Yes, if a headlight's aim is outside the limits, or it can't be tested. A headlight that's missing, doesn't work, has a badly damaged lens or is insecure also fails.
Testers grade each defect: a major or dangerous defect fails the MOT, a minor one passes but is written on the certificate.
| Defect | Result |
|---|---|
| A headlamp with up to ½ light sources not functioning in the case of LED | PassesMinor |
| A headlamp missing, inoperative or more than ½ not functioning in the case of LED | FailsMajor |
| Headlamp reflector or lens slightly defective | PassesMinor |
| Headlamp reflector or lens seriously defective or missing | FailsMajor |
| Lamp not securely attached | FailsMajor |
| Defect | Result |
|---|---|
| The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | FailsMajor |
| Headlamp aim unable to be tested | FailsMajor |
| Beam image obviously incorrect | FailsMajor |
From DVSA's MOT inspection manual for cars and passenger vehicles. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
In 2025, 1,536,466 car MOTs failed on headlights: 4.88%, or about 1 in 20. Another 228,702 MOTs recorded it as a minor defect, which passes. Testers also noted it as an advisory on 228,044 MOTs: something to keep an eye on that didn't fail the test.
Share of the MOTs that failed on headlights. One MOT can fail for more than one reason.
Share of car MOTs in each mileage band that failed on headlights.
10.79% of MOTs on cars registered in 2005 failed on headlights, against 1.79% for cars registered in 2022.
Models that failed on headlights at least 1.15 times as often as the average car of the same age and mileage, out of 101 with at least 30 MOTs failed on it.
Least often: Range Rover (0.4×), Range Rover Sport (0.4×), Mercedes E-Class (0.4×), Volvo XC40 (0.4×), Land Rover Discovery (0.4×).
Yes, if the aim is out
In 2025, 1,536,466 car MOTs failed on headlights, about 1 in 20.
1 in 20car MOTs failed on headlights in 2025
228,702minor defects recorded in 2025, which pass
Yes, if a headlight's aim is outside the limits, or it can't be tested. A headlight that's missing, doesn't work, has a badly damaged lens or is insecure also fails.
In 2025, 1,536,466 car MOTs failed on headlights: 4.88%, or about 1 in 20.
Against the average car of the same age and mileage, the Dacia Duster (3.5 times as often), Dacia Sandero (2.7 times as often) and MG4 (2.1 times as often), going by 2025 MOT results.