Can Worn Wiper Blades Fail the MOT?

Worn, damaged or ineffective wiper blades can cause your car to fail its MOT.

The MOT specifically checks your windscreen wipers and washers to make sure they work properly and give you an adequate view of the road.

And according to the DVSA's MOT data, wiper-related defects are recorded against hundreds of thousands of cars each year. In the 2024 MOT data, 482,354 cars failed on the specific defect “wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen”.

That's a lot of drivers making a second trip for something that takes a few minutes to fix.

What does the MOT check?

Your wipers need to work properly and clear the windscreen effectively.

The current MOT inspection manual says a wiper can be rejected if it is:

• Not operating or missing
• Clearly damaged or worn
• Missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen

The washers are checked too. They must provide enough fluid for the wipers to clear the windscreen effectively.

Give them a quick check

Run the washers and wipers and take a look.

Keep an eye out for:

• Heavy streaks or smearing
• Areas of the windscreen being missed
• Juddering or skipping
• Split or damaged rubber
• A blade that isn't clearing the glass properly

If the screen isn't being cleared properly, clean the glass and the rubber edges first. Dirt, grease and wax can make good wipers perform badly too.

Still getting streaks or missed areas? Your blades may be past it.

And don't forget the washer fluid. Turning up to the MOT with an empty bottle is an easy one to avoid.

Don't make a second trip

Wipers are a small job. They shouldn't be the reason you have to go back to the test centre.

Enter your registration and we'll match your car with the correct wipers, then send you a simple fitting video for your vehicle.

Find the right wipers for your car →

Information based on current DVSA MOT inspection guidance and MOT testing data for Great Britain.