The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has recently announced new plans to combat MOT fraud. The future strategy of MOT testing was set out in 2023, with the aim of mitigating MOT fraud in the UK, and small-scale trials have now begun.
The new process asks MOT testers to enter vehicle details onto the Gov.UK website and to take images of cars that are being tested, which are then saved to individual records. This is designed to make it simpler to identify those who are responsible for fraudulent testing, and in turn, help to lessen the amount of ghost MOTs being issued.
It is also thought that it will help to prevent genuine errors which occur during the MOT testing process. In the longer term, it is expected that this new way of MOT testing will become widespread within the industry.
What are ghost MOTs?
Ghost MOTs occur when a pass certificate is generated for a vehicle that has never been tested. The DVSA estimate that this currently represents 80 percent of all illegitimate MOT certificates issued. The shady activity is usually undertaken by unscrupulous MOT testers or businesses who produce certificates to make it look like a vehicle has passed its MOT.
As these practices compromise vehicle safety, the DVSA reinforced the importance of eliminating ghost MOTs. During the trials, the DVSA will be analysing data within each image file, such as the location and vehicle type, and cross-checking it against issued MOT certificates. To enhance the effectiveness of the trial period, the DVSA has been inviting registered MOT testers to become volunteer participants.
Reporting a fake MOT
Anyone can report a fake MOT if there is sufficient reason to believe this has happened at an MOT testing centre. It can be reported to the DVSA anonymously by phone, email or post, and doesn’t require personal details or any court appearances.
What are the consequences for fake MOT testers/centres?
Depending on the severity of the offences, MOT testers or centres which are found to have breached the regulations can receive large fines, bans from carrying out future MOTs, or in some cases face prison sentences.
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