Fake MOT tester: More should have been done, GW readers say

Should DVSA do more to penalise stations that flout rules and are next week's MOT changes enough – join the debate

Mike Ruff, GW editor watch_laterMay 15, 2018 comment 4 Comments 1 like

Fake MOT tester: More should have been done, GW readers say

GW readers say the DVSA should crackdown on the number of test stations that appear to be flouting the rules. Image: Bigstock.

Independent garages have spoken out against the actions of an ex-mechanic that logged MOT passes for cars that he had “tested” at owner’s homes by accessing his ex-employers computer system.

Patrick Richardson, who had previously worked at Paynes Road MOT in Southampton, was sentenced to 16 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and 80 hours’ unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £500 costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

Related: Ex-mechanic gets prison sentence for handing out fake MOT certificates

Many slammed the test station for failing to spot the fraudulent activity sooner and say it the garage should have been penalised by the DVSA.

Commenting on the GW forum, David said: “The site AE and or its site manager should also be held to account as there is no excuse for letting this go unchecked for six months.

“We would notice at the end of any given week if this was happening, despite the large volume we complete.

“Very poor site AE and I’m amazed DVSA have not suspended the garage for poor admin.”

System flaw

Peter Miles commented: “We all know that the current system permits this to happen but surely that’s why we can access the system to keep an eye on things.

“Even the simplest check of test slots used against tests charged for would have shown this up.”

However, Luke said: “In reality, this idiot logged 20 tests over six months- that’s not a huge amount, and I can understand how it would be missed.

“How many places that do free re-tests keep a full log of every single one that actually gets checked?”

Many GW readers commented on the number of test stations that appear to be flouting the rules.

Robert Mabee said: “Unfortunately you are always going to have rouge testers that will flaunt the system which makes a mockery of the testing system and makes it harder for the majority of testers that are honest in testing and take the task of testing serious.”

“No longer fit for purpose”

Commenting on Facebook, Ross Kemp said: “The whole MOT system is no longer fit for purpose in my opinion.

“The whole system needs scrapping and starting again from the ground up.

“Starting with a mandatory fixed price, a limit on MOT station numbers, oh yeah and stop MOT testers being able to test their own vehicles, the current state of MOT testing in this country is a complete and utter joke.”

Related: DVSA issues MOT guidance on inspection manual changes

Peter Greenow said: “My view is that test stations should be just that, testing stations – no repairs.

“Sadly the professionalism described by a few is so un-typical, so many test station owners will readily acknowledge that the test lane is a feeder for the repair shop.

“To many vested interests and a poor standard of testers for my liking.”

Changes to the current MOT come into force on May 20, 2018 as part of the European Union Roadworthiness Package.

Join the debate and share your comments below. Do you think the DVSA should do more to weed out poorly managed stations?

This topic has 4 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 5 months ago by Mac.

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May 15, 2018 at 11:45 am #158107 Reply

Mike Ruff, GW editor
Keymaster

Independent garages have spoken out against the actions of an ex-mechanic that logged MOT passes for cars that he had “tested” at owner’s homes by acc
[See the full post at: Fake MOT tester: More should have been done, GW readers say]

May 15, 2018 at 1:02 pm #158128 Reply

jim walker
Guest

I’ve said it on here before, MOT stations should not be allowed to repair vehicles they test! simple, this would raise standards of testing and repair, proven in Europe. fact. further to this making the system internet based was always going to lead to fraudulent use, the old system of BT land line although very slow, ensured that the vehicle was logged on and off at the registered test station, giving the station a good idea of who was doing what. with the new system it does not matter how good the station management are a rouge tester can slip a test in via his phone almost without question. can you then blame the station, I think not.

May 15, 2018 at 4:23 pm #158134 Reply

Stephen
Guest

As a responsible Mot station; we are not looking to feed more work into our workshops but to ensure that vehicles are safe to be on the road. After all, I wouldn’t want myself, my family or anyone else to be involved in an accident caused by a dangerous vehicle losing control and hitting them.
If we come across one it is far better to be given the chance to be repaired there and then and NOT driven away to be repaired elsewhere.
I am sure there are many more like us with integrity.

May 15, 2018 at 4:42 pm #158136 Reply

Joe Brookshaw
Guest

Mot stations are not checked on like they used to be back in the 80s and 90s when I ran a mot station,you would have atleast 4 visits a year from the vehicle examener and the equivelant to happy shoppers who would just call in without a phone call,in York alone we have two mot stations who just print out mot certification with out checking the cars for there fellow traders and friends,this is a fact.

July 16, 2018 at 8:40 am #160999 Reply

Mac
Guest

We always carry out a fair test and will not cut price. Some MOT stations cut price and make up the difference on what the car fails on. A mandatory test fee should be introduced. The DVSA should only allow the computer system/systems on site to log tests and no mobile device tests. Unfortunately, there will always be rogue testers who want to make extra money. The people who allow their cars to be ‘tested’ without taking the car into a garage should also pay the penalty, as they must realise that they could be driving a dangerous car that is not tested to required standard. There is nothing wrong with garages being able to carry out repairs to failed cars as the customer has a choice to get the work done anywhere.
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