Recorded in
1.7% 72% fail
of every MOT test in our data — 1,887,489 records across 2,069 models.
Visibility → Wiper does not clear the windscreen
The Wiper does not clear the windscreen MOT failure is recorded in 1.7% of all MOT tests in the DVSA data — 1,887,489 records across 2,069 models. A typical repair costs £8–£22. This page explains what the item means, how testers write it down, what a repair usually involves and Peugeot Rifter records it most often for its size.
Fixed at the test
28%
were put right on the spot, so a fail was not recorded.
Typical cost
£8–£22
Usually a DIY or independent-garage job. Estimate, fitted where needed.
What Wiper does not clear the windscreen means on an MOT
Wiper does not clear the windscreen is an MOT inspection item in the visibility section of the manual. The tester records it when they see the condition the description names — here, when wiper does not clear the windscreen. The windscreen must be free of damage within the swept area, and each wiper must clear the area it is meant to cover. The failure is reported against that rule, so the page uses the tester's own wording.
How common is Wiper does not clear the windscreen on an MOT?
Recorded in 1.7% of every MOT test in our data — 1,887,489 records across 2,069 models. That is 2% in every hundred tests, which puts Wiper does not clear the windscreen in the middle of the items testers record.
Of the 1,887,489 records for this item, 71.6% of the records are a fail (Major or Dangerous), 28.4% were put right at the test and recorded as rectified.
Other things testers write about this item
Testers do not all write the same thing. These are the exact DVSA strings from the records for this item, each with how many tests it was written on — the page's keyword vocabulary comes straight from them.
- Driver's view to the front outside the swept area of the windscreen wipers restricted by an obstruction — 21,462 records
- Driver's view to the sides outside the swept area of the windscreen wipers restricted by an obstruction — 4,224 records
What does it cost to fix Wiper does not clear the windscreen?
A typical repair on this item costs £8–£22 at UK prices, and it is usually a DIY or independent-garage job. The bracket is our estimate from reported prices and parts, rather than a DVSA figure — see how it is built on the method page.
How the price brackets are built · full repair cost list · add it to your fail-sheet total.
Models that record Wiper does not clear the windscreen most often
As a rate of each model's own tests, Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Corsa E lead the list: Peugeot Rifter records it on 6.2% of its tests. The rate, not the volume, is what matters here — a model with 20,000 tests can outrank one with a million.
| # | Model | Rate | Tests | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Peugeot Rifter | 6.2% | 24,162 | — |
| 2 | Vauxhall Corsa E | 5.4% | 24,357 | — |
| 3 | Mitsubishi Colt | 4.4% | 86,319 | 2.6× · year by year → |
| 4 | Toyota C-Hr | 4.2% | 255,306 | — |
| 5 | Mazda Bongo | 4.1% | 30,855 | — |
| 6 | Citroen C4 Cactus | 4.1% | 74,323 | — |
| 7 | Chevrolet Matiz | 4.1% | 40,193 | — |
| 8 | Nissan Pixo | 4.0% | 42,149 | — |
| 9 | Ford Tourneo Custom | 3.8% | 31,825 | — |
| 10 | Kia Xceed | 3.8% | 49,078 | — |
| 11 | Hyundai Getz | 3.8% | 76,810 | — |
| 12 | Peugeot 206 | 3.8% | 175,269 | 2.2× · year by year → |
| 13 | Volkswagen Fox | 3.7% | 104,121 | — |
| 14 | Ford Transit Custom | 3.7% | 485,995 | — |
| 15 | Vauxhall Combo | 3.7% | 401,612 | 2.2× · year by year → |
| 16 | Suzuki Alto | 3.6% | 174,258 | 2.2× · year by year → |
| 17 | Suzuki Celerio | 3.6% | 88,112 | — |
| 18 | Toyota Hi-Ace | 3.6% | 24,156 | — |
| 19 | Nissan Almera | 3.6% | 54,229 | — |
| 20 | Toyota Hiace | 3.6% | 23,078 | — |
Which years of car record Wiper does not clear the windscreen
| Year | Recorded in |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 1.7% |
| 2011 | 1.6% |
| 2012 | 1.5% |
| 2013 | 1.4% |
| 2014 | 1.4% |
| 2015 | 1.4% |
| 2016 | 1.4% |
| 2017 | 1.5% |
| 2018 | 1.6% |
| 2019 | 1.9% |
| 2020 | 1.9% |
| 2021 | 2.0% |
| 2022 | 1.4% |
| 2023 | 0.6% |
| 2024 | 0.3% |
These are rates by year of registration from 2010 to 2024, not year of test, so the curve mostly reflects age — a recent car has barely been to a test station. Compare models at the same age instead.
Frequently asked questions about Wiper does not clear the windscreen
How common is Wiper does not clear the windscreen on an MOT?
It is recorded in 1.7% of all MOT tests — 1,887,489 records across 2,069 models.
Does Wiper does not clear the windscreen fail the MOT or just get an advisory?
71.6% of the records for it are a fail, 28.4% were fixed at the test, 0.0% are minor and 0.0% are advisories. In short, it is a fail (Major or Dangerous) most of the time.
Which cars record Wiper does not clear the windscreen most often?
Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Corsa E head the list, at a rate of each model's own tests — Peugeot Rifter records it on 6.2%. Only models with at least 20,000 recorded tests are shown.
How much does it cost to fix Wiper does not clear the windscreen?
Typically £8–£22 fitted, and it is usually a DIY or independent-garage job. That is an estimate from reported prices, not a DVSA figure.
All 83 common MOT failures → Repair cost list → Failed your MOT? What now →