i thought that everything that came as standard had to be working...or something along those lines?!?! cos my dads car failed his MOT 2 years ago (volvo s80 d5 full spec) because a motor had gone in the headlight wiper!!
"everything that comes as standard must work"
right ok, so lets say:
the radio doesnt work,
the rear interior light doesnt work,
the alarm doesnt work,
the little light in the ashtray doesnt work,
the cigarette lighter doesnt work,
the ipod connections stopped working..
you can see where im going on this one.
All pottentially standard items but i think we would all agree no reason to fail an MOT test.
However, interestingly for your dads volvo i wonder if it had hid headlights, as its a requirement to have headlight wipers if you have hid headlights. (not many people know this).
But even then im not 100% sure that would be an MOT failure as im not sure its specifically refered to in the MOT test.
ABS would be an item where if its fitted it has to work, (they must see the ABS light come on then go off). But this is specifically stated in the MOT check.
There is nothing for a rear wiper, its simply never mentioned and is not part of an MOT.
People really must be aware that on MOT is often seen as an opportunity for work by garages, - many will say something has failed or is out of specification to give the impression it MUST be done to pass the MOT. Make sure you ask specifically if its an MOT failure if its not something you feel has to be done. Even then if you are not sure seak advice as many dont know the rules very well.