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. Halfords 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 BreakerYard 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
