Just about to take the old girl in for another faultless (hopefully) MOT. and the brake pad sensor warning light (red circle) has just come on the dashboard. Is this an automatic fail as in the brake pads need replacing or can they still be allowed a pass?

I think with the new system it is a fail im afraid.

If you want to take the risk they won't take the wheels off to check pad thicknes you could always disconnect the offending sensor if awaiting pads. I wouldn't reccomend this unless the light has JUST come on and there is still decent life left in them for the trip to the station, test and trip home whilst waiting for them to be replaced mind. FFRR MY06 facelift With TDV8 Alloys Zeros/ATR's
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I wouldnt have thought that the light being on causes a fail, i would expect they will look to see how much is left on the pads. It's a bit like the spare wheel, no spare that's fine (many new cars don't have one), bald spare - fail. Geoff

Even if you do disconnect the sensor the tester will look at the pads and fail it because there is not enough material on them

supershuttle wrote:

bald spare - fail.

The Mot Inspection Manual makes no reference to the brake wear warning indicator lamp.
The pads are just required to have 1.5mm thickness left to pass.
The chances are yours are thicker than that.
Personally I wouldn't leave them to 1.5mm or anywhere near.

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I'm thinking the light came on for a reason, the car is saying " new pads please" might be best to get them done before booking in - if you have a couple of days it's a pretty strait forward job providing you can get the wheel nuts undone  Geoff

The Mot test applies to tyres fitted to road wheels only, you don't even need a spare as many cars don't these days.

With regard to the spare that may or may not be correct but is based on my actual experience. It is reasonable to assume you would use it in the event of an emergency. Geoff

I thought part of the new test was regarding warning lights on the dash coming on and going off and that if it stayed on that the affected system caused a fail?? Surely the pad light is the same as the low fluid light on an RR??

Gotta admit i aint ever seen it as i haven't RTFM  FFRR MY06 facelift With TDV8 Alloys Zeros/ATR's
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If it's not in the manual it's not a testable item so it can't be failed.
Whatever MOT Testers say.

I think I'll rephrase - bald spare they don't like - although this is pretty irrelevant in this topic: In fact I'm sorry I mentioned it, I really must have something better to do than lurk on here all morning, oops I mean all day, the morning has flown by  Geoff

Well I keep an eye on my pads and thought they were about two thirds worn when light came on so plenty of life left.
you need to get the warning light to reset after which can be a mare of pushing the trip meter and info button on the dash info on here somewhere and defo on google.
Probably worth replacing the sensor to as they are only about £8 front is on the nearside and easy rear is on the offside and a bit fiddly

ta Mine was a blue one!