Figures from the DVSA reveal that “ghost MOT” cases—where a certificate is issued without a vehicle being examined—rose from 976 to 1,809 over a 12-month period. During this time, the agency barred 156 garages and 335 testers from the scheme for fraud.
The fraud involves garages collecting fees for tests that do not occur, leaving vehicles on the road with unverified safety systems. In one instance, a single tester issued 223 fraudulent certificates.
A DVSA spokesperson said:
“While only a small number of testers are involved in fraudulent MOTs, it does happen and puts our roads at risk.
“We want to create a level playing field for all, where high quality is the default, and the scourge of fraudulent or substandard testing is minimised.
“That’s why we’ve carried out trials with MOT garages to take photos at the test. We also have an increasing range of intelligence tools and data available to us to check examinations are carried out to the necessary standard to protect the public from unsafe vehicles.”
Andy Turbefield, Head of Quality at Halfords, stated:
“The impact on motorists can be huge in terms of safety. MOTs check key safety components like tyres and brakes. It’s a matter of time until someone is killed. The reality is that we may have already had accidents and deaths as a result of ghost MOTs, and we simply don’t know.”
Motorists driving a vehicle deemed “dangerous” face fines of up to £2,500, three penalty points, and a potential ban. While some drivers knowingly pay for fraud to avoid repair costs, many are unaware their certificate is invalid. Indicators of a fraudulent test include completion times under 40 minutes, the absence of advisory notices for low tyre tread (below 3mm), or illuminated dashboard warning lights remaining after the “pass.”
Turbefield added:
“Ghost MOTs are a clear example of rogue garages and MOT Testers taking advantage of the system. The only way to be 100 per cent sure an MOT has been conducted is to do another one, via the DVSA Appeal process. This difficulty in spotting if a car has had a ghost MOT means the official figures likely only scratch the surface.”
Reputable garages are recommended to ensure a legitimate inspection. For further information on official standards, visit the DVSA website.
Source: GB News
Dave m
Really? you’re getting your information from that racist news source GB news – laughable….
Ronnie
Why are they racist ? They allow opinions from both sides of the political spectrum
Liam
Why does Dave m not comment on the content of the article , but rather makes unfounded allegations regarding the news source with no evidence to support his opinion?
Silly Dave!!