British motorists are being alerted to the single most prevalent reason for failing an MOT test, a simple issue that can be easily rectified with regular checks.
The Leading Cause of MOT Test Failure
According to comprehensive data from the RAC, problems related to lighting and signalling consistently top the list of reasons vehicles do not pass their annual DVSA MOT exam. With vehicles potentially failing for over 600 different reasons, this category stands out as the most frequent pitfall for drivers.
How to Perform Essential Light Checks
Experts from Fixter recommend a straightforward, weekly inspection routine to avoid these common failures. They advise checking all lights, including fog lights and number plate bulbs, and replacing any that appear flickering or dim.
A practical tip involves parking close to a wall and using the light reflection to verify that all beams are functioning correctly. The RAC further emphasises the need to ensure indicators flash properly and that sidelights and fog lights are operational.
They also highlight the importance of checking the physical condition of lights. "Often plastic lenses get misty over time, so it might be worth buying a kit to clean your lights ahead of the MOT," they suggest. Look for cracks and always have someone confirm that brake lights illuminate when the pedal is pressed.
Broader Implications for Road Safety
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, expressed concern that many vehicles are presented for tests with obvious, easily detectable defects. "What’s concerning is that drivers are taking cars for a test with such obvious defects as missing brakes," he stated.
Gooding suggested this trend raises serious questions about the necessity of the annual check. "This should be food for thought for those who suggest we don’t need an annual roadworthiness check – what’s really worrying is how many people might be taking a chance by continuing to drive cars with potentially lethal faults."
His comments underscore a critical road safety issue, implying that some motorists may be driving dangerously faulty vehicles simply because their next MOT deadline hasn't arrived.
