More than one in four vehicles failed their MOT at the first attempt in the first quarter of 2026, according to analysis of Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) data. However, drivers can reduce the risk of failure with a simple 20p coin trick that checks tyre tread depth.
20p Coin Test for Tyre Tread
The test involves inserting a 20p coin into the main tread grooves of each tyre. If the outer band of the coin remains visible, the tread may be approaching or already below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, indicating the tyre needs inspection or replacement before the MOT.
Research by Fast Loan UK analysed the latest DVSA MOT statistics to identify the most common defects leading to failure. The data revealed that 27.24% of vehicles failed their MOT at the first attempt in Q1 2026.
Tyres: The Biggest Danger
The study found that three-fifths (60.32%) of all dangerous defects recorded during MOT tests relate to tyres. Worn or damaged tyres pose one of the greatest risks to drivers and other road users. As tyres are among the few components in constant contact with the road, maintaining them is vital for safety and first-time pass rates.
Joe Brunt from Fast Loan UK commented: "An MOT failure often comes with repair costs that many drivers haven't budgeted for. With vehicle expenses continuing to put pressure on household finances, taking a few minutes to carry out basic checks before your MOT could save motorists both time and money."
Other Common MOT Failures
Beyond tyres, the most common reasons for MOT failure include lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (10.43% of failures), suspension defects (8.84%), and brake issues (6.92%). The top ten failure causes are:
- Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment
- Suspension
- Brakes
- Tyres
- Visibility
- Body, chassis and structure
- Noise, emissions and leaks
- Steering
- Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems
- Road wheels
Quick Pre-MOT Checks
Brunt added: "The 20p tyre check is one of the quickest ways to spot worn tread before it becomes a problem. Combined with checking your lights, brake lights, windscreen wipers, and washer fluid, these simple checks could make the difference between passing first time and facing an unexpected repair bill."
