When reviewing a vehicle’s MOT record, it’s common to come across terms like “advisory item” or “monitor and repair if necessary”. These aren’t failures but they’re not insignificant either. Known as MOT advisories, these warnings signal wear, risk, or future repair needs that could lead to a failure if left unchecked.
If you’re preparing for your next MOT, considering a used car, or listing your own vehicle for sale, it’s important to understand what MOT advisory notes mean and how to act on them.
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What are MOT advisories?
An MOT advisory is a non-failing item identified during an MOT test. These notes point to components that are worn, deteriorating, or nearing the legal threshold but still safe enough to pass.
According to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), these advisories are added to the test record to warn the vehicle owner about potential issues that may soon need attention.
Why do MOT advisory notes matter when buying a used car?
Let’s say you’re buying a 2015 Ford Focus. The MOT record shows:
- Passed on 5th June 2024
- Advisories: “Two rear tyres worn close to limit” and “Front brake pads below 3mm”
While the car technically passed, you now know you’ll be paying for new tyres and brake pads within a few months around £300–£400 in additional costs.
Even worse, if the same advisories appeared in the previous year’s MOT, it suggests the seller ignored them. That’s a red flag for poor maintenance.
This is why every buyer should run an MOT history check and read through all advisory items, not just the pass/fail status.
Are MOT advisories a legal requirement to fix?
No but ignoring them is risky.
While MOT advisories don’t have to be fixed immediately, you’re still responsible for keeping your car roadworthy. A deteriorated part listed as an advisory today could lead to an MOT failure or worse, an accident tomorrow.
If the police stop you and find worn tyres or unsafe brakes (even if previously listed only as advisories), you can still be fined or prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act.
Real examples of common MOT advisories
Here are typical advisory notes seen on UK MOT reports:
- “Nearside front brake pad wearing thin” – Brake pads may need replacing within weeks or months depending on usage.
- “Offside rear tyre worn close to legal limit” – Tyres under 1.6mm tread depth are illegal. This advisory signals that replacement is due soon.
- “Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened” – A warning about structural wear that could worsen if not treated.
- “Windscreen chipped – in driver’s view” – Harmless now, but can spread into a failure issue.
- “Exhaust system slightly leaking” – Performance and emissions may degrade over time.
These notes vary in severity; some can be delayed, others require immediate attention.
What should you do if your MOT shows advisories?
- Check if the advisory is recurring: If it showed up last year, it should have been fixed. Repeated notes suggest neglect.
- Get a mechanic’s opinion: Not all advisories are equally urgent. Some might be cosmetic, others safety-critical.
- Plan for repairs before the next test: Fixing advisories in advance reduces MOT failure risk and spreads repair costs over time.
- Be aware of insurance implications: If your car has unresolved advisories and you’re involved in an accident, your insurer may question whether the car was roadworthy — which can affect your claim.
You can also use a MOT due date check to make sure you allow enough time for booking and maintenance.
Can advisories affect resale value?
Absolutely. A clean MOT report or one where all previous advisories were resolved gives buyers confidence that the car is well maintained. On the other hand, a list of outstanding advisories can lower the value of the vehicle or delay the sale altogether.
If you’re selling your vehicle, consider fixing key advisories and retesting. This adds value and avoids awkward buyer questions.
Final thoughts: MOT advisory check = Maintenance awareness
Think of advisory notes as your vehicle’s early warning system. They highlight the “almost failures” , the parts that didn’t cause a red flag this time, but will if left unaddressed.
Always review them as part of a DVLA MOT history check, especially before buying or selling a car. Whether you’re a daily commuter, weekend driver, or part-time seller, understanding MOT advisory notes helps you stay safer, save money, and avoid surprise failures.
Frequently asked questions
Do MOT advisories stay on the vehicle record?
Yes, MOT advisories remain visible on your vehicle’s MOT history, which is stored in the DVLA database. Any potential buyer can view them during a vehicle history or MOT advisory check. It’s smart to address advisories promptly to show good vehicle maintenance.
What’s the difference between MOT advisories and minor defects?
Advisories are warnings the part is legal now but may wear out soon. Minor defects are recorded faults that still allow a pass but may affect the vehicle’s performance slightly. Both should be monitored, but minor defects may raise more concern for buyers or during future MOTs.
Can a car still pass the MOT with serious advisories?
Yes, a car can pass an MOT even with serious-sounding advisories, as long as those issues haven’t crossed the legal threshold. However, they may still affect safety, performance, or resale value. That’s why it’s wise to resolve them quickly or use them to negotiate price if you’re buying.
