The MOT Files

Scotland · postcode area PH

Perth MOT pass rate

Data updated

Quick answer

Cars tested in the Perth area pass 66.2% of MOTs once results are adjusted for their age and mileage, well below the national average of 72.2% and ranking 112 of 118 areas in Britain. From 98,541 tests. Corrosion items are recorded 12.3 times per 100 failures here, ranking 14 of 118 for rust.

At a glance

Pass rate, adjusted for age and mileage

66.2%adjusted · 69.5% raw98,541 tests · rank 112 of 118

Perth is 6.1 percentage points below the national pass rate once the age and mileage of its cars are accounted for. The raw figure is 69.5%; the drop after adjustment is the local fleet being newer than the national mix. Cars here average 68,883 miles at test.

DVSA recorded wording

What cars fail on in Perth

Share of failed tests in the area that recorded each item. One failed test often lists several, so these do not sum to 100%.

  1. 1.A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened18.9%

    Road spring broken or fractured explained

  2. 2.Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements11.7%

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit explained

  3. 3.A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn7.6%

    Suspension arm bush worn explained

  4. 4.Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded6.9%

    Brake pipe corroded explained

  5. 5.A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc6.8%

    Driveshaft CV joint gaiter split or missing explained

  6. 6.Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement6.8%

    Parking brake efficiency too low explained

  7. 7.A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn6.4%

    Suspension arm bush worn explained

  8. 8.Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen6.3%

    Wiper or washer not working properly explained

  9. 9.a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm6.3%

    Brake drum or shoe worn or contaminated explained

  10. 10.A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning5.9%

    Lamp not working explained

Corrosion

12.3 corrosion items per 100 failed tests

That ranks Perth 14 of 118 areas for rust. Brake pipes, suspension mountings and structural metal corrode faster here than almost anywhere in Britain — salt, sea air and wet roads. A used car from this area should be inspected underneath before purchase. What structural corrosion means for the test.

Warnings without a failure

Most common advisories

How wear changes the picture

Pass rate by age in Perth

3–5 yrsreg. 2020–202286%
6–8 yrsreg. 2017–201977%
9–11 yrsreg. 2014–201664%
12–14 yrsreg. 2011–201355%
15+ yrsreg. 2010 and earlier52%

What gets tested here

Makes most often tested in Perth

Scotland

Other areas in Scotland

All 118 areas ranked

Common questions

What is the MOT pass rate in Perth?
66.2% of MOT tests in the Perth postcode area (PH) pass once results are adjusted for the age and mileage of the cars tested, which is well below the national average of 72.2%. The unadjusted figure is 69.5%. That ranks Perth 112 of 118 areas in England, Scotland and Wales.
What do cars fail on most in Perth?
The item recorded most often on failed tests in Perth is "A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened", in 18.9% of failed tests, followed by "Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements" (11.7%). Corrosion-related items are recorded 12.3 times per 100 failed tests here, which ranks 14 of 118 areas for corrosion.
Does this mean garages here are stricter or more lenient?
No. The figure describes the cars tested in Perth, not the testers. Every MOT station applies the same inspection manual, and DVSA monitors testing standards nationally. A regional difference reflects the local fleet and local conditions — roads, weather, salt, how far cars are driven — rather than how hard the test is.
Is Perth a bad area to buy a used car from?
Not necessarily, but check underneath. Corrosion is recorded far more often on failed tests here than the national norm, so a car that has spent its life in Perth deserves a proper look at brake pipes, suspension mountings and sills before purchase. The MOT history will show whether corrosion advisories have been building up.

Analysis built from DVSA data of