SALISBURY is among the top 10 UK places with the lowest rate of passes in MOT tests, according to new research.

We all dread taking our car for an MOT test. Will it pass? Will it reveal some hugely-expensive fault that needs to be repaired immediately?

But new data reveals the differences in pass or failure rates depending on where you live – and Salisbury makes the list of the worst performing areas.

Research by Garage.co.uk took DVSA data and used it to identify the locations with the highest and lowest MOT success rates, with the Wiltshire city featuring.

READ MORE: Motoring news from your Salisbury & Avon Gazette

Topping the list for passes was Bromley, in south London, with an impressive 78.2% pass rate. Other high-ranking areas were Enfield (78%) and Twickenham (77.5%), also in London.

At the other end of the scale were Kirkcaldy, in Scotland, which had the lowest pass rate (62.6%), followed by felloow Scottish location Dundee (63.7%) and Llandrindod Wells (64%) in Wales.

Meanwhile, a Garage.co.uk survey found 30% of drivers delay MOT repairs, with only 18% fix urgent issues immediately, despite 21% spending more than £1,000 each year on car repairs.

The UK locations with the lowest MOT pass rates:

1. Kirkcaldy: 62.6%
2. Dundee: 63.7%
3. Llandrindod Wells: 64%
4. Truro: 64%
5. Plymouth: 64.2%
6. Exeter: 64.3%
7. Torquay: 64.4%
8. Bristol: 65.6%
9. Bath: 65.8%
10. Salisbury: 66%

William Fletcher MBE, chief executive of Garage.co.uk, added: “Ignoring minor issues today can lead to costly repairs tomorrow. Routine maintenance not only improves your chances of passing an MOT but also ensures your safety on the road.”

Why might some places fare better than others in MOT tests?

The researchers pointed to a number of factors that could be behind higher – and lower – MOT test pass rates.
Smaller towns, away from major cities, may have fewer mechanics and servicing options, making regular vehicle maintenance more challenging, they said.

Additionally, longer daily commutes for work could lead to increased wear and tear, affecting the condition of vehicles when it’s time for an MOT.

Bristol, one of the largest cities on the list, could be influenced by high traffic levels, leading to increased wear and tear on vehicles, as well as the presence of many older cars on the road.

Additionally, urban driving conditions with frequent stop-start traffic can put extra strain on brakes, suspension, and emissions systems.

Since many MOT failures result from minor, preventable issues – such as faulty lights, worn tyres, and brake problems – drivers in Bristol may benefit from more frequent servicing and proactive maintenance to improve roadworthiness and avoid costly repairs.

The same could be said of Bath, in neighbouring Somerset, which also makes the list.

The UK locations with the highest MOT pass rates:

1. Bromley: 78.2%
2. Enfield: 78%
3. Twickenham: 77.5%
4. Notting Hill: 77.4%
5. Romford: 77.3%
6. Ilford: 77.1%
7. Belsize Park: 76.8%
8. Battersea: 76.5%
9. Kingston Upon Thames: 76.4%
10. Southall: 76.3%

The list of areas with the highest MOT pass rates is dominated by London suburbs. The Garage.co.uk researchers said one key factor could be London residents’ access to a wide network of skilled mechanics and top-tier servicing facilities.

The capital’s well-developed public transport system also reduces reliance on personal vehicles, leading to less wear and tear compared to other areas in the UK.

The most common MOT failures and how to avoid them

Garage.co.uk said many MOT failures stem from neglecting basic vehicle maintenance. A total of 30% of drivers surveyed said they delay acting on advisory notes after a failed test, with only 18% saying they address urgent issues immediately.

But what are the most common reasons for MOT failures, and how can you avoid them?

Top reasons for MOT failures

According to DVSA data, the most frequent MOT failure points include:
• Faulty lights and indicators
• Suspension issues
• Worn brake pads
• Tyre tread wear
• Windscreen obstructions or damage
• Excess emissions
• Illegible registration plates

“These are often avoidable issues, typically caused by everyday wear and tear. While they may not always render a car undrivable, they can pose serious safety risks if left unchecked,” a spokesperson said.

How to improve your chances of passing an MOT test

Regular vehicle maintenance is the best tip from experts at Garage.co.uk.

“Servicing your car annually or every 12,000 miles can help catch problems before they worsen,” a spokesperson added. “However, only 24% of UK drivers service their vehicles every few years – far less than recommended.”