Will a Car Pass MOT with Minor Defects? What You Need to Know in 2025

Understanding MOT Testing and Minor Defects

We focus on the role of MOT testing in assessing vehicle safety and how minor defects influence the test outcome. This section clarifies the MOT test’s purpose and explains the criteria for minor defects.

What Is an MOT Test?

We view the MOT test as an annual inspection required for cars over three years old in the UK, designed to ensure vehicles meet minimum safety and environmental standards. We check essential components such as brakes, lights, tires, emissions, and the vehicle’s structural integrity. We rely on authorised testing centres to perform these inspections using standardised procedures and tools mandated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Defining Minor Defects

We categorise minor defects as issues that do not pose an immediate safety risk or lead to excessive emissions but fall short of optimal vehicle condition. Examples include slight stone chips in the windshield, minor wear on brake pads, or a seatbelt that isn’t fully retracted. During the MOT test, these defects prompt a “Minor” advisory rather than a failure, warning vehicle owners about potential future problems. Recognising these defects helps us decide whether repairs can wait or require prompt attention to maintain roadworthiness.

Common Minor Defects and Their Impact on MOT Results

Minor defects often appear during MOT inspections and influence a vehicle’s test outcome without causing outright failure. Understanding these defects helps us prioritise repairs and maintain our car’s roadworthiness efficiently.

Examples of Typical Minor Defects

Typical minor defects include:

• Slight stone chips or small cracks in the windshield, which don’t cause visibility issues.
• Headlamp lens cracks or slight cloudiness, reducing light output marginally.
• Brake pad wear is within acceptable limits, but nearing the replacement threshold.
• Tyre tread depth is just above the legal minimum of 1.6mm with visible, minor uneven wear.
• Exhaust system issues like minor leaks or corrosion that don’t affect emissions significantly.
• Non-functioning interior bulbs or dashboard lights that don’t impact external signalling.
• Windscreen wiper blade wear that slightly reduces clearing efficiency.
• Suspension components with slight wear or play do not affect vehicle stability.

These defects trigger an advisory note in the MOT test report, signalling potential attention but not immediate failure.

How Minor Defects Are Reported

During the MOT test, minor defects receive a “Minor” advisory rather than a fail. The tester records these issues on the MOT certificate and computer system, ensuring vehicle owners, service centres, and future buyers access this information.

The advisory details the component affected and the detected problem, highlighting areas to monitor or repair soon. While minor defects don’t prevent the vehicle from legally passing the MOT test, ignoring them can lead to deterioration, resulting in future test failures or safety risks.

By reviewing these advisories promptly, we can plan timely maintenance, reducing the chance of unexpected repairs and ensuring our vehicle stays safe and roadworthy.

Will a Car Pass MOT With Minor Defects?

Cars with minor defects can still pass the MOT test if those defects do not compromise safety or break legal requirements. Understanding conditions that allow passing and when minor defects influence the outcome helps manage expectations during the inspection.

Conditions That Allow Passing With Minor Defects

We pass cars with minor defects when these issues are advisory and do not affect safety or environmental compliance. Common examples include:

• Slight stone chips on the windshield that do not affect the driver’s visibility
• Small cracks in headlamp lenses without water ingress
• Minor brake pad wear above the legal limit
• Light corrosion on exhaust mounts with no leaks

The MOT system issues these defects as “Minor” advisories. They alert us to defects that might worsen but are not severe enough to cause failure. We inspect if such defects remain within legal standards for lights, brakes, tires, and emissions. If defects do not cause direct hazards, the vehicle meets passing criteria.

When Minor Defects Can Affect the Outcome

We note when minor defects become borderline or point to developing issues requiring repair. For example:

• Slight brake pad wear fails if the thickness drops below the legal minimums
• Headlamp lens cracks cause failure if water ingress affects light performance
• Stone chips on windscreens compromise driver vision and cause failure if in critical viewing areas

If minor defects risk driver safety or test integrity, the vehicle fails. Repeated minor issues might indicate poor maintenance that inspectors must flag. When defects relate to emissions or structural integrity and exceed limits, they shift from advisory to failure.

We recommend addressing minor advisories promptly to avoid progression into failure conditions during future MOT tests.

How to Address Minor Defects Before MOT

We can improve a car’s chances of passing the MOT by proactively addressing minor defects. Tackling these issues early ensures safety and avoids costly repairs later.

