MOT guides
Dangerous, major and minor MOT defects explained
Since May 2018, MOT results use a clearer grading system. Here is what each defect category means.
The categories
- Dangerous: a direct and immediate risk to road safety or the environment. The vehicle fails and you must not drive it until repaired.
- Major: may affect safety or the environment. The vehicle fails and must be repaired and retested.
- Minor: no significant effect on safety. The vehicle passes, but you should repair it as soon as possible.
- Advisory: something to monitor that may need attention later.
- Pass: meets the minimum legal standard.
These categories were introduced on 20 May 2018 to make results easier to understand and to flag the most serious faults clearly.
Check any UK reg free for its full MOT history plus a statistical next-MOT failure-risk estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive a car with a dangerous MOT defect?
No. A dangerous defect is an automatic fail and it is illegal — and unsafe — to drive the vehicle until the fault is repaired.
Does a minor defect fail an MOT?
No. A minor defect still passes, but it should be repaired as soon as possible to avoid it worsening.