Advisory vs Minor Defect MOT: The Subtle Difference
Quick Answer
An advisory is a note about future attention with no legal requirement to act. A minor defect is a pass with note where the issue should be monitored closely and ideally fixed before it becomes major. Both result in a pass certificate, neither stops you driving, but minor defects are tracked more visibly on the DVSA MOT history.
The post-2018 MOT introduced the minor defect category alongside the long-standing advisory, and the distinction confuses many UK drivers. A free MOT history check shows both clearly so you can plan repairs before they escalate.
The post-2018 defect category split
On 20 May 2018, the DVSA introduced new defect categories aligned with EU Roadworthiness Directive 2014/45/EU. Advisories were retained from the old system, and a new 'Minor' category was added to mean 'pass with note - monitor and fix soon'.
Both categories result in a Pass certificate (VT20), and neither prevents you driving. The difference is in the wording, the urgency implied, and how the data is presented in the official MOT history.
What an advisory means
An advisory is the tester's professional opinion that an item will likely need attention before the next MOT or before serious deterioration occurs. It carries no legal weight, no immediate action requirement and no impact on your insurance or driving status.
Common advisories include 'tyre worn close to legal limit', 'brake pad wearing thin but above minimum', 'slight oil seepage from gearbox', or 'rear shock absorber showing signs of leak but functioning'. The tester is flagging something they want you aware of.
What a minor defect means
A minor defect is a step up: an actual fault that has been identified, that does not affect safety enough to fail the test today, but that is closer to becoming major. Common minor defects include 'brake fluid level slightly low', 'number plate light flickering', 'wiper blade showing wear', or 'minor exhaust leak from rear box'.
The DVSA describes minor defects as 'a defect that has no significant effect on the safety of the vehicle or impact on the environment'. Repair is recommended at the next reasonable opportunity, but you can legally drive indefinitely with a minor defect noted.
Comparison table: advisory vs minor
Key differences side by side:
- Test result: Advisory = pass, Minor = pass
- Legal requirement to fix: Advisory no, Minor no (but recommended soon)
- Affects driving status: Advisory no, Minor no
- Affects insurance: Advisory no, Minor no
- Visible on MOT history: Advisory yes, Minor yes (more prominent display)
- Severity language: Advisory 'note for future', Minor 'fault but not safety-critical'
- Likely to escalate: Advisory possible, Minor more likely without action
- Impacts resale value: Both potentially yes if multiple noted
Examples of each by system
Brakes: Advisory = 'pad wearing slightly thin'. Minor = 'brake fluid level low' or 'pad performance slightly reduced but acceptable'.
Lights: Advisory = 'headlight unit showing signs of haze'. Minor = 'number plate bulb intermittent' or 'rear fog light slightly dim'.
Tyres: Advisory = 'tread approaching minimum on inner edge'. Minor = 'tyre slightly underinflated' or 'sidewall has minor abrasion not exposing cords'.
Body: Advisory = 'corrosion noted on inner sill, currently not structural'. Minor = 'small surface corrosion within prescribed area, monitoring recommended'.
When to fix each
Advisories should be addressed within 12 months, before the next MOT. Many advisories cost very little to fix at a routine service: a £30 wiper blade, a £15 bulb, a £25 tyre rotation. Letting them sit means they often become majors at next test.
Minor defects should be addressed within 1-3 months. Brake fluid replacement (£40-70), corroded brake pipes (£60-150), and slowly leaking shocks (£120-250 per pair fitted) all sit comfortably in the 'minor today, major next time' zone.
How buyers see advisories and minors
When you sell a car, anyone running a free MOT history check on the registration sees every advisory and minor defect from every test. A long string of unresolved advisories signals neglect to a careful buyer and damages resale value.
Conversely, advisories that subsequently disappear from later tests demonstrate ongoing maintenance, which can support a higher asking price. The MOT history is one of the most-trusted public records buyers consult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a minor defect an MOT fail?
No. Minor defects result in a Pass certificate (VT20) and do not stop you driving. They are noted on the test record so you can monitor and fix the issue before it becomes major.
What is the difference between an advisory and a minor defect?
An advisory is a note for future attention with no formal fault identified. A minor defect is an actual fault, but not safety-critical enough to fail. Both pass the test.
Do I need to fix MOT advisories?
No legal requirement. But unfixed advisories often become major fails at the next test. Most cost £15-50 each to fix at a routine service - much cheaper than a retest.
Will advisories show on a buyer's history check?
Yes. Every advisory, minor, major and dangerous defect is permanently recorded in the DVSA MOT database. Buyers running a free MOT history check see your full record.
Can a car still be sold with multiple minor defects noted?
Yes. Minors do not stop a sale, but a long list reduces buyer confidence and resale value. Fixing them before listing typically pays for itself in higher offers.
Advisories and minors both pass the test but track differently in the public record. Run a free MOT history check to see your full defect history before selling or buying.