Understanding Your MOT Test Results: A Complete Breakdown

The MOT test is a legal requirement for vehicles over three years old in the UK. Understanding your MOT results is crucial for vehicle safety and value.

What is an MOT Test?

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test checks that your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards. It includes checks on:

• Lights, mirrors, and windscreen
• Brakes and steering
• Tires and wheels
• Suspension and exhaust
• Body and structure

MOT Result Types

Pass

Your vehicle has passed all safety checks and can be driven legally for another year. However, even a pass can include advisories.

Pass with Advisories

The vehicle passes but has issues that may need attention soon. Advisories are not failures but warnings about components that are deteriorating.

Fail

Your vehicle has failed one or more critical safety checks. You cannot legally drive it (except to a pre-booked repair appointment) until the issues are fixed and it's retested.

Understanding Defect Categories

Dangerous Defects

These pose an immediate risk to road safety. The vehicle must not be driven until repaired.

Major Defects

These significantly affect vehicle safety or the environment. The vehicle fails the MOT and needs repair before retesting.

Minor Defects

These don't significantly affect safety. The vehicle passes but repairs are recommended.

Common MOT Failures

• Lighting defects: Broken bulbs or damaged lenses
• Suspension issues: Worn bushes or damaged shock absorbers
• Brake problems: Worn pads or contaminated discs
• Tire issues: Insufficient tread depth or damage
• Emissions: Excessive exhaust emissions

After Your MOT

If your vehicle passes, you'll receive a certificate valid for 12 months. If it fails, you have 10 working days to repair and retest at a reduced fee.

Always address advisories promptly to avoid failures in future tests and maintain your vehicle's safety and value.