Understanding your MOT test results

A MOT (Ministry of Transport) test checks that your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.

It is not a service, and it does not cover the condition of the engine, clutch or gearbox.

Most vehicles need their first MOT by the third anniversary of registration, then every year after that.

Some vehicles need their first test at one year old.

What your result means and what to do next

• Pass with no advisories No action needed and your car has a full MOT for another 12 months.
• Pass with advisories: Legal to drive away and another 12-month MOT, though some components will need repair or replacement soon.
• Fail: Issues will need to be resolved before the car can be retested and possibly driven.

The 3 main outcomes from an MOT

1. Pass with no advisories

If your vehicle passes with no advisories, the result is recorded in the MOT database and you can ask the test centre for a printed certificate.

The MOT lasts for a year.

A pass with no advisories means the tester has not recorded any minor or advisory problems.

2. Pass with advisories

A pass with advisories still means the vehicle has passed the MOT and can continue to be used.

The tester has, however, recorded minor or advisory problems that should be monitored or fixed in future.

Treat these as early warning signs rather than a clean bill of health.

3. Fail

A vehicle fails if the test result lists dangerous or major problems.

You might not be allowed to drive it until the faults are fixed.

If you can take it away, the vehicle must still meet the minimum standards of roadworthiness at all times.

Driving a vehicle that has failed because of a dangerous problem can lead to a fine of up to £2,500, penalty points on your licence or, in some cases, a driving ban.

Retest after a repair

If the vehicle stays at the test centre for repair and is retested within 10 working days, the partial retest is free.

If you take the vehicle away for repair and bring it back within 10 working days, a partial retest fee may apply.

If you return it to the same test centre by the end of the next working day for one of the listed items, there is no charge.

In all other cases, you need a full retest and the full test fee again.

Check the MOT history

If you are buying a used car, the MOT history checker can help you spot patterns in past results.

It shows pass or fail results, the mileage recorded at each test, when the next MOT is due, and, for vehicles tested in England, Scotland or Wales, where each test was done and what parts failed or had minor problems.

For cars, motorcycles and vans, results are available for tests since 2005; for Northern Ireland, since 2017.

What to do next

If your result includes major or dangerous problems, deal with those first.

If it only shows advisories, plan those repairs before they turn into a more serious or more expensive issue.

Keep up with routine servicing as well, because an MOT is only a snapshot of the vehicle’s condition on the day of the test.