MOT & Rear Wipers: Do They Need to Work?

The annual MOT test can be a source of anxiety for many vehicle owners across the UK. With a comprehensive list of checks covering everything from brakes to lights, it's easy to overlook smaller components and wonder about their significance. One such component that often sparks questions is the humble rear wiper. Does it truly need to be in perfect working order for your car to pass its MOT, or is it merely a convenience?

Understanding the nuances of the MOT test is crucial for keeping your vehicle roadworthy and avoiding costly retests. While the front windscreen wipers are undeniably critical for safety and thus strictly scrutinised, the rules surrounding their rear counterparts are a little more subtle. Let's delve into the specifics to ensure you're fully prepared when it's time for your car's annual check-up.

The MOT's Stance on Wipers: A General Overview

Before we pinpoint the rear wiper, it's important to understand the broader context of wiper requirements in the MOT. The primary focus of the test regarding wipers is on ensuring the driver has a clear and unobstructed view of the road ahead. This means that the front windscreen wipers are absolutely essential.

For your front wipers to pass, they must:

• Operate effectively to clear the windscreen.
• Be able to clear a sufficient area of the screen to give the driver an adequate view.
• Have blades that are in good condition, free from tears or significant perishing.
• Be controlled by working switches.
• Work in conjunction with the windscreen washer system, which must deliver fluid to the screen effectively.

Any defect with the front wipers, such as a torn blade, a non-working motor, or a washer jet that doesn't spray fluid onto the screen, will result in an MOT failure. This is because impaired forward visibility is a direct and significant safety hazard.

Rear Wipers: The Nuance of the MOT Test

Now, let's address the main question: do rear wipers have to work for an MOT pass? The answer is nuanced, depending on whether your vehicle is fitted with one, and its condition.

The official MOT inspection manual states that a rear wiper is *not* a testable item unless its absence creates a dangerous sharp edge, or if its malfunction significantly impairs the driver’s view to the rear. This is where the subtlety lies.

Scenario 1: Your Car Does Not Have a Rear Wiper Fitted from the Factory

Many older vehicles, or certain models designed with a different rear aesthetic, do not come with a rear wiper. If your car was manufactured without a rear wiper, then there is absolutely no requirement for one to be present or working for your MOT. It simply isn't an item on the checklist for such vehicles.

Scenario 2: Your Car Has a Rear Wiper, and It's Functioning

If your car is fitted with a rear wiper and it's working perfectly, then you have nothing to worry about. It will be observed, but as long as it operates as intended, it poses no issue for the test.

Scenario 3: Your Car Has a Rear Wiper, But It's Faulty (e.g., Not Working, Torn Blade)

This is the most common scenario for concern. If your car has a rear wiper fitted, but it's not working (e.g., the motor has failed, the switch is faulty), or the blade is torn, perished, or missing, it generally will not result in an automatic MOT failure. This is because, for most vehicles, the rear wiper is considered an ancillary item for convenience rather than a critical safety feature affecting the primary view for driving.

However, there are exceptions:

• Dangerous Sharp Edge: If the wiper arm or blade is broken in such a way that it creates a dangerous sharp edge that could cause injury, then this *would* be an MOT fail. This falls under the general safety requirement that no part of the vehicle should pose a hazard.
• Significantly Impaired View: This is less common for rear wipers, but if, for some very unusual vehicle design, the rear wiper's malfunction genuinely and significantly impaired the driver's view to the rear (e.g., if it was permanently stuck in a position that blocked a substantial portion of the rear window), it *could* be failed. For the vast majority of cars, this is not the case, as the rear view mirror provides the primary rear view, and the rear wiper aids in clarity rather than being essential for basic visibility.

Similarly, if the rear washer jet isn't working, it's also not an MOT failure. While inconvenient, it doesn't affect the primary safety aspects of the vehicle for the test.

Scenario 4: You Have Removed the Rear Wiper

Some drivers choose to remove their rear wiper for aesthetic reasons or to prevent it from seizing. If you have removed the rear wiper, the same rules apply as above:

• No Dangerous Sharp Edge: The most important consideration is that the removal must not leave a dangerous sharp edge where the wiper arm once was. Often, a blanking plug is used to cover the hole, which also prevents water ingress. If a sharp edge is present, it will fail the MOT.
• No Impairment of View: As long as the removal doesn't significantly impair the driver's view (which it typically won't, as mentioned), it won't be a fail.

In summary, for most standard vehicles, a non-functioning or absent rear wiper (provided it doesn't create a sharp edge) will not cause an MOT failure. It might be noted as an advisory item, informing you of a defect that doesn't meet test standards but isn't a fail.

