MoT pass rates up 20% over last decade
Tue, 14 Oct 2025
MoT pass rates are on the up, with the UK seeing a 20% improvement in the last 10 years.
A decade ago, 4 in 10 cars failed their MoT – but by the latest 2024-25 analysis period, this has improved to 28%.
It still means nearly 3 in 10 cars fail an MoT, but the upward trend is encouraging, says Green Flag, which analysed the government data.
London has the highest MoT pass rate by a clear margin, with 87% passing the MoT. The West Midlands and South East were next, each with an 80% pass rate.
What’s causing cars to fail their MoT? Top of the list is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, accounting for 11% of MoT failures in 2024-25.
Suspension springs and dampers were next on 9%, followed by brakes on 7% and tyres on 6%.
‘Visibility’, such as damaged windscreens, externally-mounted mascots, mirror decorations and the like accounted for 5% of MoT failures.
Worryingly, analysis of national figures from the DVLA shows that two-thirds of tyre defects and one-third of brake defects found during an MoT were classed as "dangerous defects" that pose an "immediate risk to motorists and other road users."
Green Flag MD Kate Lomas says the drop in MoT failure rates is encouraging, but that 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 years, not just before their MoT is due."
