New data from the DVSA has revealed that more than a third of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) failed their first MOT between 2023 and 2024, raising concerns about vehicle maintenance standards among businesses and sole traders.
According to a freedom of information request by Select Van Leasing, 36% of vans and pick-ups failed the annual safety test, compared to an overall failure rate of 28% for cars and LCVs combined. This high failure rate translates to roughly 890,000 vans on the road with significant defects annually, given that around 2.5 million LCVs undergo testing each year. These figures serve as a stark reminder of the critical role regular maintenance plays in ensuring road safety, particularly for vehicles used in business operations.
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) reports that lighting issues accounted for 47% of failures, making them the most common defect. However, more serious problems also featured prominently:
• 34% of failed vehicles had suspension issues.
• 28% had brake defects.
• 18% faced problems with the body, chassis or structure.
Additionally, worn-out tyres accounted for 17% of failures, emphasising the need for vigilance regarding essential safety components.
LCVs are classified alongside passenger cars for MOT purposes, requiring their first test at three years old and annually thereafter. Yet the figures suggest that many van operators are not addressing maintenance needs promptly, potentially compromising safety on the road.
The added stress of heavy loads on vans further highlights the importance of proactive maintenance. Regular checks of brakes, suspension, tyres and other critical components can help avoid costly failures, minimise downtime and, most importantly, prevent accidents.
With LCVs playing a pivotal role in countless businesses, from deliveries to on-site trades, their reliability is essential not only for safety but also for operational efficiency. These latest findings underscore the importance of routine inspections and addressing minor issues before they escalate into major defects.
Maintaining a van isn’t just about passing an MOT but ensuring every journey is as safe and smooth as possible for drivers, passengers and other road users.