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Kick the Tyres

MOT advisories explained

Got an MOT advisory?It's a pass. For now.

An advisory is a warning, not a fail. But cars with one are much more likely to fail on that same part next year.

See every advisory on your car's MOT record:

UK
Or find your advisory below

The four MOT results

  1. AdvisoryKeep an eye on it.
    Pass
  2. MinorA real fault. Repair it soon.
    Pass
  3. MajorMust be fixed before it can pass.
    Fail
  4. DangerousDon't drive it until it's fixed.
    Fail

Find yours

Which advisories turn into fails?

How many cars failed on the same part at their next MOT, after an advisory there. Tap one to see what it means.

Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

An example of what an advisory looks like on an MOT certificate.

  1. A light or electrical part was close to failing, for example a dim or badly aimed headlight.

    What to do

    • Walk round the car with the lights on (see the home check).
    • Replace any bulb that is out or flickering.
    Check it at home

Cars in Great Britain, 2023 to 2025, comparing each MOT with the same car's next one.

What to do

Fix it now, or pay for it later

  1. Do the cheap ones yourself

    Bulbs, wiper blades and washer fluid cost a few pounds and take minutes. They still fail lots of cars.

  2. Get a quote for the big ones

    For brakes, steering and suspension, ask a garage for a price now. It's easier to plan than a surprise fail on MOT day.

  3. Check again before your next MOT

    A month before, do the 10-minute home check. It covers the things you can see yourself.

  4. Buying? Look for repeats

    The same advisory at MOT after MOT means nobody fixed it. Check a car's history before you pay.

Questions

MOT advisories, answered

Can you fail an MOT on an advisory?

No. An advisory is a pass. But if the same part gets worse by your next MOT, it can fail then.

Do I have to fix MOT advisories?

There's no deadline to fix an advisory. But the car must be roadworthy every time you drive it, and some advisories, like tyres close to the legal limit, can become illegal quickly.

What's the difference between an advisory and a minor defect?

Both are a pass. An advisory is something to keep an eye on. A minor defect is a real fault that isn't serious enough to fail, and should be repaired soon.

Can anyone see my MOT advisories?

Yes. MOT results, including advisories, are public. Anyone with the number plate can see them, which is why buyers check them.

Should I buy a car with MOT advisories?

Most used cars have some. What to watch for is the same advisory at MOT after MOT, because it means nobody fixed it. Ask the seller, or get money off.

What was your car flagged for?

See every advisory on its MOT record in plain English, and its chance of failing next time. Free, no sign-up.

UK

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, normal tests on cars in Great Britain, 2023 to 2025, comparing each car's MOT with its next one. Result types from gov.uk. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Kick the Tyres is not linked to DVSA.

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