MOT Pass or Fail Explained

What It Means and What Happens Next

Clear, plain-English guidance on MOT results, advisories, re-tests, and whether you can still drive.

Other guides

What the MOT Covers
On this page
Understanding MOT results

Pass vs fail

What the result means

An MOT checks whether your vehicle meets the minimum legal safety and environmental standards at the time of test.

You can read a full breakdown of inspection areas in our guide to what the MOT covers.

If your vehicle passes

A pass means your vehicle met the minimum legal standard at the time of inspection.

  • A new MOT certificate is issued.
  • Your MOT is valid for 12 months.
  • No further action is required.

Passing with advisories: Advisories are notes to help you plan maintenance. They are not reasons for failure. Find out more here.

If your vehicle fails

A fail means one or more items did not meet the legal standard. Faults are categorised by severity.

Fault categories
Dangerous faults
The vehicle is unsafe to drive and must not be used on the road until repaired.
Major faults
The vehicle has not met legal requirements. Repairs are required before a pass can be issued.
Minor faults
The vehicle can still pass, but issues should be repaired as soon as practical.

After a fail

What happens next

If your vehicle does not meet the legal standard, we will guide you through the result and your options. No work is carried out without your approval.

Full details of how we handle fault diagnosis and approval are outlined on our repairs and diagnostics page.

  1. Understand the result

    We explain what has been recorded, why it matters, and what it means in practical terms.

    • We talk you through each fault in plain English.
    • We clarify whether you can still drive, and what needs fixing before a pass can be issued.
    • We answer questions before discussing any repair work.
  2. Discuss your options

    You stay in control. We will outline the options so you can decide what to do next.

    • We can provide a clear quote for MOT repairs, with no pressure to proceed.
    • We separate required repairs from recommended work, so the priorities are obvious.
    • If you choose another garage, we will still make sure you understand what is needed.
  3. Repair and retest

    If you want us to carry out the work, we will confirm costs and timescales and then arrange the retest.

    • We confirm parts and labour costs upfront, and keep you updated if anything changes.
    • We give realistic timescales based on parts availability and workshop capacity.
    • We handle the retest process in line with DVSA rules and explain any retest fees in advance.

Driving guidance

Can I still drive?

Whether you can continue driving depends on the type of faults recorded during the MOT.

If you are unsure
If you are unsure whether it is safe to drive, we will explain the result clearly before you leave.

Important
Driving without a valid MOT, or with dangerous defects, can lead to penalties and may affect insurance.

Pass (with or without advisories)
Yes. Your vehicle remains legal to drive.
OK to drive
Fail (minor faults only)
Yes. The vehicle is road legal, but issues should be repaired promptly.
OK to drive
Fail (major faults)
Yes, but only to or from a pre-booked repair or re-test appointment.
Restricted
Fail (dangerous faults)
No. The vehicle is unsafe and must not be driven on public roads until the fault is repaired.
Driving in this condition may invalidate insurance and lead to penalties.
Do not drive

Advisories

What are advisories?

Advisories are notes recorded during the MOT to highlight wear, deterioration, or items that may need attention soon.

Important
If you notice a change in braking, steering, noise, or handling, do not wait for the next MOT.

What it means

An advisory is a heads up. It is recorded because an item is worn, getting close to a limit, or could become a fault before your next MOT.

What it does not mean

An advisory is not a failure. Your vehicle can still pass the MOT with advisories.

Our approach

We explain what each advisory means in practical terms, so you know what can wait and what should be booked in soon.

Examples of common advisories

  • Tyres approaching the legal limit
  • Brake discs or pads showing wear
  • Minor fluid seepage
  • Suspension components showing deterioration
  • Corrosion that is not yet severe enough to fail

Re-tests

Re-test timeframes

If your vehicle fails, what happens next depends on what you do. The key window is 10 working days.

Book online

MOT tests and servicing can be booked online via our services page.

A partial retest only rechecks the items that caused the failure. It is not a full MOT, and only one partial re-examination is permitted per full test. If you are unsure what applies to your result, call us and we will explain before you book anything.

Key rule
Within 10 working days

If the vehicle is retested at the same MOT test station within 10 working days of the failure, only the failed items may need to be checked.

Leave the vehicle with us for repair

We repair the failed items and retest within 10 working days. Only the failed items are checked, and no retest fee is charged.

Return within 10 working days

Bring the vehicle back to the same test station once repairs are complete, whether the work is done by us or another garage. Only failed items are checked. A partial retest fee may apply.

After 10 working days

The original test expires and a full MOT test is usually required. The full test fee may apply.

Ready when you are

Book MOT or Service online

If your MOT is due soon, booking ahead is the easiest way to get a slot that suits you. If you are not sure what you need, choose a service option and we can advise from there.

Book MOT or Service online Book MOT or Service Contact us 01277 811 233