Vans
The vans most likely to pass their MOTs
How to prepare your van for its MOT and service
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 18/07/2025
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 18/07/2025
As reported in Plumbing, Heating and Air Movement News, Tempcover analysed 33 million MOT test results to reveal which of the UK’s most popular vans are likely to pass their MOT.
With the prospect of expensive repairs, time off the road (you can borrow another van and take out temporary van insurance) and general inconvenience, the results will hopefully reassure and ease van drivers’ anxiety as they prepare for their next MOT check.
After analysing 33,000,722 test results, we have identified the ten most and least MOT-friendly vans from the UK’s most popular models.
Rank | Van make | Van model | Pass rate |
1 | Ford | Transit Custom | 83.98% |
2 | Ford | Transit Courier | 80.10% |
3 | Fiat | Ducato | 77.61% |
4 | Toyota | Proace | 77.52% |
5 | Mercedes-Benz | Sprinter | 74.83% |
6 | Volkswagen | Caddy | 74.38% |
7 | Toyota | Hilux | 73.87% |
8 | Volkswagen | Crafter | 73.04% |
9 | Mercedes | Vito | 72.49% |
10 | Peugeot | Partner | 71.95% |
The top ten performing vans from the most popular models included in the research. Pass rates include passes with rectification.
Just missing out on a spot in the top 10 are the Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Citan and the Ford Transit Connect. The Ford Transit Courier, Toyota Proace, and Peugeot Partner also feature in Tempcover’s best vans for new drivers.
Based on MOT data since 2005, the Fiat Scudo has the lowest pass rate among the UK’s most popular vans, at 58.69%. This is followed by the Renault Kangoo (61.52%) and the Vauxhall Vivaro (61.59%).
Rank | Van make | Van model | Pass rate |
1 | Fiat | Scudo | 58.69% |
2 | Renault | Kangoo | 61.52% |
3 | Vauxhall | Vivaro | 61.59% |
4 | Renault | Trafic | 62.70% |
5 | Vauxhall | Combo | 66.01% |
6 | Citroën | Dispatch | 66.87% |
7 | Ford | Transit | 68.48% |
8 | Citroën | Berlingo | 68.84% |
9 | Iveco | Daily | 69.36% |
10 | Peugeot | Expert | 70.08% |
The bottom ten performing vans from the most popular models included in the research. Pass rates include passes with rectification.
MOTs and services help keep vans roadworthy and you safe while you’re travelling. In the UK, it is illegal to drive a van without an MOT if the vehicle is over three years old.
Some general housekeeping and basic maintenance can help keep costs down when it comes to preparing your van for its MOT.
You can find out if your van is taxed and MOT’d on the UK government website. The MOT (Ministry of Transport) test is an annual safety and emissions check. MOTs are legally required for vehicles over three years old. Driving without a valid MOT can result in the following penalties:
Basic maintenance ahead of the MOT can help save any nasty surprises or unnecessary costs. Before taking your van to its test, you should check the following:
While MOT prices can vary between garages, the legal maximum MOT fee for a standard van is £54.85. If you are taking a Class 5 or Goods vehicle in for its MOT, you can expect to pay a little more. If you’re getting your van serviced while it’s in for its MOT, this price can also vary depending on the type of service (interim, full or major) and van’s engine size.
If you need to know your van’s MOT class, you’ll need to know its Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW):
Although the van does not have to be empty when it comes round to its MOT, certain sections should be accessible. The mechanic testing the vehicle needs to be able to perform their checks without obstruction. You should try to remove any unnecessary items and ensure all important documents are accessible.
You will be issued with a VT30 certificate if your van fails its MOT. This document explains the reasons for the failure and the repairs that need to be made before it is safe (and legal) to drive on the road again. The only exceptions are if the van is being driven to the garage for repairs or its next MOT appointment.
If your van is off the road or in the garage for repairs, why not look into taking out temporary van insurance to drive another vehicle? This keeps you moving (and potentially working) while the garage ensures your regular van is legal and roadworthy.
[1]Over 33 million (33,000,722) MOT tests were analysed.
Data is based on an anonymised release of 2023 test results from the Department For Transport
Results were filtered to show only Class 4 MOT tests (which cover standard passenger cars) and only normal MOT tests (i.e. excluding re-tests and appeals).
Only makes that had more than 1000 tests in 2023 were included, only models that had more than 1000 tests in 2023 were included.
Pass rate includes passes where vehicles had an issue that was rectified at the testing station.
We used existing roundups of popular vans of all sizes across the UK to generate our seed list. Pick-up trucks were removed:
https://www.parkers.co.uk/vans-pickups/best/selling/
https://www.whatcar.com/best/new-van-sales/n23754
https://www.bigvanworld.co.uk/blog/the-10-most-popular-used-vans-in-the-uk/
https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-small-vans/n20723
It is against the law to drive someone else's car without the right insurance. This could result in your getting between six and eight points on your licence. You'll also get a fixed penalty fine of £300, which could increase should your case end up in court.
Furthermore, you could also see the price of your future insurance policies increase as a result if you have an IN10 conviction, or in some cases, you may find it hard to find an insurer to cover you as you may be deemed too high of a risk.
Before you step inside any vehicle and take it on the roads, there are a few things you need to consider.
First and foremost, you need to ensure the car is in a safe condition. This includes both inside and outside of the vehicle, so make sure you check that things such as the tyres and mirrors are in good and proper working order so you can drive safely.
If you are preparing to take your driving test and wish to practice with friends or family, there are several legal requirements to bear in mind. The person you are driving with must be over the age of 21 and have had their full driving licence for at least 3 years. They also must have the correct licence type for the vehicle being driven and not currently be banned from driving. You are also unable to drive on motorways when practising with friends or family.
Finally, as previously mentioned in this article, you must have the correct insurance policy in place for you to legally drive with someone else.
There are many benefits if you choose to become a named driver on someone else's car. It's a convenient option and can often prove to be more cost-effective. However, there are some potential disadvantages to bear in mind, too.
If you were to have an accident while driving their car, it could impact their No Claims discount on their insurance policy, even if they were not with you in the car at the time of the incident.
There are also longer-term potential disadvantages. If you were to be a named driver on someone else's car for several years and then decide to take out your own insurance policy, all your years of driving safely may not be reflected in your new policy with a no claims bonus.
Before you step inside any vehicle and take it on the roads, there are a few things you need to consider.
First and foremost, you need to ensure the car is in a safe condition. This includes both inside and outside of the vehicle, so make sure you check that things such as the tyres and mirrors are in good and proper working order so you can drive safely.
If you are preparing to take your driving test and wish to practice with friends or family, there are several legal requirements to bear in mind. The person you are driving with must be over the age of 21 and have had their full driving licence for at least 3 years. They also must have the correct licence type for the vehicle being driven and not currently be banned from driving. You are also unable to drive on motorways when practising with friends or family.
Finally, as previously mentioned in this article, you must have the correct insurance policy in place for you to legally drive with someone else.
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Van