DVSA convicts MOT testers of fraud for failing to inspect hundreds of vehicles and 'abusing' driver trust

Ghost MOTs have become more apparent across the UK and refer to fraudulent certificates issued for a vehicle without it undergoing a physical, in-person inspection, often arranged via social media for a fee.

The lack of inspections means that many drivers are charged for the mandatory inspection without any inspections actually being made to their vehicle, leading to higher road safety risks.

The fraudulent activities occurred at Bristol's Staple Hill Motoring Centre Ltd, with a DVSA investigator uncovering evidence of an MOT fraud operation in September 2023.

The incident saw DVSA agents witness an MOT tester logging a vehicle into the agency's MOT system and issuing a certificate in less than one minute, sparking serious concern.

The tester, who had clearly not completed the test, was further embarrassed as the vehicle in question was not even in the garage at the time of the test.

DVSA officers discovered that a second person employed at the garage had obtained the vehicle details to conduct the ghost MOTs, making them complicit in the criminal practice.

The DVSA noted that the owner of the test centre, alongside other employees of the garage, was unaware of any illegal activity happening at the premises and fully cooperated with the fraud investigation.

The fraudsters pleaded guilty to all the offences in July and were sentenced on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Bristol Crown Court.

The primary tester was found guilty of 43 offences and one offence under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, while a further 196 offences were taken into consideration.

Both offenders were sentenced to a two-year custodial sentence, although this was suspended for two years.

The main perpetrator will also be required to complete 250 hours of unpaid work, while the accomplice will have to complete 300 hours of unpaid work.

The DVSA warned that additional investigations are ongoing under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which could result in further action being taken.

Roads and Buses Minister, Simon Lightwood, said: "MOT fraud puts lives at risk by allowing dangerous vehicles to be driven illegally, and it's great to see DVSA using swift action to bring those responsible to justice.

"We're keeping unsafe vehicles off the road and protecting drivers from being ripped off by fraudulent garages."

In total, 241 MOT test certificates were discovered to have been issued fraudulently, meaning hundreds of vehicles were given the green light to continue on UK roads without proper checks.

The investigation found a consistent flow of payments to the offenders, marking as much as £11,428, with further payments amounting to £2,485 being brought in by other people, making a total of £13,913.

Marian Kitson, DVSA's Director of Enforcement Services, said: "MOT fraud is extremely dangerous, and anyone in the industry who is thinking of making a 'quick buck' should think again.

"Our message is clear: if you risk road safety, we will find you, and we will not hesitate to prosecute you with the full force of the law.

"Today's successful result not only punishes those for risking the safety of all road users but also serves as a stark warning to anyone who believes they can get away with committing such a serious offence."