A Guide on Reporting an MOT Tester for Fraud

February 16, 2024March 29, 2024 @CarExamer

This article serves as a guide on how to report an MOT tester for fraud to maintain the integrity of the MOT testing process. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is a critical element in ensuring the safety and roadworthiness of vehicles on the roads. MOT testers play a pivotal role in conducting these tests, and their adherence to ethical and professional standards is crucial. If you encounter a situation where you believe an MOT tester has breached regulations or engaged in misconduct, it is essential to know the proper channels for reporting.

Book Inspection

Understanding MOT Tester Responsibilities:

MOT testers are responsible for conducting thorough examinations of vehicles to assess their safety, emissions, and overall roadworthiness. Their role is vital in upholding safety standards and ensuring that vehicles meet the necessary criteria to be legally driven on public roads. Any deviation from the prescribed procedures or unethical behaviour can compromise the reliability of MOT tests.

Reasons for Reporting an MOT Tester:

Reporting an MOT tester may be warranted under various circumstances, including but not limited to:

Misconduct: Instances of unethical conduct, bribery, or any behavior that compromises the integrity of the MOT testing process.
Failure to Follow Procedures: If the MOT tester consistently fails to adhere to the prescribed testing procedures, leading to inaccurate assessments of vehicle safety.
Incompetence: Cases where an MOT tester demonstrates a lack of competence or knowledge in performing accurate and reliable tests.
Conflict of Interest: Situations where an MOT tester has a conflict of interest, such as a personal relationship with the vehicle owner that may compromise impartial judgment.
giving an MOT certificate to a vehicle that should have failed
giving an MOT certificate to a vehicle they have not tested
taking bribes for MOT certificates. Example what happens when you brake the law

Steps to Report an MOT Tester:

Gather Information: Before making a report, gather detailed information about the incident, including the MOT tester’s name, the testing center’s details, and a clear description of the alleged misconduct or violation.
Contact the DVSA: The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) oversees the MOT testing scheme in the UK. To report an MOT tester, contact the DVSA via their official channels. This can often be done through their website or by phone.
Provide a Statement: When reporting, be prepared to provide a comprehensive statement outlining the details of the incident. Include any supporting evidence or documentation, if available.
Maintain Anonymity if Necessary: If you wish to remain anonymous during the reporting process, communicate this to the DVSA. However, providing contact information can be valuable for follow-up inquiries.
Follow Up: After making a report, it’s advisable to follow up with the DVSA if necessary. They may need additional information or clarification to proceed with the investigation.

You can report an MOT tester or centre to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) if you think they’re breaking the law. This includes if they are:

giving an MOT certificate to a vehicle they know should have failed
giving an MOT certificate to a vehicle they have not tested
taking bribes for MOT certificates

DVSA statutory powers are contained within:

Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984
Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000
Fraud Act 2006

We investigate reports to make sure MOT testers and operators meet the rules set out in:

Road Traffic Act 1988

There is a different process to appeal an MOT result if you think the tester got it wrong.

Report the MOT tester

Contact DVSA to report the MOT tester or centre. You can do this anonymously (not giving your name) or give your details.

You need to give as much information as possible about:

who’s involved
what the MOT tester or centre has been doing
where it happened
when it happened
the vehicles involved, including the registration numbers (number plates) if you know them

DVSA Intelligence Unit
enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0800 030 4103
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 6pm
Find out about call charges

DVSA Intelligence Unit
The Ellipse
Padley Road
SA1 8AN

Reporting something anonymously

If you call or write anonymously:

you’ll never be asked for your name or to provide contact details
your call will not be traced
you will not have to make a statement or be called as a witness
you will not have to appear in court

Depending on what you’re reporting, it might be possible for the MOT tester or centre to work out that you reported it – even if you report it anonymously.

If you do give your contact details

You can ask to remain anonymous. However, if you give DVSA your contact details you might:

be contacted for more information
be asked to provide a statement
have to act as a witness and appear in court

Read the privacy notice for reporting an MOT tester to find out more about how your details are stored and used.

What happens next

DVSA will review the information and decide what to do next.

This could include:

investigating the report further
asking you for more information if you did not make the report anonymously
working with other government departments and agencies or the police

Depending on how serious the offence is the tester or centre could be:

banned from carrying out MOTs
fined
given a prison sentence

Getting feedback on what happened

If you ask DVSA to give you feedback on what happened with a criminal prosecution, you’ll get it when:

any investigation and criminal or other official proceedings have ended
a decision has been made if the person appeals against their verdict

DVSA cannot give feedback on an ongoing case. Criminal investigations can take time.

Reporting an MOT tester is a responsible and essential step in upholding the standards of the MOT testing process. By taking action against misconduct or violations, individuals contribute to maintaining road safety and ensuring the public’s confidence in the MOT testing system. The DVSA plays a key role in investigating such reports, and cooperation with their procedures is crucial for a thorough and effective resolution.

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