MOT pass rate has increased by 20% in a decade

4 min read
 
  • The UK’s MOT pass rate has increased by 20% in the last 10 years 
  • London has the highest pass rate, with 87% of cars passing their MOT checks in 2025
  • Lamps, reflectors and electrical faults remain the leading reasons cars fail their MOTs, for the third consecutive year.
  • Suspension, brakes and tyre failures are a safety concern, with two thirds of tyre defects and one third of brake defects classified as dangerous

 

An analysis of Government data1 by breakdown provider Green Flag shows an upward trend in MOT pass rates across the UK, a 20% increase from a decade ago. Last year, just 28% of vehicles failed their MOT, a significant improvement from over 40% a decade ago.

When looking at those who fail their MOTs, over one in 10 (11%) cars were found to have broken or faulty light (lamps), reflectors and electrical equipment in 2024-2025, making it the most common reason for MOT failure for the third consecutive year. The next most common reasons for MOT failures are suspension (9%), brakes (7%), and tyres (6%).

Table 1: Most common reasons for MOT failures from 2024-2025

Defect category Percentage of MOT failures in 2024-2025
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment 11% 
Suspension (springs, shock absorbers) 9%
Brakes (condition, performance, fluid) 7% 
Tyres (cuts, load ratings, speed rating) 6%
Visibility (damaged windscreens, stickers, externally mounted items such as mascots, mirror decorations etc.) 5% 
Body, chassis, structure 3%
Noise, emissions and leaks 3% 
Steering 2%
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems 1% 

Source: Green Flag / DVLA

Brakes and tyres are some of the most dangerous reasons for an MOT failure and should be checked regularly. National figures show that two thirds (60%) of tyre defects and one third (29%) of brake defects found during an MOT are classed as “dangerous defects”, posing an immediate risk to motorists and other road users, or the environment.

Certain regions of the country are leading the way. The region with the highest pass rates in 2025 is London, with 87% of cars passing their MOTs, closely followed by West Midlands and South East, with an 80% pass rate.

Katie Lomas, Managing Director of Green Flag, commented: “It’s encouraging to see MOT failure rates coming down nationally, but the data suggests some drivers are missing vital safety checks between tests. Lamps, brakes, suspension and tyres are all essential for safe driving. We urge drivers to carry out regular maintenance checks throughout the year, not just before their MOT is due. Proactive attention to vehicles can help motorists avoid unexpected repair costs and, most importantly, ensure that cars are safe and fit for the road.”

Green Flag’s tips on how to prepare your car for an MOT: 

  1. Do a general check of your: horn, windscreen, screen wash and seatbelts

  2. Walk around the vehicle and inspect the tyres: make sure there are no bulges or cuts. Check that each tyre matches the opposite on the same axle for size and construction type. 

  3. Check your lights: all exterior bulbs should be working; each lens should be free of cracks or damage. Check your headlights (both dipped and main beam), front and rear side lights, stop lights, reversing lights, front and rear fog lights and all indicators plus number plate lights.

  4. Brakes: Look beneath the bonnet and make sure the fluid level in the brake system’s reservoir is between the ‘min’ and ‘max’ indicators. 

For more information, please visit: MOT preparation | Driving guide | Green Flag

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors

  1. Government data: MOT class 3 and 4 vehicles: initial failures by defect category, sourced by Green Flag. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/csv-preview/67ea7aa6ea9f8afd81056252/dvsa-mot-03-mot-class-3-and-4-vehicles-initial-failures-by-defect-category.csv

  2. FOI Government Data from Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency covering MOT failures by region from 2020 to 2025, sourced by Green Flag

 

For further information, please contact:

Unni Henry 
PR Manager 
Email: unni.henry@directlinegroup.co.uk

About Green Flag

With over 50 years' experience, Green Flag provides customers with breakdown cover 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Customers have access to a network of breakdown operators across the UK and mainland Europe (Euro Plus cover required). Green Flag is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Green Flag products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 1557, connecting via the Green Flag Rescue Me Application, or visiting www.greenflag.com