MOT Advisory Notes Explained
Wednesday 12th June 2019
As part of your MOT test, advisory notes may be provided. These give you an indication of the issues that have been found with your vehicle which may need attention or parts that may need replacing in the future. From the examples of MOT advisories to the way defects are categorised in an MOT test, learn everything you need to know about MOT advisory notes now.
What are advisories on MOT tests?
Advisory notes on MOTs show issues that have been found during your MOT test - which may not always be MOT related - but haven’t been deemed serious enough to fail the vehicle. However, it’s important to be aware of these items as they may need to be addressed in the future, dependent on the urgency of the issue. MOT advisory items are often more warnings or advice – and although your car may have passed its test, these warnings should not be ignored.
Examples of MOT advisory items can be something as simple as your tyres being close to the minimum tread depth and ensuring the tyre pressure is correct, or recommendations that your brake pads are worn – and they may need replacing in the future.
The purpose of MOT advisory notes is to prevent you from failing your MOT next time round, and ensuring it remains roadworthy all year round. Therefore, it’s advised to take these notes seriously, as this could also affect the roadworthiness and/or resale of the car should you choose to sell it before your next MOT test – as the buyer will need to be made aware if any repairs are pending.
MOT Defects Categories
As well as advisories, you will also be provided with information on defects, which could determine whether your vehicle has passed or failed its MOT. Any defects will be categorised in the following way:
- Dangerous
- Major
- Minor
As of the new guidelines that came into place 20th May 2018, these rules have changed slightly. The below table shows the defects and how MOT advisories are categorised:
Item result What it means about the item How it affects your MOT result
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Dangerous A direct and immediate risk to road safety or has a serious impact on the environment. Fail
Do not drive the vehicle until it’s been repaired.
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Major It may affect the vehicle’s safety, put other road users at risk or have an impact on the environment. Fail
Repair it immediately.
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Minor No significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. Fail
Repair as soon as possible.
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Advisory It could become more serious in the future. Pass
Monitor and repair it if necessary.
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Pass It meets the minimum legal standard. Pass
Make sure it continues to meet the standard.
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Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mot-changes-20-may-2018
You are under no legal obligation to adhere to the advisory notes set in place after your MOT, but if you simply ignore these warnings, it can lead to problems with your vehicle in the future. It could also cause your car to become unsafe on the roads – even if your last MOT test had deemed it as roadworthy.
Whether you need information on what is included in an MOT or how early can you MOT your car, Formula One Autocentres are here to ensure your MOT and motoring needs are met. Find your nearest centre today to book in for your MOT online.
