MOT fraud on the rise, DVSA figures show

The DVSA has issued a warning to fraudulent MOT testing stations after the number of serious cases relating to dishonesty and negligence more than doubled in 2021 to 2022.

More than 1,300 counts of MOT fraud were recorded in 2021 to 2022, DVSA figures show.

Of these, 710 were the most serious cases related to dishonesty and negligence – more than double the 2017 – 2018 figure.

In 2021, the DVSA banned a total of 127 authorised examiners from running testing stations, and 288 from the MOT scheme.

This included bans for 85 authorised examiners and 185 testers relating to the most serious offences including dishonesty, and gross negligence.

Marian Kitson, director of enforcement at the DVSA said: “We will not allow qualified testers who we entrust to carry out MOTs to abuse a system designed to keep the public safe for their own personal gain.

“We are fortunate to have so many compliant, trustworthy, and honest garages who deliver the MOT safely.

“We want to ensure they are not unfairly disadvantaged by the greed and criminality of the dangerous few individuals seeking to dupe the system.

“The MOT test is designed to keep you and others safe.

“Don’t risk road safety, don’t cheat the system.”

The DVSA monitors the industry closely and acts on poor and fraudulent practice through both proactive investigations and in response to reports from the public.

Cases where vehicles aren’t even entering a garage but are issued pass certificates have seen the biggest increase, the agency says.

Marian added: “The latest technology and intelligence-based targeting allows us to track vehicle movements, meaning we know where vehicles are, and where they’re not.

“We can then compare this with MOT test data to ensure the right outcome.”

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