According to data obtained from the DVSA by BookMyGarage.com, almost 700 MOT testers have been disqualified in the last two years (2020/21 and 2021/22).
This represents a rise of 49% compared to the previous two years, with the disqualification of MOT testers usually occurring following improper or careless practices during the test procedure, or for issuing fraudulent certificates. Tester disqualifications have risen steadily in recent years, with the DVSA reportedly banning nearly 3.5 times the number of testers in 2020/21 compared to 2015/16.
From both a safety and legality perspective, it is important for motorists to ensure their MOT tests are conducted by fully compliant testers. The increase in disqualifications highlights the need for drivers to be vigilant when booking an MOT, and only use trusted, highly regarded garages to carry out the test.
Karen Rotberg, Co-founder of BookMyGarage.com, explained: “We welcome the disqualification of rogue MOT testers, as it grants peace of mind that vehicles on the road are being inspected properly. This ultimately improves safety for all road users.
“The rise in disqualification numbers from the DVSA shows the importance of doing your research when booking an MOT and finding a trustworthy garage.”
While there were 687 disqualifications in the past two financial years, there was said to be over a thousand warnings issued to MOT testers in the same time span. This further highlights the scale of the issue and reinforces the need for motorists to properly research the MOT test centre that they are making their yearly MOT booking with.
Karen added: “BookMyGarage.com has built a reputation as a trusted hub for MOT and service bookings, working with only the highest rated garages. The verified customer reviews and transparent pricing allows motorists to confidently book their MOT without fear of ending up with a fraudulent or improper test certificate.”
