How to Read Your MOT Certificate — What Pass, Fail, Major, Minor and Advisory Mean
The MOT test result format changed in 2018. Not everything on the certificate means the car cannot be driven, and not all advisories require immediate action. Here is what each category means.
The MOT test result certificate changed format in 2018 when the DVSA updated the defect categorisation system. Many drivers are still unfamiliar with what each category means and whether they can legally drive a vehicle that has failed. Here is a plain explanation of each item that can appear on an MOT certificate.
Pass
A pass means the vehicle met the minimum safety standards required on the day of the test. The vehicle is legal to drive. A pass does not mean the vehicle is in perfect condition — it means no failure or major defect was found in the tested categories on that day.
Advisory
An advisory is a finding that does not cause a failure but is worth monitoring. The tester has identified a component that is showing wear but has not yet reached the failure threshold. An advisory does not prevent the vehicle from passing. There is no legal requirement to act on it before the next MOT — but if the component continues to wear, this year’s advisory becomes next year’s failure. Shaw’s strongly recommends reviewing previous MOT advisories at your next service appointment.
Minor defect
A minor defect has less impact on safety than a major defect. The vehicle can still pass its MOT with a minor defect recorded. It should still be addressed — it indicates a component not performing as it should, even if not yet at failure point.
Major defect — FAIL
A major defect causes the vehicle to fail. The vehicle cannot legally be used on public roads with a major defect. It can be driven to a garage for repair, or driven away if the defect does not make driving immediately dangerous, but must be retested after repair. Examples: a tyre at or below the minimum tread depth, a non-functioning headlight, a significantly worn steering component.
Dangerous defect — FAIL
A dangerous defect means the vehicle poses a direct risk to road safety and must not be driven at all until repaired. It should be recovered or repaired on site. Dangerous defects include severely degraded braking performance, a brake failure, or structural damage that compromises the vehicle’s integrity.
The retest
After a failure, only the failed items are rechecked, not the whole vehicle. If repairs are carried out at the test station within 10 working days, the retest is typically free or reduced. If the vehicle goes elsewhere for repair and returns for retest, the full retest fee applies.
What the certificate does not tell you
An MOT pass is not a statement about the vehicle’s overall mechanical condition. A vehicle can pass its MOT with a worn clutch, a failing battery or an engine needing attention if none of those conditions create a finding in the tested categories. The MOT is a minimum safety threshold, not a comprehensive inspection.
MOT testing at Shaw’s
Shaw’s carries out Class 4 and Class 7 MOT tests at both our Kinmel Bay and Rhyl branches. If you have questions about a finding on a previous MOT certificate, bring it and we will explain what it means.
We check it properly. We explain it properly. We do the job properly. You decide what gets done.
Shaw’s Service Station | Kinmel Bay & Rhyl | 01745 353481