Drivers are being warned about a growing trend of 'ghost MOTs', where unscrupulous garages issue fake certificates without actually conducting proper tests. This practice not only puts motorists at risk but also leads to inflated repair bills when genuine faults go undetected.
How Ghost MOTs Work
Ghost MOTs involve garages that falsely claim a vehicle has passed its MOT test, often for a fee, without any inspection taking place. The vehicle is then issued a certificate that appears legitimate, but in reality, no checks were performed. This can leave dangerous faults unaddressed, compromising road safety.
Common Tactics
- Issuing certificates without seeing the vehicle
- Conducting only a visual check without proper equipment
- Overlooking critical safety components like brakes and tyres
Financial Impact on Drivers
Beyond safety concerns, drivers are often hit with unexpected repair bills when they later discover faults that should have been caught during the MOT. Some garages even create artificial problems to charge for unnecessary repairs, exploiting the lack of a proper initial inspection.
Warning Signs
Motorists should be wary of MOT deals that seem too good to be true, especially if the garage offers a quick pass without a thorough check. Checking the MOT history online and looking for reviews can help identify rogue operators.
Regulatory Response
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is cracking down on ghost MOTs, with increased inspections and penalties for garages found to be issuing fake certificates. Drivers are urged to report suspicious activity to help protect others.
In the meantime, experts advise choosing a reputable garage, ideally one that is DVSA-accredited, and always requesting a full breakdown of any work done. Staying informed is the best defence against this growing problem.
