What Are Ghost MOTs & How is the DVLA Cracking Down?

Many drivers approach their yearly MOT test with dread. And it’s fairly natural to feel like taking your car for an MOT is like resitting your GCSEs – but the truth is far from the matter. The purpose of an MOT is never to “catch you out”, but to make sure that your car is always road safe and legal – not just for your own safety, but for everyone’s safety on the road. 

And this is crucial. When you drive, you’re not just relying on your own vehicle being safe to drive, but on everyone else’s vehicle also being safe. So if there’s one thing you need to expect from an MOT test above all else, it’s honesty. You want to know that your vehicle has been properly checked, that it’s safe to drive, and that the certificate you receive actually means something. 

Unfortunately, that hasn’t always been the case. In recent years, the DVLA has uncovered a growing issue known as “ghost MOTs” – and it’s something every UK driver should be aware of. 

So, what exactly are ghost MOTs, how do they affect motorists, and what is the DVLA doing to stop them? Let’s take a closer look.

What is a ghost MOT?

A ghost MOT is a fraudulent MOT test that’s recorded without the vehicle being inspected – or, in some cases, without the vehicle being present at all. Instead of carrying out the legally required checks, an unscrupulous MOT tester might log a pass on the system for a car they’ve never seen, often in exchange for money off the books. On paper, the vehicle appears road-legal – but the reality is it could be unsafe, unroadworthy, or even outright dangerous. If the car’s not actually been inspected, then nobody knows how safe it actually is. 

Fundamentally, ghost MOTs undermine the entire purpose of the MOT system, which exists to ensure vehicles meet minimum safety and environmental standards. 

Let’s look at this in some more detail.

Why ghost MOTs are a serious problem

At first glance, an MOT that’s been “passed without inspection” might sound like an easy win for some drivers. But the reality is that it’s always kicking the can down the road. 

A car that hasn’t been properly tested could be hiding major issues – worn brakes, faulty steering, tyre defects, or dangerous suspension problems. And these aren’t minor inconveniences, they’re faults that can lead to serious accidents. 

There are legal and financial consequences too. If a vehicle involved in a collision is found to have a fraudulent MOT, insurance claims can be rejected. Drivers may also face fines, penalty points, or prosecution, even if they weren’t aware the MOT was illegitimate.

How common are ghost MOTs?

While the vast majority of MOT testers operate honestly and professionally, ghost MOTs have been a persistent concern for the DVLA. 

And it’s worth being clear here, there are around 40 million cars requiring MOTs each year on Britain’s roads. But the annual number of MOT certificates flagged for investigation is only in the thousands. This is because, in many cases, irregular testing patterns, suspicious pass rates, or unusual testing volumes raise red flags. 

So while ghost MOTs are certainly a problem, they’re not terrifically common – usually because the penalty for being found far outweighs the benefits. The penalty for being caught is a potentially permanent ban from being able to conduct MOTs, heavy fines, and even criminal prosecution (potentially for the vehicle owner too).

How the DVLA is cracking down

To combat ghost MOTs more effectively, the DVLA has introduced new rules and tighter controls designed to make fraud much harder to commit – and also much easier to detect.

Mandatory photographic evidence

One of the biggest changes is the introduction of photographic evidence during MOT tests. Testers are now required to take photos of vehicles at specific points during the MOT process. These images help confirm that the vehicle was physically present, the correct registration number was tested, and that the test was carried out at the correct location and time. 

All of this makes it far more difficult to log a test remotely or reuse old data to fake a result.

Smarter data monitoring

The DVLA also uses advanced data analysis to monitor MOT testing patterns. This includes things like: 

• Unusually high pass rates 
• Tests completed too quickly 
• Multiple MOTs carried out in short timeframes 
• Inconsistencies between vehicle history and test outcomes

Stricter penalties for testers

MOT testers found guilty of issuing ghost MOTs can face heavy fines, immediate suspension or permanent removal from the MOT scheme, and even criminal prosecution.

What this means for drivers

So, for fraudulent testers, this is all pretty bad news. But for UK motorists, these changes are overwhelmingly positive. 

Stricter rules mean greater confidence that an MOT certificate genuinely reflects your car’s condition. It also helps level the playing field for honest garages that follow the rules and invest time in doing the job properly. 

However, it’s still important for drivers to stay vigilant. If something doesn’t feel right – for example, an MOT that seems rushed, unusually cheap, or doesn’t match your car’s condition – it’s worth asking questions. 

You can also check your vehicle’s MOT history online at any time to spot inconsistencies or unexpected results. And if you’re really concerned, take your car to another (reputable) garage for a re-test.

How to avoid being caught out by a ghost MOT

As mentioned before, the only time that fraudulent and ghost MOTs are happening, really, is when drivers seek them out. 

So the best way to avoid being “caught out” by a fraudulent or ghost MOT is to ensure you’re only engaging with trusted, reputable MOT test centres and garages. 

To make sure that your MOTs are always accurate, look for garages that: 

• Clearly explain the MOT process and give you a full list of tests carried out. 
• Are happy to talk through any advisories or failures, and are happy to show you worn or broken components before receiving approval for repair work. 
• Carry out repairs only with your approval. 
• Have a strong reputation and national backing (which is especially important if the centre is new).

Stay confident on the road with Kwik Fit

So, ghost MOTs might sound like a shadowy thing you need to be wary of, but the solution is simple: opt for trusted, established garages and you’ll always get honest work. 

If you’re concerned about an MOT, or have any worries about something not working quite right with your car, the experts at your local Kwik Fit centre are always on hand to help.