Is It Legal To Remove Advisories From An MOT Test?
When you pick up your car after it passes its MOT, those small notes can still cause concern. Many drivers wonder if advisories on MOT can be removed, especially after they have paid for repairs.
In UK law, an advisory is not a fail, but it is still an official remark linked to your vehicle s MOT record. GOV.UK guidance says the DVSA will only delete MOT advisorys if you can show the tester recorded them by mistake, and otherwise they remain in the history even if the fault is fixed the next day.
What Are MOT Advisory Notes?
MOT advisory notes are small warnings written down during an MOT test. They mean something is not serious enough to fail the MOT test at that time, but it could turn into a problem before your next test. That is the MOT advisory meaning, and it is there to help you keep the car safe and reliable. A MOT tester adds an advisory MOT note because they can see early signs of the problem.
Common MOT advisories include low tyre tread depth, worn brake pads, or worn windscreen wipers that still clear the screen but are starting to split. You may also find notes about early signs of rust or minor leaks. Some advisories may involve critical safety components such as seat belts, so it is best to read each note carefully and schedule repairs in the proper order.
Why MOT Advisories Are Issued During a Test
MOT advisories are issued when a car part is acceptable at that time, but it is close to the limit and could become unsafe before the next test. They give you a clearer picture of what may need work soon, even if you still receive a valid MOT certificate.
Advisories also help you plan for future repairs, so you can budget and avoid being caught unprepared later. If you are buying or selling, a full MOT check adds honesty to the deal, as the car's history shows patterns over time. An MOT advisory list is easier to understand when you see it alongside past passes and failures.
Common Reasons and Examples of MOT Advisories
It is normal to see an advisory on mot, even when the car passes. A typical MOT advisories list includes split wiper blades, worn suspension bushes, low brake pads and discs, small leaks, or an exhaust that is louder than it should be. These notes mean the parts are still acceptable at that time, so the MOT status shows a pass, but the wear and tear is getting close to the limit.
Low tyre tread is one of the most common reasons for an advisory on MOT. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, so tyres that are nearly at that level often get a warning note. If the tread falls below the limit, you could get a fine and three points for each tyre, and the car may also fail its MOT next time. Many of these issues are easy to spot if you take a careful look before the test.
Can Garages Remove Them?
Can MOT advisories be removed with the help of a garage? Garages cannot remove advisories MOT notes simply because you request it. The DVSA keeps a close eye on MOT testers, and changing an MOT record without clear proof is treated as fraud.
If an advisory was added by mistake, the tester must send a correction request to DVSA and include proof. If that does not happen, the note stays on the record for that specific test. A MOT history check will still show it, even if you repaired the car the next day.
Is It Legal to Ignore MOT Advisories?
In legal terms, you can ignore an MOT advisory because it is not a fail, and it does not force you to book a repair. An advisory is a warning that something is starting to wear out, but the car still met the minimum standard on the day of the test. That said, it is wise to treat advisories as a plan for what to fix next, not as something to forget.
Most faults get worse with use, not better, so the risk grows every time you drive. A wiper blade that just passed can soon smear your view in heavy rain, and tyres that are close to the limit can lose grip when you need it most. Leaving advisories unchecked until the MOT is due again can also lead to MOT failures, which often cost more because the part might have worn further at that point, and you will have to pay for another test.
There is also a responsibility point to consider. If an accident happens and an investigation shows you ignored clear warnings, it can reflect badly on you. The safest approach is to fix urgent things first, then book the rest within a sensible time frame.
Should You Fix MOT Advisories Immediately?
You do not always need to fix MOT advisories straight away, but you should not treat them as harmless. The MOT only confirms the car met the minimum safety standard on the day of the test, and an advisory is a sign that something is starting to wear. If you leave it too long, it can affect safety, how the car drives, and how much it costs you over time.
The best approach is to deal with the important items first. Tyres close to the legal limit should be changed as soon as you can, while something like a sticky boot strut can often wait a bit longer. If you are not sure what should come first, ask the tester or a trusted mechanic for a clear repair plan.
Fixing issues early can also save hassle later. Ignored advisories can turn into bigger faults, which is how people failed an MOT on the next test.
How to Prove Advisory Work Has Been Completed
Because advisories are kept on file, it is a good idea to keep clear evidence to show that you have resolved the issue. Keep invoices for new parts and any work done, and take pictures before and after the repair. You can also perform a new MOT check to demonstrate that the advisory is now only historical.
What to Do If You Disagree With an MOT Advisory
Most MOT testers take their work seriously because they are ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. Still, you might look at an advisory and feel it does not match the condition of your car. If you have failed the MOT or you believe an advisory was added in error, it’s best to respond calmly and quickly.
First, speak to the test centre and ask the tester to explain what they found and where the issue was observed. If you still believe it is incorrect, you can appeal to the DVSA, but you will need some basic information, such as your vehicle registration number and the date of the test.
Clear photos or a report from an independent mechanic can be extremely useful. However, to reduce the likelihood of disagreements in the first place, perform a simple pre-test check and repair any obvious wear items before the appointment.
Long-Term Risks of Leaving MOT Advisories Unresolved
What does advisory mean on MOT? MOT advisories are useful reminders that something is starting to go wrong, even if the car passed the test. If you leave them too long, small faults can get worse and require bigger repairs. In the end, the same issue may become serious enough to cause an MOT failure.
Unresolved advisories can also affect the value of your car. Buyers may be concerned about hidden costs and choose to look elsewhere. Fixing problems sooner is usually safer, and it often saves money compared with waiting until the fault becomes urgent.
Is It Safe to Buy a Car With MOT Advisories?
Purchasing a car with MOT advisories can still be a safe decision, depending on what the notes say and how the car has been maintained. If the seller says the issues are sorted, ask for proof, such as invoices, photos, or a recent inspection report, rather than taking their word for it.
Next, compare the MOT history with a mileage check and look for the same advisory coming back each year. Repeated notes could indicate that the problem was never properly resolved. If you are not sure, book a pre-purchase inspection so you know exactly what you are buying.
How to Reduce the Chances of MOT Advisories in the Future
The simplest way to reduce future MOT advisories is to check the car properly before the test. Look for wear and damage, and fix small faults early so they do not get flagged. Check out our guide on things to check before MOT.
FAQs
Do MOT advisories affect insurance or resale value?
Advisories can lower resale value because buyers often expect extra repair costs, especially if the same notes appear year after year. Insurance usually does not change just because an advisory exists, but a claim can become harder if you keep driving with a known safety fault.
Do I need to fix MOT advisories?
Do MOT advisories have to be done? You do not have to fix them by law, but you should not ignore them. Deal with things related to safety first, then book the rest within a sensible time frame so they do not turn into bigger faults later.
Can you tax a car without an MOT?
Can you tax a car without an MOT? In most cases, no, because vehicle tax normally requires a valid MOT on record when the tax starts. If the vehicle is MOT exempt, you can still tax it, but you may need to make an exemption declaration instead of showing an MOT.
Can you insure a car without an MOT?
Can you insure a car without MOT? Sometimes you can, but it depends on the insurer, and the vehicle must still be roadworthy. Having insurance does not make it legal to drive without an MOT, except for a trip to a pre-booked MOT test or to and from a repair. If you have an accident in an unroadworthy car, your insurer may refuse to pay out.
Can an MOT be done at home?
Can an MOT be done at home? No, an official MOT must be carried out at an authorised MOT test station by an approved tester. You can arrange a home visit for a pre-MOT check or repairs, but the MOT itself cannot be completed and recorded at your house.
