If you can see the outer band of the coin when placed in the tread, the tyre may be below the legal limit
Other signs of tyre problems include:
- Frequent pressure loss, which may suggest a possible slow puncture.
- Vibrations while driving, suggesting potential wheel misalignment.
At Halfords, we offer a range of tyre services so that you can be ready to go when it comes to the date of your MOT. Plus, if you book a service bundle, you could get up to 50% off your MOT!
5. Issues impacting the driver’s view
Anything that obstructs visibility can cause an MOT fail.
Common examples include:
- Chips or cracks in the windscreen.
- Faulty or worn wiper blades.
- An insecure bonnet that could pop open while driving.
Even small windscreen damage can be enough to fail if it affects the driver’s line of sight.
6. Additional issues
More reasons for MOT failure include:
- Structural rust or corrosion.
- Faulty seatbelts and airbags.
- Poor emissions.
- General wear that compromises safety.
These issues tend to vary by vehicle age and condition, but all are taken seriously during MOT testing.
What to do if your MOT fails?
DVSA figures show that 37% of cars fail their MOT the first time around.
If your car does fail, you’ll receive a VT30 Refusal of an MOT Test Certificate. This will explain why your vehicle failed and the same garage may be able to fix the issue before you drive it again.
You should keep track of your VT30 as it will be needed for a retest or if you choose to appeal the fail.
If you do appeal the decision, you’ll need to fill out a complaint form and send it to the DVSA within 14 working days of the test.
Don’t delay, organise your MOT with your trusted Halfords garage today. Nobody wants to deal with the consequences of an expired MOT so use our checklist to prepare your car, and you’re much more likely to pass first time.
Plus, with Halfords Motoring Club you can get £5 off of your next MOT. Or treat yourself and upgrade to our Premium tier for an included MOT!
