DVSA to use photographs to stamp out fraudulent MOT testing

MOT Testing is regulated by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). The Agency regulates the MOT Testing regime, allowing Authorised Examiners to run MOT Stations and Testers to carry out vehicle examinations.

A significant problem for DVSA is fraudulent testing. This generally refers to test certificates being issued without the vehicle having been on site, which is difficult to detect without an examiner’s investigation, checking vehicle records, and cross-checking ANPR evidence to identify any anomalies in the testing regime.

A recent 6-week trial by DVSA saw 62 garages participate in a new initiative that required testers to take a photograph of the vehicle being tested to verify its presence in the test bay.

The proposal from DVSA is for a second trial to be conducted before it is rolled out for all testers across the UK.

This follows the recent requirement that all new garages requesting authority must have connected equipment for roller brake and emissions testing, as another layer of security against fraudulent testing.

If DVSA suspects MOT fraud, the tester and Authorised Examiner will be invited for an interview under caution. It is open to DVSA to prosecute offences in the criminal courts and also to take regulatory action. MOT fraud can attract a lengthy prison sentence.

Under the  MOT Guide, the suggested starting point for fraudulent tests is 500 points and a 5-year cessation from testing. Even where a tester undertakes the fraud without the knowledge of an Authorised Examiner, the MOT Guide suggests that the Authorised Examiner will be given the same outcome as the Tester, which could lead to a complete loss of livelihood.

In light of this, it is very important for the Authorised Examiner to have robust practices in place. This includes cross-checking test logs with MOT paper records, verifying test times, IP addresses, and conducting ad hoc surveillance on-site. All of these measures will help protect the authority, prevent fraud, and demonstrate effective quality control.

At Smith Bowyer Clarke, we have successfully represented many Authorised and Examiners accused of fraud. For more information, call our team today.