When the test is finished you get a result and a list of anything the tester found. The list is sorted into four groups, and only some of them mean a fail.
The four groups
Dangerous. A direct and immediate risk to road safety or the environment. The car fails, and it should not be driven until it is repaired.
Major. A defect that may affect safety, put other road users at risk or harm the environment. The car fails and needs repair.
Minor. A small defect with no significant effect on safety. The car can still pass. It is worth fixing when you can.
Advisory. Something the tester wants you to keep an eye on, such as a part that is wearing but is still within the limits. The car can still pass.
What to do with each
Dangerous and major items need to be dealt with before the car passes. Minor and advisory items do not stop a pass, but they are the early warning that tells you what is likely to cost money soon. Ask the garage what they would do first and what can wait.
Take the advisories seriously
An advisory about a tyre close to the limit or a brake component showing wear is a list of the next jobs. If you have one, it is sensible to book it in before the next MOT rather than wait for it to become a fail. You can see what we offer and the price of each job on the services page.