How do I check what my car failed its MOT on?

Go to the GOV.UK 'check the MOT history of a vehicle' service and enter the registration. You will see the date of each test, whether it passed or failed, the mileage recorded, and the specific reasons for any failure along with any advisory notes.

This is the authoritative record, so it is far more reliable than trying to remember what a garage mentioned. It is also a useful check before buying a used car, as it shows the mileage over time and any recurring problems.

MOT results use set categories. A 'Major' or 'Dangerous' fault means the car has failed and must be repaired before it is road legal. A 'Minor' fault or an 'Advisory' is something to keep an eye on, not an immediate failure, though advisories often become failures if ignored.

If the wording is confusing, bring us the registration or the failure sheet and we will explain exactly what each item means for your car and what it would take to put right.

Once you know what the car failed on, we can carry out the repairs needed to pass. We will tell you honestly what must be done to make the car road legal and safe, and what is an advisory you can plan for rather than panic about.