Disc brake light switch

Brake light for my front disc stopped working. If I short the terminals with a screwdriver the light works. Is this usually the switch itself, or can they get clogged or whatever?

Nothing lasts forever I guess.. 38 years is pretty good.

Well duh, you know everything works with the switch out of the way, so next thought is new hydraulic switch, from Norton or Harley supplier but must get the version with the right terminals, ie: round pegs or flat blades is all. Might test switch with test light just to make sure that way but pretty much already have by the bypass way.

I replaced nine from a old Morris Mini they are the same switch and cheaper than from a bike shop.

Ashley