If your vehicle has recently passed its MOT but came back with one or more advisories, you might be wondering whether it's still safe and legal to drive.
The short answer is yes. An MOT advisory does not mean your vehicle has failed its MOT. However, advisories shouldn't be ignored, as they often highlight issues that could become more serious and expensive if left unresolved.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly what an MOT advisory means, whether you can legally drive with one, and when you should consider getting repairs carried out.
What Is an MOT Advisory?
An MOT advisory is a note added by the MOT tester to highlight a component that may need attention in the future.
The vehicle still passes its MOT, but the tester has identified something that is worn, deteriorating or close to the point where it could become a failure.
Common MOT advisories include:
- Tyres nearing the legal tread limit
- Brake pads showing signs of wear
- Slight corrosion on structural components
- Minor oil leaks
- Worn suspension bushes
- Slight exhaust deterioration
- Windscreen chips outside the driver's field of vision
Think of an advisory as an early warning rather than an immediate problem.
Can You Legally Drive With an MOT Advisory?
Yes.
If your vehicle passes its MOT and only receives advisory items, you can legally continue driving it on UK roads.
An advisory is not a failure. It simply alerts you to issues that may require maintenance or repair in the future.
However, passing an MOT does not guarantee that a vehicle will remain roadworthy. Drivers are legally responsible for ensuring their vehicle is safe at all times, regardless of MOT status.
If an advisory item deteriorates and makes the vehicle unsafe, you could still face penalties or prosecution even though the vehicle previously passed its MOT.
What's the Difference Between an Advisory and an MOT Failure?
The MOT test classifies defects into different categories:
Advisory
The issue is not serious enough to affect the MOT result but may require attention soon.
Minor Defect
A problem exists but does not significantly affect vehicle safety or the environment.
Major Defect
The vehicle fails its MOT and must be repaired before it can pass.
Dangerous Defect
The vehicle fails immediately and should not be driven until repairs have been completed.
Understanding the difference is important because advisory items can eventually develop into major or dangerous defects if left untreated.
Should You Fix MOT Advisories Immediately?
Not always, but you should take them seriously.
Some advisories can safely wait until your next service, while others should be addressed as soon as possible.
Advisories That Should Be Checked Quickly
- Tyres close to the legal limit
- Brake wear advisories
- Steering components showing wear
- Suspension issues
- Structural corrosion
Advisories That May Be Less Urgent
- Minor oil seepage
- Slight exhaust corrosion
- Non-critical cosmetic damage
- Components showing early signs of wear
If you're unsure how serious an advisory is, ask a trusted garage to inspect it and provide advice.
Can an MOT Advisory Cause Problems Later?
Yes.
Many MOT failures begin as advisories on previous MOT tests.
For example:
- A tyre with 2.5mm of tread remaining may become illegal before the next MOT.
- Slight brake wear may progress to worn-out brake pads.
- Minor corrosion can spread and become a structural issue.
- Suspension wear can worsen and affect vehicle handling.
Addressing advisory items early often results in lower repair costs and fewer unexpected breakdowns.
Do MOT Advisories Affect Insurance?
An MOT advisory alone will not normally affect your insurance policy.
However, insurers expect vehicles to be maintained in a roadworthy condition.
If an advisory highlights a safety-related issue and you knowingly continue driving until the vehicle becomes unsafe, it could potentially affect an insurance claim following an accident.
For this reason, it is sensible to keep records of any repairs carried out after receiving advisories.
Should You Be Concerned About Advisories When Buying a Used Car?
Absolutely.
MOT advisories can provide valuable insight into how well a vehicle has been maintained.
When checking a used car's MOT history, look for:
- Repeated advisories appearing year after year
- Brake-related warnings
- Corrosion advisories
- Suspension or steering issues
- Tyre wear patterns
A single minor advisory may not be concerning, but a long history of unresolved advisories could indicate poor maintenance.
How to Check MOT Advisories
You can view a vehicle's MOT history online using its registration number.
Checking previous advisories can help you:
- Identify recurring issues
- Estimate future repair costs
- Assess the condition of a used vehicle
- Plan maintenance before problems worsen
This information is particularly useful when buying a second-hand car.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can drive with an MOT advisory if your vehicle has passed its MOT.
However, advisories are there for a reason. They provide an early warning that a component may need attention before it becomes a safety issue or causes an MOT failure.
The best approach is to review advisories carefully, prioritise any safety-related concerns, and arrange repairs before small problems become expensive ones.
If your vehicle has received an MOT advisory and you'd like professional advice, use The Garage Locator to find trusted local garages for inspections, repairs and servicing across the UK.
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