For site managers and authorised examiners, the Test Log report in the MOT Testing Service is one of the most valuable tools available for ghost MOT fraud prevention. It provides a record of every MOT test entered through accounts connected to your station, and comparing that record against your station diary on a regular basis is one of the clearest ways to identify activity that shouldn’t be there. The process is straightforward. Cross-reference the tests shown on your Test Log against the appointments booked in your diary. Every test on the log should correspond to a vehicle that was physically on site, booked through your normal process, and tested by an identified member of your team. Any test that can’t be accounted for in this way should be investigated immediately, rather than being attributed to an administrative error and left unresolved. Patterns are as important as individual entries. Tests completed in an implausibly short time, certificates issued outside your normal working hours, or a volume of tests that doesn’t reflect your station’s realistic daily capacity are all indicators that something may be wrong. DVSA investigators have used exactly these patterns to identify fraud at testing stations, and site managers who […] (Read More)

Every MOT tester has a direct role to play to prevent ghost MOT fraud, and it begins with the way they manage their MOT Testing Service login. The DVSA has confirmed that external criminals have already compromised MTS accounts by obtaining tester login credentials. When that happens, fraudulent tests can be entered remotely through a genuine account, making them difficult to detect and placing the account holder at serious risk. The most important step any tester can take is to use a strong, unique password for their MTS account, and to ensure that any email account linked to their MTS profile is equally well protected. Using the same password across multiple platforms, or choosing something that’s easy to guess, significantly increases the risk of an account being accessed without authorisation. Testers should switch to an authentication app for their MTS security code if they haven’t already done so. This method generates a time-sensitive code on a personal device and doesn’t rely on email delivery, which can be intercepted if the email account is compromised. Signing out of MTS at the end of every session isn’t optional. A logged-in session left unattended, whether on a shared computer or a personal device, […] (Read More)

Ghost MOT fraud occurs when an MOT certificate is issued for a vehicle that’s never been physically present at the testing station and hasn’t undergone an actual inspection. The tester, or in the most recent cases an external criminal who’s gained access to a legitimate tester account, simply enters the vehicle details into the MOT Testing Service and issues a pass certificate without the vehicle being anywhere near the test bay. The DVSA confirms that ghost MOTs now account for approximately 80% of all fraudulent MOT certificates issued in Great Britain, and the number of reported cases has nearly doubled year on year. The consequences for the vehicles involved are serious: they may be entirely unroadworthy, with no checks carried out on brakes, tyres, lights, or emissions, yet they carry a certificate that allows them to remain on public roads. For testing stations, ghost MOT fraud prevention matters because the consequences of being connected to fraudulent activity, even without knowledge or involvement, can be severe. The DVSA can suspend testing at a station immediately, cancel all certificates linked to the fraud, and pursue criminal prosecution. Owners and managers who can demonstrate active, routine oversight of their Test Log reports and […] (Read More)

If you want to be sure that your MOT Station signage meets DVSA standards, start with a visual check of your exterior signage. Your MOT authorisation sign must be clearly visible from the road or main entrance, in good condition, and accurate in terms of the vehicle classes you are approved to test. Faded, damaged, or out-of-date signage should be replaced promptly, as it will be noted during a DVSA site visit. Inside the station, check that the customer viewing area is clearly marked, floor markings are still visible, and your notice board displays the correct, current documents. If anything on display still refers to VOSA rather than DVSA, it needs to come down. A simple walk-around of your site once a season is all it takes to stay on top of these requirements. (Read More)

Yes, providing a customer viewing area is a DVSA requirement for all authorised MOT test sites. Customers have the right to watch their vehicle being tested if they choose to, and your site must include a designated area that allows them to do so safely. This can be a clearly marked physical area separated from the working zone of the test bay, or viewing via a screen, often in the comfort of the customer lounge or reception area. Either way, the facility must be free from obstructions and genuinely accessible. Keeping this area in good order is just as important as having it in place. Workshop clutter can easily encroach on a physical viewing space over time, so it is worth checking regularly that floor markings are still visible and the area remains accessible. If you use a screen, make sure it is working correctly and positioned where customers can easily see it. A well-maintained viewing facility signals to both customers and inspectors that your station operates transparently and to the required standard. (Read More)

Your MOT station notice board must display the current VT9 and VT9A posters, both produced by the DVSA. The VT9 covers the business details and the VT9A is the fees and appeals process. Both must be the latest available versions, protected with a cover or laminate, and positioned where customers can clearly read them. It is also important to keep the board tidy and up to date. Any materials still referencing VOSA rather than DVSA must be removed, as VOSA was replaced by the DVSA back in 2014. Superseded documents, outdated notices, or anything unrelated to compliance should be cleared away so the required information is always easy to find. (Read More)

