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Last updated: 24 March 2026
Older headlines claimed “half of vans over three years old are unroadworthy.” Today, the key point remains: vans often fail MOTs at a higher rate than cars, and many failures are due to routine maintenance items you can catch early.
Recent analysis of DVSA MOT outcomes suggests around a third of light commercial vehicles failed their initial MOT test between 2023 and 2024. This isn’t proof that a third of vans are “unsafe” year-round, but it highlights how often vans arrive at tests needing work.
When does a van need an MOT in the UK?
New vehicles must get an MOT by their third anniversary and then usually every year after. Some vans fall into Class 7 (goods vehicles over 3,000kg up to 3,500kg). GOV.UK confirms Class 7 vans first need an MOT after 3 years.
If you’re unsure which class applies, your test centre can confirm. You can also check vehicle details, including weight, via DVLA vehicle information services.
The real cost of an MOT fail
For trades, couriers, and service fleets, the biggest costs are usually downtime-related:
- Missed jobs
- Rearranged routes
- Emergency repairs at short notice
- Replacement vehicle costs
A “pass-first-time” approach is almost always cheaper than firefighting — especially if the van is critical to revenue.
What typically fails an MOT (the “low effort, high impact” checks)
Many common failure areas are basic but easy to miss when busy. RAC guidance highlights recurring issues such as lights/signals, suspension, and brakes. The GOV.UK MOT inspection manual details exactly what testers assess and how defects are judged.
A practical pre-MOT checklist for vans
Do this 1–2 weeks before test day to allow time for fixes:
Walkaround (5 minutes)
- All exterior lights working (including brake, indicators, number plate lights)
- Tyres: tread, damage, correct pressures
- Windscreen: chips/cracks in driver view; wipers and washer fluid
- Mirrors secure and not cracked
- Number plates secure and legible
- Doors open/close properly; seatbelts latch and retract
Under-bonnet / cab (5 minutes)
- Warning lights (ABS/airbag/engine management) investigated
- Horn works
- Fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer)
Load area (important for vans)
- Secure loose tools and racking; prevent dangerous shifting under braking
- Check bulkhead fixings and tie-down points
Use MOT history to stop repeat failures
GOV.UK lets you check a vehicle’s MOT history (pass/fail, mileage, failure reasons). This helps spot recurring problems like tyres, brakes, and suspension wear before they cause repeat failures.
If your van had advisories last year, treat them as a “to-do list” — not background noise.
Sources
- GOV.UK — Check MOT status (first MOT by third anniversary)
- GOV.UK — MOT testing guide (Class 7 definition; first test after 3 years)
- GOV.UK — Check MOT history (fail reasons, mileage, certificates)
- RAC — Common MOT failure areas (lights, suspension, brakes)
- Select Van Leasing (FOI-based analysis) — ~36% LCVs failed initial MOT in 2023–2024
- Motor Transport — More than a third of vans fail initial MOT (context + fail categories)
- Auto Express — “More than a third” of light commercials failed first MOT (summary of figures)
VanCompare Editorial Team
The VanCompare Editorial Team produces clear, practical guidance on UK van insurance and related topics. We work with FCA authorised insurance providers and use insurer information where relevant to explain cover in plain English and help drivers make informed decisions.
Where relevant, our content is checked against publicly available UK guidance and information from sources such as the FCA and GOV.UK to help keep it accurate and up to date.
This content is for general information only and is not financial advice.
