Are van MOT failure rates really “50%”?

A blanket “50% failure rate” claim doesn’t match current published DVSA data. DVSA’s MOT dataset shows that class 7 vehicles (goods vehicles between 3,000 and 3,500kg) had an initial fail rate of about 34–35% in the most recent published figures. [2]

Class 4 MOT results cover “cars, vans and passenger vehicles” as a combined group, so they’re not a clean “van-only” measure. [3]

What vans fail on most often (based on DVSA defect data)

DVSA publishes breakdowns of initial failures by defect category. For class 7, higher shares of initial failures include suspension, visibility, steering, and tyres in recent quarters. [4] For the combined class 3 and 4 group (cars and vans under 3,000kg), common failure categories also include suspension, tyres, and visibility. [5] Many failures are linked to wear-and-tear items that can often be spotted early with basic checks.

What happens at a DVSA roadside check?

DVSA officers (and police) can stop commercial vehicles and assess roadworthiness. If a defect is serious, you may receive a prohibition notice, which can prevent the vehicle being driven until the defect is fixed. [6] DVSA sets out how it approaches enforcement and sanctions across road traffic and construction-and-use offences. Serious offences can lead to prosecution and court outcomes, depending on the circumstances. [7]

Buying a used van: what to check with MOT risk in mind

MOT failure rates don’t prove that “half of used vans are poorly maintained”, but they underline why checks matter. Before buying:

Review the van’s MOT history and look for repeated advisories (tyres, brakes, corrosion, suspension)

Check tyres for tread and uneven wear

Look for warning lights on the dash and test all lights

Inspect windscreen wipers, washers and visibility-related items

If in doubt, get an independent inspection

Simple maintenance habits that help

A realistic routine for working vans:

Weekly: tyres (pressure/tread), all lights, windscreen washer fluid

Monthly: wiper condition, visible leaks, obvious suspension/steering knocks

Before long jobs: brake feel, load security, mirrors and visibility

Good maintenance won’t guarantee a pass, but it reduces avoidable fails and helps keep the van safer day to day.

Sources

GOV.UK — Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) closure notice (replaced by DVSA): View source

DVSA — MOT test results by class of vehicle (CSV, includes class 7 initial fail rate): View source

DVSA — MOT test results by class (CSV preview page showing class definitions incl. class 4): View source

DVSA — MOT class 7 vehicles: initial failures by defect category (CSV): View source

DVSA — MOT class 3 and 4 vehicles: initial failures by defect category (CSV): View source

GOV.UK — Roadside checks for commercial drivers: roadside prohibitions: View source

DVSA — Enforcement sanctions policy (PDF): View source

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.