An investigation has revealed that the number of drivers getting a ‘ghost’ MOT has doubled in the space of a year.
The research, for Greatest Hits Radio, has shown that the number of UK vehicles found with a ghost MOT rose from 976 in 2023, to 1,809 in 2024. The biggest jump was seen in Kent, where figures increased from three to 74.
This data was revealed through a Freedom Of Information request from the DVSA.
A ghost MOT is a certificate issued for a vehicle that has never actually presented for a test. Many drivers will look to get their car an MOT certificate without presenting, as a way of ensuring they do not need to make major repairs, or replace any modified parts.
Additionally, research conducted by Auto Repair Focus shows there are several groups on Facebook that offer the service, with one having around 2,100 users. In addition, several websites have been set up, allowing drivers to buy their ghost MOT directly, with one offering a class 4 ‘test’ for £200.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Head of road policy at the AA Jack Cousens said: “People are paying more for these to avoid the more expensive costs of repairs. In eight out of 10 cases, people do not even get their car seen by a garage.
“There are an increasing number of adverts for these tests online and on social media.
You are invited into a private chat on Telegram or WhatsApp, asked for the particulars of your car, then pay the money, and usually a legal certificate will be sent over via email.
“This is clearly incredibly dangerous. Vehicles need to undergo their annual MOT test to ensure we have got the safest vehicles on our roads. This is putting other people at risk of danger.”
Photo trial to tackle ghost MOT
Earlier this year, the DVSA trialled a new system, asking some garages to photograph a vehicle when in the MOT bay, before allowing a certificate to be issued.
The idea of the trial was to prove that a vehicle is present for its MOT. Since the initial trial concluded, the government body confirmed it would expand the concept to see how it works on a larger scale. However, the photo scheme has not yet been introduced, as some news outlets have reported.
“Alongside investigation of potential instances of MOT fraud our recent Photos of Vehicles at MOT trial has shown real promise so far and we’re excited to roll it out further,” a DVSA Spokesperson told Greatest Hits Radio.
The DVSA is also using AI to flag signs of fraud at testing sites and where a ghost MOT is suspected, using ANPR to check if a vehicle was in the area of the garage when the test was conducted.
Social media ghost MOT must be removed
Cousens stated what the DVSA is doing is “good” and “must be continued” but adds more must be done to stop fraudsters from advertising their services online.
“We need DVSA to keep putting pressure on those social media sites,” he told the station. “We also need the social media sites themselves to realise that this is an illegal practice and uphold their own guidelines in saying that if we see these accounts crop up, we will remove them immediately.
“Far too many accounts seem to be able to continue advertising their ghost MOTs, that an MOT can be done without seeing your car. They are very clear and obvious to find, and we need the social media companies to step up,” he concluded.
