New research analysing millions of MOT test records has identified the single most common reason commercial vans fail their annual roadworthiness check in the UK.
The Most Common MOT Failures for Vans
Researchers at MoneySuperMarket have sifted through a colossal 815 million MOT results provided by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The data, released this week, was used to create a specialised Van MOT Fail Checker tool, highlighting prevalent faults across more than 70 different van models.
The study pinpointed three primary culprits for MOT failures: a handbrake lacking the strength to hold the vehicle securely; malfunctioning registration plate lamps; and windscreen wipers that fail to clear the screen effectively.
Why Handbrake Issues Are So Prevalent
Handbrake failure emerged as the dominant problem, accounting for two of the top three failure codes. Experts note that drivers often overlook handbrake wear, particularly if they routinely park on level ground or leave their vehicle in gear when stationary.
Other frequent reasons for an MOT fail include front tyre tread depth falling below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, an insufficient supply of windscreen washer liquid, and defective front position lamps.
The Top 10 Van MOT Faults
The detailed analysis, covering over 20 years of data, produced a definitive list of the most common MOT faults for vans in the UK:
- Handbrake efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7) – 6,445,966 fails
- Handbrake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i)) – 3,206,260 fails
- Nearside registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d) – 2,704,739 fails
- Offside registration plate lamp not working (1.1.C.1d) – 2,577,212 fails
- Nearside windscreen wiper does not clear effectively (8.2.2) – 2,468,859 fails
- Offside windscreen wiper does not clear effectively (8.2.2) – 2,396,945 fails
- Offside front tyre tread depth below 1.6mm (4.1.E.1) – 2,373,803 fails
- Windscreen washer provides insufficient liquid (8.2.3) – 2,253,081 fails
- Nearside front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b) – 2,210,491 fails
- Nearside front tyre tread depth below 1.6mm (4.1.E.1) – 2,177,809 fails
Proactive Checks Can Save Time and Money
Alicia Hempsted, a Van Insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, emphasised the serious implications of an MOT failure for tradespeople. “For tradespeople and van drivers, an MOT failure can mean more than just inconvenience – it can lead to lost earnings and even invalidate your insurance,” she warned.
“That’s why our Van MOT Fail Checker is designed to help drivers spot common issues, like worn tyres or faulty handbrakes, before test day,” Hempsted added. “By analysing over 20 years of MOT fail results, we’ve created a tool that empowers van owners to make informed choices, save money, and stay safer on the road. While we can’t guarantee a pass, taking proactive steps could help reduce the risk of unexpected costs.”
The release of this data provides a clear checklist for van owners and fleet managers. Conducting pre-MOT inspections focusing on the handbrake, registration lights, wipers, and tyre tread could significantly increase the chances of a first-time pass, avoiding costly downtime and repair bills.
