The 10 common reasons for MOT fails with Brits able to check many themselves

The study looked at the most common causes for commercial vehicles to fail their MOT (Image: Getty)

A motoring expert has shared the most common causes for vans to fail their MOT, urging all drivers to make a number of checks before they get their vehicle inspected.

Many drivers dread the annual MOT, which all road-going vehicles aged from three to 40 need to take, with around 28% of all models inspected failing during 2023.

Graham Conway, Managing Director of Select Van Leasing, noted that more vans fail compare to cars, with owners needing to make further checks to prevent needing to pay for a retest.

He explained: "It’s eye-opening to see much higher rates of initial MOT failures for vans compared with typical passenger vehicles, and our stats highlight the need for improved standards.

"By their very nature, light commercial vehicles need to work hard for the businesses they serve and must stand up to the rigours of constant use. With all that in mind, it’s vital vans are either maintained to high standards or replaced when age catches up with them."

Before getting their vehicle inspected, drivers should make sure all of the lights are working (Image: Getty)

According to Select Van Leasing, who analysed data from the DVSA, the most common reason for MOT failures were faults with lights or other electronic systems.

Of the commercial vehicles that failed tests during the 12-month period, 47% featured at least one electrical fault that could have made driving more dangerous.

However, in many cases, motorists can avoid the risk by checking electrical components, particularly walking around the vehicle to assess the lights, including the indicators and third brake light.

Faults with suspension components are another particularly common cause for MOT failures (Image: Getty)

Select Van Leasing also highlighted that a staggering 34% of commercial vehicles failed their last MOT due to problems with the suspension system.

In addition to giving the vehicle a less comfortable ride, driving with faulty suspension can lead to problems steering, uneven tyre wear, longer braking distances, and an increased risk of rolling over.

Whilst it is harder to check for specific suspension components, drivers should take their vehicle for a spin ahead of its upcoming inspection, checking for faults that could help motorists avoid failure during the inspection.

Top 10 reasons for van MOT failures (2023-24):

1. Lamps, reflectors and, electric equipment - 47 percent
2. Suspension - 34 percent
3. Brakes - 28 percent
4. Visibility - 20 percent
5. Body, chassis, and structure - 18 percent
6. Tyres - 17 percent
7. Noise, emissions, and leaks - 12 percent
8. Steering - 10 percent
9. Seatbelts and restraints - five percent
10. Identification of the vehicle - one percent