19. What are MOT defect categories?

Created by Angie from CarAnalytics, Modified on Wed, 27 Mar at 1:19 PM by Angie from CarAnalytics

The MOT defect categories are classified as dangerous, major, or minor. A vehicle will fail its MOT test if it has a dangerous or major defect.

Dangerous Defects: These defects render the vehicle unroadworthy. Driving a car with dangerous defects is illegal, even to or from an MOT test. These defects must be repaired before the vehicle can be legally driven.

Major Defects:  While major defects will also cause the vehicle to fail its MOT test, they do not necessarily render it unroadworthy. The car can be driven away for repairs if the current MOT certificate is still valid and no dangerous defects are present.


Minor Defects: These defects are not severe enough to immediately cause the vehicle to fail its MOT test. However, it is recommended that minor defects be repaired promptly.

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