DIY Fixes vs. Professional Repairs

We recommend handling simple, minor defects ourselves, such as topping up windshield washer fluid, replacing blown bulbs, or cleaning headlamp lenses. These quick fixes save time and money while improving the vehicle’s condition. For issues like minor brake pad wear or small chips in the windshield, getting professional repairs ensures proper handling and compliance with MOT standards. Some defects require specialised tools and expertise, so prioritising professional service prevents failure during the MOT inspection.

Importance of Pre-MOT Checks

We benefit from conducting thorough pre-MOT checks at least two weeks before the test date. Inspecting lights, tires, brakes, and wipers reveals minor defects that the MOT examiner will detect. Documenting these issues helps us plan necessary repairs and prevents unexpected test failures. Using MOT checklists available online covering critical items increases the accuracy of our evaluation. Early identification and correction maintain vehicle roadworthiness and improve confidence during the official MOT inspection.

What Happens if Minor Defects Are Left Unaddressed?

Minor defects often appear as advisories during the MOT inspection, but leaving them unaddressed can lead to risks and further complications. Understanding these consequences helps us manage vehicle safety and compliance effectively.

Potential Risks and Consequences

Ignoring minor defects increases the chance of deterioration and safety hazards. For example:

• Worsening damage, such as a small windshield chip spreading into a crack, compromises visibility and integrity.
• Reduced braking performance if minor brake pad wear is left untreated, risking legal non-compliance and safety.
• Water ingress through cracked headlamp lenses causes electrical faults or light failure.
• Higher repair costs result from deferred maintenance, leading to more extensive damage.
• Failed future MOT tests since minor defects often escalate into more severe faults that trigger outright failure.

Neglecting minor defects also reduces overall vehicle reliability, increasing the risk of roadside breakdowns and potential legal consequences related to vehicle roadworthiness.

Next Steps After MOT Failure Due to Minor Defects

After an MOT failure caused by minor defects, prompt action ensures legal compliance and vehicle safety. Our recommended steps include:

• Review the MOT report to identify all failed and advisory items precisely.
• Schedule repairs with a qualified mechanic or garage accredited for MOT work.
• Address critical issues first if multiple defects exist, prioritising those that impair safety or legal requirements.
• Request a partial retest within 10 working days if repairs are completed at the same garage, often saving retest fees.
• Maintain documentation of all repairs and retests to demonstrate compliance and assist with future inspections.

Taking these steps helps us restore a vehicle to MOT pass standards quickly and prevents minor defects from escalating into major safety or compliance issues.

Conclusion

Minor defects don’t automatically mean a failed MOT, but they shouldn’t be ignored either. Staying on top of these issues helps keep our vehicles safe and roadworthy while avoiding costly repairs down the line.

By addressing minor advisories promptly and conducting regular checks, we improve our chances of passing the MOT smoothly. It’s all about proactive maintenance and understanding what the test requires to keep our cars in optimal condition year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a minor defect in an MOT test?

A minor defect is an issue that does not pose an immediate safety risk or legal violation but indicates that the vehicle is not in optimal condition. These defects result in a “Minor” advisory on the MOT certificate and often include things like slight stone chips, minor brake pad wear, or small cracks in headlamp lenses.

Can a car pass the MOT test with minor defects?

Yes, a car can pass the MOT test with minor defects as long as they do not compromise safety or break legal requirements. Minor defects receive advisories but don’t lead to outright failure unless they worsen or indicate serious problems.

What are common examples of minor defects found during MOT inspections?

Common minor defects include slight stone chips in the windshield, minor brake pad wear, small cracks in headlamp lenses, and blown bulbs. These issues require monitoring or repairs but generally don’t cause an automatic test failure.

Why is it important to address minor defects before the MOT test?

Addressing minor defects before the MOT helps prevent them from escalating into serious issues that could cause a test failure. Early repairs save time and money and maintain vehicle safety and roadworthiness.

How can car owners prepare for the MOT test to avoid minor defects?

Car owners should perform pre-MOT checks at least two weeks before the test. This includes checking lights, tires, brakes, and fluid levels, and fixing simple defects or visiting a mechanic for more complex repairs. Using online MOT checklists can also help.

What happens if minor defects are ignored after an MOT test?

Ignoring minor defects can lead to worsening damage, reduced braking performance, higher repair costs, and a greater chance of failing future MOT tests. Timely repairs are critical to maintaining vehicle reliability and safety.

What steps should I take if my car fails the MOT due to minor defects?

Review the MOT report carefully, schedule repairs with a qualified mechanic, and keep documentation of all fixes. Prompt attention to minor defects will help your vehicle meet MOT standards and avoid further issues.