Ghost MOTs: drivers warned over fake certificates that lead to huge repair bills

MOT tests are carried out in 23,000 accredited garages around the UK. Photograph: f8stockpix/AlamyView image in fullscreenMOT tests are carried out in 23,000 accredited garages around the UK. Photograph: f8stockpix/AlamyScam watchScamsGhost MOTs: drivers warned over fake certificates that lead to huge repair billsSecondhand car buyers urged to carefully inspect vehicles, while owners told to beware tests that are suspiciously quick Rise of the ‘ghost owner’: 18,000 UK vehicles in use without proper records Shane HickeySun 26 Apr 2026 02.00 EDTLast modified on Sun 26 Apr 2026 02.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleYou have just bought a secondhand car. It was older than you wanted, but were reassured because it had recently passed its MOT.Within a few days, you notice a problem with the steering and take it into a garage to be checked. As well as that issue, they find the tread depth of the tyres is so low it should not have passed the test.You have been the victim of a “ghost MOT”. Although you have a certificate clearly saying the vehicle was successfully checked over, no such examination ever took place.Rise of the ‘ghost owner’: 18,000 UK vehicles in use without proper recordsRead moreThe fraud happens when a garage, or a mechanic, claims to have done the inspections but has simply logged in the system that the vehicle has passed. In some instances, this can happen without the vehicle even being in the garage.View image in fullscreenThe MOT tester should have checked for wear to items such as tyres. Photograph: David Burton/AlamyThe MOT, designed to ensure minimum standards in vehicles, usually more than three years old, is a test carried out in 23,000 accredited garages around the UK that takes about 45 minutes to carry out by approved testers.Car owners can become victims of “ghost MOTs” if they buy from a dealer, or individual, who has paid a rogue mechanic to pass the car. Or you may have taken the car to a garage to be tested but the work was not done.Andy Turbefield, the head of quality at the retailer Halfords, says drivers often only realise they have been the victim of the scam when they take their car into another garage after spotting a fault.“Consumers could be blissfully unaware that the vehicle they think has an MOT actually hasn’t been anywhere near an MOT garage, or an MOT bay,” he says.Earlier this year, a mechanic and an MOT tester were given suspended sentences for issuing “ghost MOTs”.Drivers who have been defrauded with a false pass could later find that their car has worn brake pads, bald tyres or faulty lights. Fixing these problems will cost more money and risk an accident.If a car with a fake MOT is involved in an accident, the insurance company may probe the test, which could then lead to the company refusing to pay.What it looks likeA genuine MOT certificate, because it is one. The fraudster has registered the car as passed, so the records will show that it has.What to doKwikFit, the car repair chain, advises drivers to go to a garage where staff are willing to talk through the MOT process, and tell you what tests will be done. They should talk through any advisory notes, or reasons for failure in the test, and only do repairs with your approval. Use garages with trusted reputations which have positive reviews.View image in fullscreenThe average MOT test takes between 40 and 50 minutes, so a very quick turnaround time can be a warning. Photograph: David Burton/AlamyThe average MOT takes between 40 and…

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