A required mirror is missing, cracked to the point the view is distorted, or flapping about so it won't hold its setting. Cars need an adequate rearward view from at least two mirrors — normally the interior mirror plus the driver's door mirror. A missing nearside mirror can still be recorded where the interior view is obstructed, such as in a van.
Wording as it commonly appears on an MOT certificate: “Mirror missing, damaged or insecure”.
What does it mean?
A required mirror is missing, cracked to the point the view is distorted, or flapping about so it won't hold its setting. Cars need an adequate rearward view from at least two mirrors — normally the interior mirror plus the driver's door mirror. A missing nearside mirror can still be recorded where the interior view is obstructed, such as in a van.
How serious is it?
Usually recorded as: Minor, Major. The tester assesses the actual vehicle on the day, so your certificate is what counts.
What normally causes it?
- Clipping a gate post or a passing wing mirror — the classic single-track road injury
- A broken mirror housing hinge or spring after being folded back too hard
- Failed heated-mirror glass adhesive letting the glass fall out
- A cracked interior mirror mount pad that has come off the windscreen
What a mechanic would check
I sit in the driver's seat, because that's the only place the view actually matters. Then I check the housing holds its adjustment with a firm push — one that creeps back on a bumpy road is as useless as a missing one.
What might need replacing
- A mirror glass, which often clips in separately
- A complete door mirror assembly
- An interior mirror or re-bonding the windscreen mount
Can you still drive it?
You can drive, but you're missing a blind-spot check that matters most on motorways and roundabouts. Get the glass at least back in before you do a long trip.
Repair cost
Glass on its own is cheap and usually a two-minute clip-in job. A full powered, heated, indicator-equipped mirror unit is a lot dearer — a good used unit is a sensible option on an older car.
Before the retest
Fit wiper blades that clear the screen in one sweep without smearing, top up the washer bottle and confirm both jets actually reach the glass. Look carefully at the area swept by the wiper in front of the driver for chips and cracks, and clear anything stuck to the screen there. Check that both door mirrors are secure and the driver can see clearly behind.
Retest rules
If the vehicle stays at the test centre for repair and is retested within 10 working days, a partial retest is often free; some items qualify for a free retest if you bring the car back by the end of the next working day. The exact conditions are set out on GOV.UK, so confirm with the test centre before you leave. A major or dangerous failure means the car cannot legally be driven away unless the previous MOT is still valid and nothing dangerous was recorded — check your certificate first.
Related help
More visibility failures · MOT failure decoder · Ask a mechanic about your certificate
This is general guidance from a UK mechanic, not a substitute for a physical inspection. Only the tester who inspected your vehicle can confirm what was recorded and why.