Check MOT Advisories

How to check MOT advisories

Type the number plate into the box above and tap Check MOT. You will see the advisories and defects from every MOT in the official record, free and with no sign-up.

1. Type the number plate. Spaces and small letters do not matter.
2. Scroll down to the list of past MOTs, newest first.
3. Under each test, read the advisories and defects the tester recorded.

For each test, the result page shows:

• The defects grouped by type, most serious first (for example dangerous, then major, minor and advisory).
• The official text of each item, exactly as DVSA gives it. We never rewrite it.
• A short note from us on what the category means and how urgent it is, from the table below.

The record has cars, vans and motorcycles tested in Great Britain since 2005. See where our MOT data comes from.

What is an MOT advisory?

An advisory is a note from the tester about something to keep an eye on. It is not a fail.

A tester can record an advisory when an item is not worn or damaged enough to fail the test. Testers are also encouraged to tell you about items that are close to, but have not reached, the point of failing.

What GOV.UK says about an advisory: It could become more serious in the future. Monitor it and repair it if necessary.

Whether your vehicle passes or fails, you might also get a list of 'minor' or 'advisory' problems to monitor or fix in the future.

MOT defect categories

Dangerous and major defects fail the MOT. Minor defects and advisories do not, but they are still worth fixing or watching.

Since 20 May 2018, defects found during an MOT in England, Scotland and Wales are categorised as dangerous, major or minor. MOT testers give advice about items you need to monitor. These are known as 'advisories'.

Source: GOV.UK: MOT rule changes, 20 May 2018. Last checked 24 October 2026.

Older records can also use other labels, such as Fail. Our data source page explains every label we show.

Can you drive with an advisory or a failed MOT?

An advisory on its own is not a fail, so it does not stop you driving. After a failed MOT, you can take your vehicle away only if your current MOT is still valid and no 'dangerous' problems were listed. Otherwise, you need to get it repaired before you can drive it.

You are responsible for making sure your vehicle is always safe to drive. It can be unsafe even if it has a current MOT certificate.

You can be fined up to £2,500, be banned from driving and get 3 penalty points for driving a vehicle that has failed its MOT because of a 'dangerous' problem.

You cannot drive or park your vehicle on the road if the MOT has run out, and you can be prosecuted if caught. The only exceptions are driving it to or from somewhere to be repaired, or to a pre-arranged MOT test.

Read GOV.UK: MOT test result.

Failed your MOT? Our MOT retest guide explains when the retest is free.

Advisories when buying a used car

Past advisories show what testers noticed on the car, so they are useful questions for the seller. Our result page can turn them into a list for you.

After you check a plate, choose "I'm thinking of buying it". The "Questions to ask the seller" list includes each advisory and minor defect from MOTs in the last 24 months, so you can ask whether it has been fixed. If you own the vehicle, "I own this vehicle" lists the advisories from the last MOT under "Before your next MOT".

Defect details are not provided for Northern Ireland tests. For tests in England, Scotland or Wales, GOV.UK's Check MOT history service shows what parts failed at each test, and if any parts had minor problems. Our Northern Ireland guide explains what an NI check shows.

Getting your own car ready for its MOT? Use our pre-MOT checklist.

Frequently asked questions