The answer to ‘Can I sign off an MOT re-test after new tyres have been fitted?’ is a definite no, regardless of how quickly the customer has returned, which tyre centre carried out the work, or how well you know the fitter, a proper re-test inspection is required every time. The vehicle must come to the bay, the re-test must be logged, and the tyres must be physically inspected before a pass result is recorded. What a tyre re-test inspection must include A glance at the tread from a distance is not sufficient. A proper tyre inspection as part of an MOT re-test must cover: Tyre size: correct for the vehicle and matching across axles Load index: meeting or exceeding the manufacturer’s requirements Speed rating: appropriate for the vehicle Tread depth: checked across the full width of the tyre Condition: including the sidewalls, not just the running surface A tyre that looks fine at a glance can still fail on load rating, speed rating, or a sidewall defect that only becomes apparent on close inspection. The fact that a reputable fitter carried out the work does not remove the tester’s responsibility to verify it independently. Find out more in the […] (Read More)

There is no fixed minimum time written into the rules to answer the question ‘How long should an MOT re-test take?’, but a properly conducted partial re-test has a required set of steps, and those steps take time. A re-test completed in under a minute is a strong signal that something has been missed. What must be included in a partial re-test Under Section B.5 of the MOT Testing Guide, when a partial re-examination is carried out the tester must work through the following: Bring the vehicle to the MOT bay Log the re-test on the MOT testing service Physically inspect all failed defects (dangerous and major) Check anything else that may have been affected by the repair Carry out a roller brake test where brakes were involved, recording the results Re-check headlamp aim where this was part of the original failure Review advisory and minor defects, marking as repaired where appropriate Log off and issue the correct paperwork Working through that list on even a straightforward re-test takes several minutes at a minimum. Where a roller brake test or headlamp aim check is involved, it takes longer still. (Read More)

  If a vehicle’s original MOT failure included any brake-related defect, a roller brake test (RBT) is required as part of the re-test then you do need a roller brake test on a retest. This applies regardless of who carried out the repair, whether you watched the work being done, or how confident you are in the result. What the MOT Guide says Section B.5 of the official MOT Testing Guide is clear: when a partial re-examination is carried out, the tester must examine all failed defects, check anything affected by the repair, and carry out another brake performance test where applicable, recording the results on the MOT testing service. There is no exception for repairs carried out on-site, repairs completed by a trusted colleague, or situations where the tester personally did the work. The requirement exists because the pass certificate you issue is an independent verification that the vehicle is safe. That independence is undermined the moment you rely on assumption rather than a documented test result. Quick summary Brake-related failure at the original test: RBT required at re-test, no exceptions Results must be recorded on the MOT testing service Applies whether the repair was done on-site or off-site […] (Read More)

The training provider must retain the employment evidence documents in line with the Awarding Organisation’s requirements. They may be requested by DVSA Vehicle Examiners at any time. (Read More)

If you need to complete an HMRC subject access request for your MOT Tester application, be aware that HMRC aims to respond within one calendar month, though it can take longer. Submit your request as early as possible to ensure you have it in time.  (Read More)

Yes, all MOT Tester candidates completing the 2026 application need to either provide a GOV.UK employment history printout or explain why they can’t and supply alternative evidence. (Read More)

When there’s a language barrier and you need to explain MOT failures, visual communication becomes your best friend if there’s a language barrier. Use your phone to take photos of the failed items and point directly at what’s wrong. Simple diagrams or even hand gestures can bridge language gaps surprisingly well. Keep your language extremely simple with short sentences and no technical terms, and repeat key points. The MOT certificate itself can be helpful as a visual aid. Consider having a colleague join the conversation if they speak the customer’s language, or use translation apps on your phone for key terms (though be aware these aren’t perfect). Write things down too, sometimes people understand written English better than spoken. If you have regular customers from specific language groups, it might be worth creating a simple visual guide showing common MOT failure points with pictures. Above all, stay patient and friendly. Communication barriers are frustrating for both sides, but showing genuine effort to help them understand builds trust and usually leads to a positive outcome. (Read More)

If you want to improve communication with colleagues in a busy MOT Testing Station, the key is making small changes that don’t eat into your time but massively improve clarity. Start with better handovers: Take 30 seconds to be specific rather than vague (say “borderline wear on the nearside front brake disc, measuring 3.2mm” rather than just “it’s a bit close”). Create a culture where asking questions is seen as professional, not weak. A quick “Can you have a look at this suspension bush? I want a second opinion” prevents mistakes and builds team confidence. Make time for quick knowledge-sharing sessions, even if it’s just chatting over a brew about an interesting case or a recent manual update. Most importantly, normalise saying “I don’t know, let me check that”.  The MOT manual is huge and constantly evolving, and nobody expects you to have it memorised. When everyone feels comfortable double-checking things, standards improve across the board. (Read More)

