The MOT scheme relies on the integrity and professionalism of thousands of MOT Testers and Authorised Examiners across Great Britain. The overwhelming majority take that responsibility seriously and work hard to maintain the standards expected by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Unfortunately, deliberate malpractice does occur. Fraudulent MOT certificates, tests that have not been carried out correctly and deliberate breaches of MOT requirements can undermine road safety and damage the reputation of the many professional MOT Testers and Test Stations operating correctly.
At Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy, we work with MOT Testers, Authorised Examiners and Test Stations across the UK to improve compliance, raise standards and support the integrity of the MOT scheme.
We also believe there is an important distinction between suspected MOT fraud or deliberate misconduct, disagreeing with an MOT test result, and simply being unhappy with the service you have received.
If you’re considering whether to report an MOT tester or Test Station to DVSA, understanding that distinction is an important place to start.
A Complaint Doesn’t Automatically Mean an MOT Tester Has Done Something Wrong
Receiving a complaint does not automatically mean that an MOT Tester or Test Station has done anything wrong.
MOT Testers are required to assess the vehicle presented to them against the MOT inspection standards in force at the time of the test. A customer may disagree with the result, be unhappy that their vehicle has failed, or question why a defect has been recorded, but disagreement alone does not mean the test was carried out incorrectly.
Equally, poor customer service and suspected MOT malpractice are not the same thing. A dispute over communication, pricing or the way a customer feels they have been treated may need resolving, but it does not necessarily indicate a breach of MOT testing requirements.
This is why it’s important to understand what has actually happened before deciding whether to report an MOT tester or Test Station to DVSA.
Broadly, concerns tend to fall into three different categories: a disputed MOT result, a customer-service complaint, or suspected deliberate malpractice. Each requires a different approach.
Is It an MOT Appeal, a Customer Complaint or Suspected Malpractice?
1. You Disagree With the MOT Test Result
If you believe an MOT pass or fail result is incorrect, there is a formal process for challenging the result. This is different from reporting an MOT Tester for suspected misconduct.
DVSA can investigate disputes about MOT test results, but there are specific procedures and time limits that apply. If you intend to appeal, you should follow the official DVSA process before having relevant defects repaired, as making changes to the vehicle may affect the appeal.
2. You’re Unhappy With the Service You Received
Not every complaint about an MOT Test Station is an MOT compliance matter.
Concerns about customer service, communication, pricing or the general experience you received should normally be raised with the business in the first instance. Poor service does not, by itself, mean that an MOT Tester has breached DVSA requirements.
3. You Suspect Deliberate MOT Malpractice or Fraud
This is different.
If you have genuine reason to believe that an MOT Tester or Test Station is deliberately abusing the MOT scheme, the matter may be appropriate to report to DVSA.
This could include concerns that MOT certificates are being issued without the required test taking place, test results are being deliberately falsified, or other serious and intentional breaches of MOT testing requirements are occurring.
Deliberate malpractice should not be confused with a genuine mistake or a difference of opinion. Where fraud or intentional abuse does occur, however, it damages confidence in the MOT scheme and the reputation of the professional MOT Testers and Test Stations who operate correctly every day.
When Should You Report an MOT Tester to DVSA?
DVSA provides a specific route to report an MOT tester or MOT Test Station if you believe they are breaking the law.
Examples given by DVSA include:
- issuing an MOT certificate for a vehicle the Tester knows should have failed;
- issuing an MOT certificate for a vehicle that has not actually been tested; or
- accepting bribes in return for MOT certificates.
These are serious allegations and are very different from disagreeing with a Tester’s judgement about an individual defect or being unhappy that a vehicle has failed its MOT.
Deliberate fraud and dishonesty have no place within the MOT scheme. They put road safety at risk and undermine the reputation of the thousands of professional MOT Testers and Test Stations who work hard to meet the required standards every day.
Supporting MOT professionals also means supporting action against those who deliberately abuse the MOT scheme. Removing genuine malpractice helps protect the integrity of MOT testing and the reputation of the industry as a whole.
Read DVSA’s official guidance on reporting an MOT tester
How Do You Report an MOT Tester or Test Station?
If you genuinely suspect an MOT Tester or Test Station of deliberate malpractice or illegal activity, you can report your concerns directly to DVSA.
DVSA asks you to provide as much information as possible about the suspected wrongdoing, including:
- the name of the MOT Tester or Test Station, if known;
- what you believe happened;
- where and when it happened; and
- the registration numbers of any vehicles involved, where available.
Reports can currently be made to DVSA by email, telephone or post, and you can choose to make a report anonymously.
Providing clear, factual information is important. A report should be based on what you know or genuinely suspect has happened rather than assumptions arising simply because you disagree with an MOT result.
Can I Report an MOT Tester to DVSA Anonymously?
Yes. You can report an MOT tester or Test Station to DVSA anonymously if you suspect illegal activity.
