Quick Answer
An MOT advisory is a note from the tester flagging a component that's wearing or developing a fault but isn't yet bad enough to fail. The car still passes, but the advisory warns you to monitor or repair the item soon — for example worn tyres or brakes nearing the limit.
Advisory vs failure
A failure means the car doesn't meet the legal standard and can't be driven until fixed. An advisory is a heads-up: the item is acceptable for now but heading towards a problem. Common advisories include tyres wearing thin, brake pads getting low, slight corrosion or a small oil leak.
Why advisories matter when buying
Reading a car's advisory history is one of the most useful things you can do before buying. Recurring advisories for the same issue can reveal a fault that's been ignored for years, while a sudden cluster of advisories may hint at neglect.
They also help you budget: an advisory for tyres or brakes tells you what you'll likely be spending on soon after purchase.
Check a car's MOT advisories
See every advisory and failure in a car's MOT history before you buy — check any reg.
Check a car's MOT advisoriesFrequently Asked Questions
Can you drive with an MOT advisory?
Yes. An advisory doesn't affect the validity of the MOT, so the car is legal to drive. But you should address the flagged item before it worsens into a failure or safety issue.
Do advisories get cleared at the next MOT?
They aren't automatically cleared — if the issue is fixed it won't reappear, but if ignored it may show again or become a failure. Past advisories stay on the online record permanently.