MOT Advisories Explained: Advisory, Minor, Major and Dangerous

The four types of MOT result

MOT problems are sorted into four groups. Advisories and minor defects still mean a pass, though you should keep an eye on them or fix them soon. Major defects mean a fail, and the car must be repaired. Dangerous defects also mean a fail, and the car should not be driven at all until it is fixed.

This system has been in place since 2018. It was brought in to make it clearer how serious each problem is, so drivers can decide what needs doing now and what can wait.

Advisories: keep an eye on it

An advisory is something the tester has noticed that is not bad enough to fail or even count as a defect, but could become one in future. Common examples are tyres close to the legal limit, slight corrosion, light oil misting, or brake pads and discs showing wear.

One useful habit is to take a photo of your MOT advisories or keep the printout with your service book, then mention them when you next book the car in. A garage can then check whether those items have got worse, and you can plan repairs around your budget rather than being caught out by a failure. It also helps when you sell the car, because buyers can see the same advisory history online and may ask whether items have been dealt with.

Your car passes, but it is worth taking advisories seriously. A tyre that is near the limit in September could be illegal by Christmas. Many owners get advisories sorted at their next service so they do not turn into a fail next year.

Minor defects: a pass, but fix it soon

A minor defect has no significant effect on safety or the environment, but it does not fully meet the standard. Your car still passes, and the minor defects are listed on the certificate.

Minor defects and advisories are both printed on your MOT certificate and recorded online, but they are not the same thing. A minor defect is a genuine fault against the MOT standard, just not a serious one. An advisory is an early warning about something that still meets the standard today. Both are worth reading carefully when you collect your car.

Examples might include a slightly damaged number plate light lens or a small oil leak that is not dripping badly. You should get minor defects repaired as soon as you reasonably can. Left alone, some of them can get worse and become major defects.

Major defects: the car fails

A major defect could affect the car's safety, put other road users at risk, or have an effect on the environment. The car fails its MOT and needs repairing, then retesting.

Typical major defects include a headlight not working, tyres below 1.6mm, worn suspension joints, excessive emissions, or a warning light showing a fault on a safety system. If your old MOT certificate has not yet run out and there are no dangerous defects, you can usually still drive the car, but it must be roadworthy, so getting the repair done quickly is the sensible option. If the old MOT has expired, you can only drive it to have repairs done or to a pre-booked MOT test.

Dangerous defects: do not drive it

A dangerous defect is a direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment. The car fails, and you should not drive it until it has been repaired, even if your previous MOT certificate is still valid.

Examples include brakes that are badly out of balance, a tyre with exposed cords, a steering component that is close to failing, or serious structural corrosion near a key mounting point. Driving a car in a dangerous condition can lead to a fine of up to £2,500, three penalty points and even a driving ban.

Look back at your MOT history

Your previous MOT results, including advisories, are recorded online. Checking them before your next test tells you what the tester noticed last time, so you can get those items looked at in advance. Enter your registration below to see your history.

Getting defects and advisories sorted in Walsall

If your MOT sheet is full of words you are not sure about, bring it in and we will go through it with you in plain English. We will explain which items are urgent, which can wait, and what each repair involves before any work starts.

At MF Autocentre in Walsall we carry out DVSA-approved Class 4 MOT tests and the repairs that follow. Call 01922 636820 or book online.