The DVSA has stepped up its fight against MOT fraud, with prosecutions for serious malpractice reaching record levels.
In 2024–25, 32 successful prosecutions were recorded, up from 29 the previous year, highlighting the growing effort to protect Britain’s roads from unsafe vehicles.
The DVSA warns that fraudulent activity by a small minority of testers threatens public safety and undermines confidence in the system.
One of the most serious offences is the “ghost” MOT, where a tester issues a pass certificate without inspecting the vehicle.
The DVSA has recently used new technology, including AI and ANPR cameras, to detect anomalies in test records and verify whether vehicles were present at garages when certificates were issued.
The case of Neil Gabbott at Swansey MOT Centre in Chorley demonstrates the consequences for offenders. Gabbott issued ten fraudulent MOT certificates across the UK.
His station was shut down within 24 hours, he was suspended from testing duties, and he received a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work, as well as fines and costs.
DVSA officials emphasise that the vast majority of the UK’s 67,000 MOT testers operate honestly. But they warn that even a few rogue operators can put lives at risk. By combining advanced detection technology with site inspections, the agency aims to protect compliant testers, maintain public confidence, and ensure vehicles on the road are safe.
MOT tests are a cornerstone of road safety, carried out on more than 32 million vehicles annually. They help ensure cars meet essential roadworthiness standards, keeping mechanical faults responsible for just 2% of road incidents.