However, anonymity does not change the importance of providing useful, factual information. The more relevant detail DVSA receives about the alleged activity, the better placed it is to decide whether further investigation is appropriate.
What Happens After You Report an MOT Tester?
Making a report to DVSA does not mean that an MOT Tester or Test Station has automatically done something wrong.
DVSA will consider the information provided and decide whether further action is appropriate. Depending on the nature of the concerns and the evidence available, this may result in further enquiries or investigation.
It is important to distinguish between an allegation and an established breach of MOT requirements. MOT Testers and Authorised Examiners are entitled to respond to concerns raised about their conduct, and the circumstances surrounding an individual test or incident need to be properly considered.
Where evidence does identify genuine malpractice, DVSA has disciplinary procedures available and serious cases can result in the loss of authority to conduct MOT testing. Deliberate fraud may also have consequences beyond the MOT disciplinary process.
Equally, where a Tester or Test Station has acted correctly, a complaint or report should not in itself be treated as evidence of wrongdoing.
What If a Complaint Has Been Made About Your MOT Test Station?
If a customer complaint results in contact from DVSA, it is important to take the matter seriously, but receiving a complaint or being contacted by DVSA does not automatically mean that you have done anything wrong.
MOT Testers, Authorised Examiners and AEDMs should make sure that any relevant records are retained and take the time to understand exactly what DVSA is asking before responding.
Avoid making assumptions about the outcome or providing a rushed response simply because you feel under pressure. The circumstances of the test, the evidence available and the requirements that applied at the time all need to be considered properly.
Where a genuine mistake or compliance weakness is identified, the priority should be to understand what happened, address the underlying issue and put appropriate measures in place to prevent it happening again.
Where the Tester or Test Station has acted correctly, it is equally important that this can be demonstrated clearly and professionally.
Getting Support With a DVSA Complaint or Investigation
Pro-Tech supports MOT Testers, Authorised Examiners and Test Stations through DVSA investigations, interviews, disciplinary matters and wider MOT compliance concerns.
Our role is not to excuse deliberate malpractice. It is to ensure that professional MOT businesses understand their responsibilities, receive fair and knowledgeable support and are able to respond appropriately when concerns are raised.
If you are already dealing with a DVSA investigation or disciplinary matter, our MOT Disciplinary Support service provides specialist assistance throughout the process. For ongoing access to expert MOT guidance before an issue arises, MOT Assist provides annual support for MOT professionals and Test Stations.
Protecting the Integrity of the MOT Scheme
The MOT scheme depends on professional Testers and Test Stations applying the required standards consistently and honestly.
The overwhelming majority of MOT professionals take that responsibility seriously. Genuine mistakes can happen, customer disputes will arise and there will inevitably be occasions when a Tester and vehicle presenter disagree. None of those things automatically amount to misconduct.
Deliberate fraud is different. Those who knowingly abuse the MOT scheme undermine road safety, public confidence and the reputation of the thousands of MOT professionals who do the job properly every day.
At Pro-Tech, we believe that raising standards means supporting professional MOT Testers and Test Stations, helping businesses improve where genuine weaknesses are identified, and supporting DVSA’s work to protect the integrity of the MOT scheme.
Good MOT compliance protects everyone – motorists, businesses and the reputation of the MOT industry itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About MOT Complaints & DVSA
1. Can I report an MOT Tester anonymously?
Yes. DVSA allows you to report suspected illegal activity involving an MOT Tester or Test Station anonymously. You should provide as much factual information as possible so DVSA can assess the concerns raised.
2. How do I complain about an MOT Test Station?
It depends on the nature of your complaint. If you disagree with an MOT test result, you should use the formal DVSA appeal process. Customer-service issues should normally be raised with the business directly. If you genuinely suspect deliberate MOT fraud or illegal activity, this can be reported to DVSA.
3. What happens if an MOT Tester is reported to DVSA?
A report does not automatically mean that the MOT Tester has done anything wrong. DVSA will consider the information provided and decide whether further enquiries or investigation are appropriate. Where concerns are investigated, the Tester or Test Station will have an opportunity to respond as part of the relevant process.
4. Can I appeal an MOT failure?
Yes. If you believe an MOT test result is incorrect, DVSA has a formal appeal process. There are time limits and specific requirements to follow, so you should check the current GOV.UK guidance before having relevant defects repaired or making changes to the vehicle.
5. Can DVSA stop an MOT Tester from carrying out MOT tests?
Yes. DVSA operates a disciplinary process for MOT Testers and Authorised Examiners where MOT requirements have been breached. Depending on the nature and seriousness of the case, disciplinary action can ultimately result in the loss of authority to conduct MOT tests.
6. Is VOSA still responsible for MOT complaints?
No. VOSA was replaced by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in 2014. If you’re searching for information about VOSA MOT complaints, reporting an MOT Tester or appealing an MOT result, DVSA is now the government agency responsible for these matters.
