MOT Advisories & Failures Explained
Not all MOT results are equal. Understand what pass, advisory, minor, major, and dangerous mean — and which ones should worry you.
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MOT result types explained
The vehicle met the minimum road safety and environmental standards at the time of testing. No defects were recorded.
No action needed — the car is roadworthy.
The vehicle passed but the tester noted items that are not yet defective but could become problems in the future. These are recommendations, not requirements.
Monitor the advised items and address them before they worsen. Check if previous advisories have been fixed.
The vehicle passed but has minor defects that do not affect road safety. These are recorded on the MOT certificate but do not cause a failure.
Repair minor defects promptly. They can develop into major issues if left unchecked.
The vehicle has a major defect that affects road safety, the environment, or puts other road users at risk. The car is not legally roadworthy.
Do not drive until repaired. Major defects include worn brake pads, damaged tyres, faulty lights, and excessive emissions.
A direct and immediate risk to road safety. Driving a vehicle with a dangerous defect is illegal and can result in prosecution, fines, and penalty points.
Do not drive under any circumstances. Have the vehicle towed to a garage for immediate repair.
Common advisory items
These are the most frequently recorded advisories on UK MOT tests. Seeing one or two is normal, but recurring advisories across multiple tests suggest the owner is not maintaining the vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
Are advisories the same as failures?
No. Advisories are warnings about items that may need attention in the future. They do not cause an MOT failure. However, if you ignore advisories, they can develop into major or dangerous defects by the next test.
Can I drive with minor defects?
Yes, minor defects do not cause a failure and the car remains roadworthy. However, you should repair them promptly to prevent them becoming major issues. Minor defects are recorded on the MOT certificate.
How long do I have to fix a major defect?
You cannot drive the vehicle with a major defect — it is illegal. You must repair it before driving. The only exception is driving directly to a pre-booked MOT test or to a garage for repair.
Should I avoid buying a car with advisories?
Not necessarily. Advisories are common and many are minor (like slightly worn brake pads). What matters is whether previous advisories were fixed before the next test. Check the MOT history to see if issues were addressed or kept recurring.
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