Motorists could be unwittingly purchasing counterfeit MOT certificates that leave them driving dangerous vehicles, motoring experts have cautioned. The alert comes as the DVSA implements fresh regulations requiring garages to photograph vehicles during MOT tests in an effort to clamp down on so-called “ghost MOTs”, where certificates are provided without a thorough inspection being carried out.
The regulatory change has been piloted at selected garages and is now being expanded more broadly. Numerous drivers presume that upon receiving an MOT certificate, their vehicle has cleared all the requisite safety examinations, but experts caution that fraudulent MOTs can leave motorists unknowingly driving dangerous vehicles, potentially facing costly repairs, invalidated insurance claims and even financial penalties.
Keith Hawes, director of car leasing provider Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, has identified the crucial warning signs that could suggest an MOT certificate is fraudulent.
Signs your MOT could be fake as DVSA starts new rules
Your vehicle was never physically inspected
The most significant warning sign is obtaining an MOT certificate without your car having undergone a complete inspection. The DVSA’s new nationwide “Photos at Test” scheme mandates testing stations to upload a photograph of the vehicle on the inspection ramp with its registration plate visible, making it more difficult for dishonest operators to issue certificates for cars that never attended the test.
The garage offers a guaranteed pass
No legitimate MOT testing station can guarantee that a vehicle will pass its MOT. Any business advertising a guaranteed pass regardless of vehicle condition should immediately raise concerns.
The MOT record doesn’t appear online
Drivers can verify their vehicle’s MOT status and history through the government’s official online MOT checker. Should a recently issued MOT fail to appear in the DVSA system, motorists ought to contact the testing station and look into the matter further.
The test was completed unusually quickly
While testing times may differ, a full MOT inspection requires a thorough assessment of a vehicle’s safety and roadworthiness. If a certificate is issued within a suspiciously short period, drivers would be wise to confirm that all necessary checks have been carried out.
Payment requests seem unusual
Exercise caution if a garage demands cash-only payments or declines to issue receipts or documentation. Reputable testing centres should be able to furnish clear records of any MOT work undertaken.
A fraudulent MOT certificate could give motorists a wholly false sense of security, allowing potentially hazardous faults to go unnoticed.
- Expensive repair bills for issues that should have been identified earlier
- Reduced vehicle safety
- Potential insurance complications
- Increased risk of breakdowns
- The possibility of driving a vehicle that does not meet legal roadworthiness standards
Mr Hawes said: “The vast majority of MOT centres carry out important work keeping Britain’s roads safe, but unfortunately there are some rogue operators who attempt to exploit the system. The introduction of mandatory vehicle photographs is a positive step that should help improve trust in the MOT process and make it more difficult for fraudulent certificates to be issued.
“Motorists should always ensure their vehicle physically attends its MOT appointment, check their MOT history online and be wary of any garage promising a guaranteed pass. If something feels too good to be true, it usually is.”
