Understanding MOT Results

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

What is an MOT?

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is an annual inspection that checks whether your vehicle meets minimum safety and environmental standards.

What's Checked in an MOT?

• Vehicle registration and identification
• Lights, reflectors, and electrical equipment
• Steering and suspension
• Brakes
• Tires and wheels
• Seatbelts
• Windscreen, wipers, and washers
• Horn
• Exhaust system and emissions
• Fuel system
• Body and structure

Types of MOT Results

Pass

Your vehicle meets the minimum safety standards and is roadworthy. You'll receive a certificate valid for 12 months.

Pass with Advisories

The vehicle passes but has items that may need attention in the future. Advisories don't affect the pass status but should be addressed to prevent future failures.

Fail

Your vehicle has one or more dangerous or major defects. You cannot legally drive it except to a pre-booked repair appointment.

Understanding Defect Categories

Dangerous Defects

These pose an immediate risk to road safety or have a serious impact on the environment. Examples include:

• Severely worn brake pads or discs
• Damaged or insecure steering components
• Dangerously worn tires
• Severely corroded structural components

Major Defects

These may affect safety or the environment and result in an MOT failure. Examples include:

• Brake pad warning light illuminated
• Shock absorber leaking
• Tire tread below legal limit
• Headlight not working

Minor Defects

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

• Slight oil leak
• Worn windscreen wiper blades
• Number plate light not working
• Minor exhaust leak

Common MOT Failures

What Happens After Your MOT

If You Pass

• You'll receive an MOT certificate valid for 12 months
• The certificate shows your vehicle's mileage at test time
• Pay attention to any advisories and get them fixed soon
• You can test your vehicle up to a month before expiry without losing time

If You Fail

• You have 10 working days to repair and retest (often at reduced fee)
• You cannot drive the vehicle except to a pre-booked repair or retest
• Get quotes for repairs - some may be simpler than they sound
• You can appeal if you believe the test was incorrect

Understanding Your MOT Certificate

Your MOT certificate contains important information:

• Test Number: Unique reference for verification
• Test Date and Expiry: When the test was conducted and when it expires
• Mileage: Recorded at time of test (helps detect clocking)
• Test Result: Pass or Fail status
• Advisories: Items to monitor or repair
• Testing Station: Where the test was conducted

Final Advice: Always address MOT advisories promptly and keep your vehicle well-maintained between tests. Regular servicing can prevent most MOT failures and keep your vehicle safe and reliable.