Will a Cracked Wing Mirror Lead to an MOT Failure?

When your MOT is just around the corner, your mind may be going a hundred miles an hour on what may or may not pass your test.

This can be accelerated even more when your car has an issue that is visual, particularly when it comes to cracked mirrors.

If these parts of your car are damaged, it can be visually impairing and compromising to the safety of both you and other surrounding motorists or pedestrians.

So, what does this mean for your MOT test? Can a broken wing mirror fail your MOT? This question will be answered throughout this article.
 

What Are Wing Mirrors?

Wing mirrors – also known as door mirrors – are mounted on either side of your vehicle and provide a view of the road behind and to the side.

They’re an essential tool for safe driving, helping drivers monitor their blind spots, navigate traffic, and park with precision.

Most modern cars also include indicator lights, cameras, or heating elements built into the mirror housing – making them even more integral to your car’s safety systems.

Without functional wing mirrors, your ability to make safe decisions on the road is significantly compromised.
 

Can a Cracked Wing Mirror Fail My MOT?

Yes – a cracked wing mirror can result in an MOT failure, but it depends on how severe the damage is.

If the crack obstructs or distorts your view, or if the mirror housing is unstable or loose, it will likely lead to a fail.

Even small cracks or chips may be flagged if they exceed around 10mm in the reflective area or if they impair the driver’s ability to see clearly.

Here’s what MOT testers will be looking for:

• Extent of the crack – Is it just a superficial scratch, or does it distort the image significantly?
• Safety risk – Could the damage get worse or pose a danger (e.g., sharp edges)?
• Mirror stability – Is the mirror secure, or could it fall off?
• Obstruction – Are there stickers or tints that block the mirror’s reflection?

Even if the mirror is still technically present, any of the above issues could be enough for a failure.
 

What Are the MOT Requirements for Wing Mirrors?

Under DVSA guidelines, all M1-category vehicles (standard passenger vehicles) first used on or after 26 January 2010 must have three mirrors in place:

• One on the driver’s side (offside)
• One on the passenger’s side (nearside)
• One interior rear-view mirror – unless this can’t provide a clear rear view (such as in vans with bulkheads)

If any of these are missing, damaged beyond practical use, or poorly positioned, the car can fail the MOT under the “visibility” section of the test.The MOT manual also warns that mirrors must be:

• Securely mounted
• Free from serious damage
• Not so cracked or broken that they distort the driver’s rear view

That means a cracked, loose, or missing wing mirror can fall foul of these requirements and lead to a test failure – especially if it affects the driver’s field of vision.

My Wing Mirror Is Cracked, What Do I Do?

If you’ve spotted a crack on your wing mirror, it’s best to get it checked or replaced before the MOT.

While some minor chips might only be noted as an advisory, any significant crack is unlikely to be ignored by the tester.

Here’s what you can do:

• Assess the damage – If visibility is affected, act fast.
• Secure any loose fittings – A stable mirror is a legal requirement.
• Replace the glass – If the casing is intact, replacement mirror glass is often affordable.
• Consider a full unit replacement – Especially if the mirror contains indicators, sensors, or cameras.

Many garages offer quick replacements for cracked or broken mirrors, and some models can be fixed with replacement glass alone rather than a full housing swap.

Either way, don’t leave it until the MOT tester flags it – prevention is quicker and cheaper than a retest.
 

Wing Mirror MOT Test: Final Thoughts

While a cracked wing mirror might seem like a minor cosmetic issue, it can easily tip your vehicle into MOT failure territory – particularly if it impairs visibility or compromises road safety.

To stay on the safe side, inspect your wing mirrors regularly and repair or replace cracked or broken mirrors ahead of your MOT. Also ensure the mirrors are properly adjusted and securely attached to avoid further damage.

Fixing it before the test isn’t just about passing – it’s about keeping yourself and others safe on the road.