When you have to explain an MOT failure to a customer, start with empathy, acknowledge their surprise or frustration with something like “I understand this isn’t what you were expecting.” Show rather than tell whenever possible, walk them to the vehicle or show them a photo of the issue, using plain English instead of technical jargon. For example, instead of “excessive play in the track rod end,” say “this steering component has too much movement, which could affect how safely you can steer.” Explain the ‘why’ behind the test, reiterate that these checks exist for their safety and the safety of other road users. Most importantly, stay calm and patient. When customers understand you’re testing to a legal standard (not just being picky), and they can actually see the problem, they’re much more likely to accept the result without argument. (Read More)

If you can’t find the information about testing electric and hybrid vehicles in the MOT Manual, don’t assume it doesn’t exist. The MOT Manual focuses on inspection procedures, while the DVSA’s hybrid and electric vehicle guidance covers the safety and awareness side. It’s the perfect companion to the manuals and should be your first port of call for anything related to alternative fuel systems. (Read More)

The simple answers is No – MOT testers don’t need additional qualifications to test electric or hybrid vehicles but high-voltage systems must only be done by those with specific training. The key requirement is understanding how to identify these vehicles and follow safe working practices. The DVSA guidance explains how to recognise high-voltage components, what to avoid, and how to reduce risks in the test bay. (Read More)

You won’t find much detail about EVs or hybrids in the MOT Testing Manuals. Instead, the DVSA has a separate document called “Hybrid, Electric and Hydrogen Fuel Cell Systems: Guidance for MOT Testers.” It’s available on GOV.UK and forms part of this year’s annual training, covering safety awareness and best practice when testing alternative fuel vehicles.  This document should be your ‘go to’ for all things relating to electric or hybrid vehicles and the MOT test. (Read More)

Absolutely! The MOT industry changes faster than a DVSA update email lands in your inbox. From new vehicle tech to updated testing criteria, there’s always something to keep on top of. A trained/qualified MOT Site Manager stays ahead of those changes and helps your whole team adapt without disruption. They know how to lead, how to mentor testers, and how to spot potential issues before they become DVSA problems. It’s not just about compliance, it’s about confidence. When your MOT Site Manager is properly trained, your whole operation runs smoother, your testers feel supported, and your customers trust you more. Simply put: investing in training isn’t a cost – it’s an upgrade to your business. (Read More)

Think of a qualified MOT Site Manager as the conductor of your workshop orchestra. Without one, things can quickly slide into chaos – double-booked appointments, delayed tests, missed calibration dates, and stressed-out staff. With a qualified MOT Site Manager in place, everything runs like a well-oiled machine. Bookings are balanced, workflows make sense, testers know what’s expected, and any hiccups get sorted before they snowball. That means fewer headaches, fewer comebacks, and a smoother day for everyone, including your customers. You can spend more time doing what you do best: testing cars, fixing faults, and keeping the wheels turning (literally). (Read More)

We get asked this one a lot, especially by smaller garages. On paper, it might look like a qualified MOT Site Manager just handles admin and compliance – things you could probably juggle yourself between tests, right? In reality, a qualified Site Manager doesn’t just shuffle paperwork. They’re the glue that holds your testing station together. They make sure your records, quality checks, and calibration logs are watertight so that when the DVSA walks in (and they will), you’re not panicking! They keep your testers sharp, your equipment spot-on, and your customers happy. In short, they protect your licence, your reputation, and your sanity. So yes, technically you could manage without one, but why take the risk when the cost of getting it wrong can shut your site down? (Read More)

Definitely not. MOT re-tests are often seen as a quick box-tick, but that’s not how DVSA see it. Even if it’s something “simple” like tyres or a headlamp adjustment, you need to bring the vehicle into the MOT bay, log the MOT re-test, carry out the proper checks, and then close it down on the system. A rushed MOT re-test might save you a few minutes in the moment, but if DVSA spot it, you’ll be facing an investigation that takes hours, not seconds, and could put your testing status at risk. (Read More)

Yes, you must carry out the full MOT re-test every time. You might have watched your mate swap that exhaust or change those pads, but unless he’s also an MOT tester carrying out the MOT re-test procedure, your job isn’t done. You still need to check it all under MOT rules, that means emissions test where needed, and any other checks the defect or related repairs require. The MOT tester is responsible for the MOT re-test, not the person who turned the spanners. (Read More)

Even if you were the one who fitted the new discs, tyre, or headlamp bulb, you still need to run the mot re-test as if you didn’t. That means getting the car back into the MOT bay, logging the mot re-test, doing the Roller Brake Test, headlamp aim check if needed, and then updating the MOT log. The DVSA don’t make exceptions just because you trust your own work, they expect the mot re-test to be done properly and recorded under MOT conditions. (Read More)

Yes there is a right way to take the photo during the MOT test, and it’s pretty straightforward.  During the MOT Test, the photo should show:  The vehicle on the ramp (during the under-body inspection stage),  With the registration plate visible,  And the whole vehicle in shot if possible.  The aim is to capture a clear visual record that the MOT Test is being done properly. You don’t need fancy camera gear, just a steady hand and a clear shot. Some testers have found that positioning the camera at the front corner of the ramp gets the best angle, even in tight spaces.    (Read More)