Headlights pointing too high or low
Last reviewed 22 October 2026. General information, not advice about a particular car.
Fix soon Will get worse and may fail the next MOT. Budget for it in the next few months.
The beam is out of alignment, dazzling other drivers or lighting too little road. Usually a quick adjustment at a garage. It is a fail at the test itself but most testers adjust and retest on the spot.
What the wording on the certificate means
You’ll usually see something like “Headlamp aim too high” or “Headlamp aim too low”, often with a position such as “nearside front” (the passenger side) and a reference to the MOT inspection manual in brackets.
The headlight beam is pointing too high or too low. Too high dazzles other drivers; too low and you can’t see far enough ahead.
Why it matters
Incorrect headlamp aim is one of the most common reasons cars fail the MOT. It usually happens after a bulb or headlight unit is replaced, after minor accident damage, or when the suspension sags.
What to do
- If your car has a headlight levelling dial, set it to 0 when the car isn’t loaded, including for the MOT.
- A garage can set the aim with a beam setter, usually in a few minutes.
- If the aim won’t hold, the headlight mounting or adjuster may be broken.
Will it fail the next MOT?
An advisory isn’t a fail, and the car can be driven, as long as it stays roadworthy. Headlamp aim outside the limits is a major fail.
If you’re buying a car with this advisory
Not a worry on its own, but a recently replaced headlight on one side can be a sign of a minor front-end knock. If the same advisory shows up at test after test, it has probably been left unrepaired.
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