MOT
MOT Advisories Explained
MOT advisories are notes recorded during a test about items that may need attention. Reading them alongside the test result can give you more context about a vehicle's condition.
1. What is an MOT advisory?
An advisory is a tester's note about an issue or condition that did not cause the vehicle to fail that particular MOT. It can still be worth investigating, especially when buying a used car.
2. Advisories are different from failures
A failed MOT records defects serious enough to fail the test, while an advisory highlights an item that was noted but did not result in a failure at that test.
3. Look for recurring advisories
The same advisory appearing across multiple tests can be more informative than a single isolated note. Check whether the issue appears to have persisted over time.
4. Pay attention to dangerous items
Some MOT records can include dangerous defects. These deserve particular attention because they indicate a serious issue recorded during the test.
5. Read advisories with the wider history
Consider advisories alongside mileage, previous failures, later passes and the age of the vehicle. The MOT history provides evidence to investigate rather than a complete diagnosis.
Check a vehicle's MOT history
Use Kermo to turn the information in this guide into a practical vehicle or fuel check.
Check a vehicle's MOT history