Ghost MOTs: The Dangerous Trend Every Driver Should Know About

At Blackcircles.com, we’re committed to road safety and keeping UK drivers informed. A worrying new trend has emerged in recent years the rise of “Ghost MOTs.” But what exactly are they, and why should you be concerned?
 

What is a Ghost MOT?

A Ghost MOT refers to a fraudulent MOT certificate issued without the vehicle ever being inspected or tested. In essence, it’s a fake MOT — a piece of paper (or digital record) that claims your car is roadworthy when, in reality, it may be far from safe.

These certificates are typically created by dishonest MOT testers who, for a fee, record a pass in the system without the vehicle ever visiting the test centre.
 

Why Ghost MOTs Are a Serious Threat

A valid MOT is a legal requirement for most vehicles on UK roads. But more than that, it’s a crucial checkpoint for road safety, covering:

• Brakes
• Tyres
• Suspension
• Lights
• Exhaust emissions

When a Ghost MOT is issued, none of these components are checked. This means potentially dangerous vehicles could be operating on public roads putting drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk.

The Risks Include:

• Increased likelihood of accidents due to faulty brakes, tyres, or lights
• Fines and penalty points if the vehicle is found to be unroadworthy
• Insurance becoming invalid in the event of a crash involving a non-compliant vehicle

Ghost MOTs Offered via Social Media

Ghost MOT offers are increasingly being advertised directly to drivers through social media channels. Unscrupulous sellers are using platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Telegram to market fully fake MOT certificates often without ever seeing the vehicle.

• Ads sometimes promise a guaranteed pass in exchange for just the registration number, VIN, and mileage, with certificates delivered within days.
• Providers may boast that they can circumvent DVSA protections (such as mandatory photo uploads) using AI-assisted tools.
• A legitimate MOT costs around £45, yet Ghost MOT sellers often charge £80–£100. While that might seem like a small price for a guaranteed pass, the true cost is hidden: you're risking fines, invalid insurance, and your safety by skipping a vital roadworthiness check.

Why would someone get a Ghost MOT?

Some vehicle owners turn to Ghost MOTs to:

• Avoid expensive repairs
• Keep an unroadworthy vehicle on the road
• Save time or effort

But this shortcut is not only illegal, it’s also dangerous and can lead to serious legal, financial, and safety consequences.
 

Is it illegal to buy a Ghost MOT even if I don’t use it?

Yes. Even attempting to obtain or possessing a fraudulent MOT certificate can be treated as intent to commit fraud, which is a criminal offence.
 

What Are the Consequences of Ghost MOTs?

The UK government and the DVSA treat Ghost MOTs as a criminal offence, and the consequences can be severe for both the issuer and the user of these fraudulent certificates.
 

Will my insurance pay out if I have a Ghost MOT?

Probably not. Most insurers require a valid MOT for your policy to be valid. If your MOT is found to be fake or improperly issued, your claim could be denied, leaving you liable for all costs even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
 

Can a fake MOT be removed from the system?

If an MOT is found to be fraudulent, the DVSA can:

• Revoke the certificate
• Delete it from the official MOT database
• Take enforcement action against the tester or garage responsible

You may then be required to get a proper MOT immediately or risk driving illegally.
 

For MOT Testers and Garages:

If caught issuing Ghost MOTs, a tester or garage could face:

• Permanent revocation of MOT testing licence
• Fines or criminal charges for fraud
• Prosecution under the Fraud Act 2006, potentially leading to imprisonment
• Civil liability if a vehicle they “passed” causes an accident

Some cases have resulted in testers being jailed for multiple years, particularly where there is evidence of repeated offences or endangerment to the public.
 

For Vehicle Owners Using a Ghost MOT:

If you knowingly accept or request a Ghost MOT, you may face:

• Up to £2,500 in fines
• Penalty points on your licence (or even disqualification)
• Invalidated insurance — meaning you won’t be covered in the event of a crash
• Prosecution if the vehicle is involved in a serious accident

Even if you weren’t aware the MOT was fake, you could still be held liable if you failed to carry out basic checks or used an unauthorised provider.

How to Spot and Avoid a Ghost MOT

What the DVSA is Doing

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has been actively cracking down on Ghost MOTs. In recent years, several rogue testers have had their licences revoked and even faced criminal charges.

The DVSA uses data analytics to flag unusual patterns such as testers issuing too many passes in a day or passing cars with obvious defects.

Ghost MOTs are more than just a case of cutting corners they are a serious safety issue with real legal consequences. Whether you're a driver or a garage, engaging in this practice can have devastating effects — both on the road and in court.

DVSA MOT Changes February 2025:

1. New Photo Capture Requirement During MOTs

• What’s changing: MOT testers will be required to take a live photo of the vehicle in the testing bay during the test.
• Why: To prevent Ghost MOTs (fraudulent certificates issued without testing the vehicle), which make up nearly 80% of all MOT fraud.
• How it works:
  • Testers enter the registration or VIN.
  • The system prompts them to take a real-time photo using a phone or tablet (webcams or stored images not allowed).
  • The photo is securely stored with the MOT record in the MTS (MOT Testing Service).

2. Technology Trials Underway

• DVSA is inviting garages to trial the new photo capture feature.
• The aim is to collect feedback and refine the process before a full rollout.
• Garages are being selected based on different sizes and setups to ensure wide applicability.

3. Improved Fraud Detection Tools

Future use of image analysis may help automatically verify:

• Vehicle location
• Number plate
• Vehicle type

4. Enhanced MTS Account Security

DVSA is also stepping up efforts to prevent unauthorised access to MOT Testing Service accounts:

• Use strong, unique passwords (not shared with other accounts like email).
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) using tools like Google Authenticator.
• Avoid phishing emails — be cautious with suspicious messages.
• Always log out of shared computers and lock devices when not in use.

5. Fairness and Quality Focus

These changes aim to:

• Create a level playing field across all MOT centres.
• Support honest testers and target those engaging in fraudulent or substandard testing.
• Reduce administrative errors, such as MOTs being logged against the wrong vehicle.

Can a garage be shut down for issuing Ghost MOTs?

Yes. If a garage is found issuing fraudulent MOTs:

• Its licence can be revoked
• It may be named publicly by the DVSA
• Owners and staff may be prosecuted or fined
• The business reputation is often permanently damaged

How to Report MOT Fraud

If you suspect that someone is involved in issuing Ghost MOTs or committing any form of MOT fraud, it’s important to report it. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) takes these cases seriously to help protect road users and uphold testing standards.

You can report MOT fraud in the following ways:

• Phone: Call the DVSA fraud hotline at 0800 0304 103
• Email: Send details to inquiries@dvsa.gov.uk
• Online: Submit a report securely at gov.uk/guidance/report-an-mot-tester

Whether you’ve seen suspicious activity or know someone offering Ghost MOTs, your report can make a real difference in helping the DVSA take action.
 

Need an MOT You Can Trust?

Book with confidence at Blackcircles.com. Our partner garages are fully licensed, DVSA-approved, and committed to honest, thorough vehicle testing. Because safety is never optional.