An MOT advisory notes an item that is wearing but not bad enough to fail. A car with advisories and minor defects still passes, and both are recorded on the free GOV.UK MOT history. The 10 guides below explain the most common advisories one by one.
Figures verified 23 October 2026 against GOV.UK and DVSA
- Advisory: Not deteriorated enough to fail
- Minor defect: Pass, recording is mandatory
- Where shown: GOV.UK MOT history
- Guides in this section: 10
What an advisory means
An advisory is a note added to an MOT test result when an item is not deteriorated enough to justify a fail, so the presenter is informed of the issue. Advisories do not cause a fail. The result, including minor problems and advisories, is recorded in the MOT database.
A minor defect is different in kind. It has no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. A vehicle with only minor defects passes and receives a certificate. Recording minor defects is mandatory, so they appear in the test record alongside any advisories.
The distinction matters when reading a result. An advisory informs the presenter of a developing issue without affecting the outcome, while a minor defect is a defined category that is recorded by law and still allows a pass. Both are held in the MOT database.
| Result | What it means | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Dangerous | Direct and immediate risk to road safety, or serious environmental impact | Fail |
| Major | May affect safety, put other road users at risk, or more significant impact | Fail |
| Minor | No significant effect on safety or the environment | Pass |
| Advisory | Not deteriorated enough to fail; noted for information | Pass |
Source: DVSA MOT inspection manual, checked 23 October 2026.
Where advisories are recorded
Advisories and minor problems are recorded in the MOT history held by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. The GOV.UK MOT history service is free and needs only the registration number to search. It shows past test results, the recorded mileage and when the next MOT is due. For tests carried out in England, Scotland and Wales, it also shows where the test was done and which parts failed or had minor problems noted.
The service may also show safety recalls, depending on the manufacturer. This means a buyer or owner can see, in one place, the recorded advisories from earlier tests alongside the pass or fail outcome and the mileage at each test. The history is a record of what was noted at the time, so it reflects the condition of the vehicle on the day of each test rather than its current state.
MOT history covers cars, motorcycles and vans tested since 2005. It covers HGVs, trailers, buses and coaches tested since 2018, and Northern Ireland tests since 2017. Older records and vehicles outside these groups may not appear, so the history available for a given vehicle can vary. Where records exist, advisories sit within the same history as the test results and mileage.
Frequently asked questions
What is an MOT advisory?
An advisory is used when an item is not deteriorated enough to justify a fail, to inform the presenter. Advisories do not cause a fail. Results, including minor problems and advisories, are recorded in the MOT database.
Does an advisory mean the vehicle has failed its MOT?
No. Advisories do not cause a fail. They are recorded to inform the presenter of an item that is not deteriorated enough to justify a fail. The result, including any advisories, is recorded in the MOT database.
How far back does online MOT history go?
MOT history covers cars, motorcycles and vans tested since 2005; HGVs, trailers, buses and coaches since 2018; Northern Ireland tests since 2017. The GOV.UK MOT history service is free and needs only the registration number.
What does the free GOV.UK MOT history service show?
It shows past results, recorded mileage and when the next MOT is due, and for tests in England, Scotland and Wales also where the test was done and which parts failed or had minor problems. It may show safety recalls, depending on the manufacturer.
What is the difference between a minor defect and an advisory?
Minor defects have no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment. A vehicle with only minor defects passes and gets a certificate, and recording minor defects is mandatory. Advisories inform the presenter but do not cause a fail.
Part of the MOT guide series
MOT check: the full guide › MOT advisories
In this section:
- MOT Advisory: Tyre Worn Close to the Legal Limit: What to Do
- MOT Advisory: Tyre Slightly Damaged, Cracking or Perishing
- MOT Advisory: Brake Disc Worn, Pitted or Scored: What It Means
- MOT Advisory: Brake Pads Wearing Thin: What It Means
- MOT Advisory: Play in the Steering Rack: What It Means
- MOT Corrosion Advisory: What It Means and When It Becomes a Failure
- MOT Advisory: Exhaust: What the Note Means
- MOT Advisory: Oil Leak: What It Means and When It Fails
- MOT Advisory: Suspension Arm Bush Worn: What It Means
- Headlamp Aim and the MOT: What an Advisory Means
