MOT pass rates in Exeter (EX postcode area)
In 2025, 358,598 cars and vans took their MOT at test stations in the EX postcode area — and 64.5% passed first time. That ranks Exeter 116 of 118 UK postcode areas, with a first-attempt failure rate of 35.5% against a national average of 27.9% (7.6 points worse than the country as a whole).
Testing here soon? Check your MOT due date free and run the 10-minute pre-test checklist first.
MOT test centres in the EX area
Frequently asked questions
Why do pass rates differ between areas?
Vehicle age is the biggest driver — areas with older cars fail more often — along with mileage patterns, road conditions and local incomes. The test itself is the same everywhere, and the fee is capped by law at £54.85 for a car.
Does this mean garages in Exeter are stricter?
No — these figures reflect the vehicles being tested, not tester behaviour. Wherever you test, the same DVSA inspection manual applies.
Where does this data come from?
DVSA's anonymised MOT results for 2025 (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0), aggregated by the postcode area of the test station. See the full methodology.