Motorists could be jeopardising their safety and that of other road users due to a dodgy and illegal MOT practice. In the UK, all vehicles over three years old are required to undergo an annual MOT test to ensure they meet safety and environmental standards. With few exceptions, it is unlawful to drive a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate.
Usually, you would visit an authorised garage or mechanic to have these tests conducted on your vehicle. However, some garages may attempt to persuade you to purchase a cheap MOT certificate without actually performing the test in person.
This fraudulent activity, known as a ghost MOT, accounts for approximately 80% of all counterfeit MOT certificates issued, according to the DVSA. As this practice does not involve physically testing the vehicle, neither the driver nor the mechanic can say for certain that the car is safe to be on public roads, thereby increasing the risk of a serious accident.
Proof needed for MOTs
Since 2023, the DVSA has been implementing strategies to combat MOT fraud. A key measure involves requiring garages to photograph vehicles during the test, a strategy that has undergone extensive trials.
During these modest trials, the DVSA can scrutinise data from the image sent to them and cross-check it with the issued MOT certificate. Garages might also be requested to photograph the vehicle whilst it’s in the testing bay, which the DVSA can use to verify that the vehicle was tested in person.
Reporting counterfeit or suspicious MOTs
If you suspect a garage or MOT test centre of failing to conduct a proper MOT and issuing a fraudulent certificate, you can report them anonymously. A garage may be violating the rules if they have accepted a bribe, issued an MOT certificate for a vehicle they know should have failed, or provided an MOT certificate for a vehicle that was never actually tested.
To report a garage or test centre, you can reach out to the DVSA Intelligence Unit at enquiries@dvsa. gov.uk or ring 0800 030 4103. When submitting a report, there is no need to provide any personal information.
If a garage or test centre is discovered committing MOT fraud, the DVSA has the authority to prohibit them from conducting any further tests. Moreover, serious offenders can face charges in court, incur fines, and even serve prison sentences in some instances.