Why Rear Wipers Still Matter (Even if Not Always an MOT Fail)

While the MOT might be lenient on rear wipers, their importance for safe driving, especially in the unpredictable British weather, should not be underestimated. A clear rear view is vital for:

• Reversing and parking: Especially in tight spaces or adverse weather, a clear rear window is invaluable.
• Lane changes: While wing mirrors are primary, a quick glance in the rear-view mirror can confirm a clear path.
• Heavy rain or snow: Rear visibility can quickly diminish, making a working wiper a significant safety aid.

Therefore, even if your rear wiper isn't an MOT fail, it's highly recommended to keep it in good working order for your own safety and convenience.

Common Rear Wiper Faults and What They Mean

Understanding common issues can help you diagnose problems and decide whether to repair them, even if not strictly for the MOT.

• Torn or Perished Blade: The rubber element of the blade can degrade over time due to exposure to sun and harsh weather. This leads to streaking or inefficient clearing. Generally not an MOT fail for the rear, but an easy and cheap fix.
• Wiper Motor Failure: If the wiper doesn't move at all, the motor might have failed. This could be due to electrical issues (fuse, wiring) or the motor itself seizing. This is the most costly repair.
• Electrical Issues (Fuse/Wiring): A blown fuse or damaged wiring can prevent the wiper from receiving power. Always check the fuse box first if your wiper stops working suddenly.
• Washer Jet Blockage/Failure: The nozzle can get blocked with dirt or limescale, or the pump might fail. As mentioned, this is not an MOT failure for the rear, but makes the wiper less effective.

DIY Checks and Simple Fixes

Before your MOT, or just for general maintenance, here are some quick checks you can perform on your rear wiper:

• Visual Inspection: Check the rubber blade for any signs of tearing, cracking, or hardening. If it's damaged, replace it. Blades are inexpensive and easy to swap.
• Functionality Check: Turn on the rear wiper. Does it move smoothly across the window? Does it clear the water effectively?
• Washer Jet Check: Activate the rear washer. Does fluid spray onto the window? If not, check the nozzle for blockages (a pin can often clear it) and listen for the pump working.
• Fuse Box: If the wiper is completely dead, consult your car's manual for the location of the fuse box and the specific fuse for the rear wiper. A blown fuse is a simple replacement.

Comparative Table: Front vs. Rear Wipers – MOT Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions About Rear Wipers and MOT

Here are some common questions vehicle owners have regarding their rear wipers and the MOT test:

Q: Can I just remove my rear wiper if it's broken?

A: Yes, you can, but you must ensure that its removal does not leave any dangerous sharp edges. It's advisable to fit a blanking plug to cover the hole where the wiper arm was attached. As long as no hazard is created, its absence will not cause an MOT fail.

Q: What if my rear wiper works but the washer jet doesn't spray fluid?

A: This is not an MOT failure. While inconvenient, the rear washer system is not a testable item during the MOT. However, it's worth fixing for your own driving safety and convenience, especially in dirty conditions.

Q: My rear wiper sometimes works, sometimes doesn't. Will it pass?

A: If it's intermittent, it technically isn't "working effectively." However, as it's not a testable item (unless it creates a hazard or impairs view), it's unlikely to cause a fail. It might be noted as an advisory. It's best to get it fixed, as intermittent faults can be frustrating and may indicate a worsening problem.

Q: Does a torn rear wiper blade cause an MOT fail?

A: No, a torn or perished rear wiper blade will not cause an MOT failure. Unlike the front wipers, the condition of the rear wiper blade is not a pass/fail item, unless, in a very extreme case, the damage created a dangerous sharp edge.

Q: Will a broken rear wiper motor cause an MOT fail?

A: No, a broken rear wiper motor (meaning the wiper doesn't move at all) will not cause an MOT failure, provided it doesn't create a dangerous sharp edge or significantly impair the driver's view (which is rare for a rear wiper). It will likely be noted as an advisory.

Q: My rear wiper is stuck in the middle of the window. Is this an MOT fail?

A: If the wiper is stuck in a position that significantly obstructs the driver's view to the rear, it *could* potentially be an MOT failure, although this is uncommon. More likely, it would be an advisory. The primary concern would be if it created a dangerous sharp edge or genuinely impaired visibility to a dangerous degree.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the MOT test is stringent about the functionality of your front windscreen wipers due to their critical role in driver visibility and safety, it is generally much more lenient on rear wipers. For most vehicles, a non-working, faulty, or even absent rear wiper will not result in an MOT failure, provided its condition doesn't create a dangerous sharp edge or significantly impair the driver's primary view to the rear. It's far more likely to be noted as an advisory.

Nevertheless, for optimal driving safety and convenience, it is always recommended to ensure all components of your vehicle, including the rear wiper, are in good working order. Regular maintenance not only helps you avoid advisories but also contributes to a safer and more comfortable driving experience on the unpredictable roads of the UK.

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