MOTScout

MOT Advisories Explained

What Is an MOT Advisory?

An advisory is a note on your MOT certificate that flags something the tester noticed — but that isn't serious enough to fail the vehicle. Your car still passes, but the tester wants you to be aware of the item.

Advisories appear on the VT20 pass certificate under "Advisories".

Are Advisories the Same as Failures?

No. Advisories do not cause your MOT to fail. The vehicle passes the test. However, advisories are worth taking seriously:

  • They may worsen between now and your next test
  • If left unattended, an advisory can become a minor or even major failure next year
  • Some advisories indicate wear that could affect safety

Common Advisory Items

Tyres

  • Tread close to the legal minimum (1.6mm) — not failing yet but will need replacing soon
  • Slight sidewall damage that isn't yet a failure
  • Uneven tread wear indicating suspension or alignment issues

Brakes

  • Brake discs showing wear but still within limits
  • Slight corrosion on brake components

Suspension

  • Slight play in steering components
  • Minor wear in bushes or ball joints

Bodywork

  • Surface corrosion that isn't yet structural
  • Slight damage to sills or floor

Lights

  • Headlamp aim slightly out — adjusted during test but close to limits

What Should I Do About Advisories?

  • Read them carefully — understand what each one refers to
  • Prioritise safety-related items — tyres and brakes should be addressed promptly
  • Get a quote for repairs — you don't have to fix them immediately, but have the cost in mind
  • Monitor the item — some advisories (like surface rust) can be managed with maintenance

Will Advisories Appear on My Next MOT?

If the item hasn't been repaired and has worsened, the tester may reclassify it as a minor or major fault at your next MOT. An advisory from year to year is a warning signal — don't ignore persistent ones.

MOT Advisory vs. Minor Fault

Since the 2018 rule changes, defects are categorised as:

  • Advisory — noted, not a failure
  • Minor — recorded, not a failure (but more serious than advisory)
  • Major — failure, must be repaired
  • Dangerous — immediate risk, vehicle must not be driven

An advisory is the lowest level — the tester is flagging something to monitor, not necessarily to fix immediately.

Checking Previous Advisories

If you're buying a used car, you can see all advisories from previous MOT tests using the free DVSA MOT history check service. This lets you see if a problem has been recurring across multiple tests — a red flag for ongoing neglect.