mechanics.tradeHeadlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect
This was recorded 547,762 times on cars and light vans in 2025, which makes it number 14 on the list of things that stop a car passing.
547,762recorded in 2025
14on the national list
2.7%of the top forty defects
What the tester is looking at
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
What you can do about it
Headlamp aim drifts as a car ages. It is a quick adjustment on most cars.
How serious it counts as
The tester records this as a major defect. What the categories mean.
Other things checked on the headlamp aim
All forty defects, from 42,728,066 MOT tests in 2025.