How to Avoid MOT Scams in the UK

Do you know how to avoid MOT scams?

Many UK drivers don’t consider common MOT scams when booking their car for the annual test. However, knowing the signs is critical for saving time and money.

In this blog, we’re gathered the top seven MOT scams and strategies to avoid them to ensure your next test goes without a hitch. Let’s get into it.

7 Common MOT Scams UK Drivers Should Know

While most garages offerreputable services, a few bad actors use common MOT scams to take advantage of unsuspecting drivers.

The best way to avoid MOT scams is to know the signs of deception. Here are seven tricks you should be aware of.

1. Not Performing the Test Well (Or At All)

First, we’ll start with an outright criminal scam — not performing the test correctly or at all.

Some garages charge ‘bargain’ MOT prices much lower than the standard cost. This might seem great initially, but low costs mean the mechanics will either rush the test, miss out on checks, or, in some cases, not perform the MOT.

Remember, MOTs are there to ensure your car's safety—not just for a certificate. Plus, if the garage is caught, your MOT will be considered void, and you might face a fine or points on your licence.

So, if the fee looks too good to be true, it might be a sign to stay away!

2. Unfair Failure

Next is unfair failure, one of the most common MOT scams. This happens when the garage fails you for things that are working well.

For example, an untrustworthy garage might replace your bulbs with broken ones or damage your wipers. Experienced mechanics know how to do this quickly and subtly.

They’ll then charge you for these repairs, even if you know they weren’t broken before arriving at the garage.

3. Fake MOT Certificates

Fake MOT certificates are one of the worst frauds on the list, as these are easy to fake and can land you in trouble if you don't realise the garage has handed you an unofficial document.

Since 2011, MOT certificates are no longer official documents but simple papers (VT20/VT30) that are easy to fake. The real MOT record is stored online on a government database.

When buying a used car or getting a test, never rely on a paper 'certificate' provided by the seller.

Instead, get the vehicle identification number (VIN) and test number from the VT20/VT30 document, and then use the official MOT checker to verify it. This ensures the MOT is genuine and avoids potential fraud.

4. Overcharging For Parts & Labour

While there are legitimate costs for parts and labour, some garages exploit this by inflating prices or exaggerating the time needed for repairs.

Always ask for a detailed breakdown of costs, compare quotes from multiple garages, and consider getting a second opinion if a price seems unusually high.

5. Emission Failures

Emissions testsare a crucial part of your MOT.

However, some garages manipulateemissionstest meters to show falsely high pollution levels, pressuring you into paying for unnecessary repairs. This scam often targets drivers who may not be familiar with vehicle emissions standards.

To avoid this, maintain your car, especially the exhaust and engine. Use a trusted garage with good reviews, and if you suspect bad behaviour, get a second opinion or retest elsewhere.

6. Fake Critical Faults

Poor garages may also exaggerate small issues as serious faults, leading to you paying more for repairs you don’t need. A key example of this is minor rust being called severe corrosion.

To confirm accuracy, check your advisory notes carefully and compare them with MOT test standards. It’s also helpful to know whether your car has any minor faults before arriving at the garage, this way, you have a better understanding of any minor issues.

7. No Retest Information

If you leave the vehicle at a test centre for repairs and it’s retested within ten working days, you don’t have to pay a fee.

Some garages do not tell you about the free retest option, which can lead to paying unnecessarily for another full MOT test.

To avoid this, know your rights—drivers are entitled to a free partial retest at the same garage for most failed items. Always ask for this retest if your car fails, and ensure repairs are completed promptly to meet the 10-day window.

How to Avoid MOT Scams - Quick Tips

Alongside knowing the common MOT scams, there are a few tips and tricks you can use to ensure high-quality service. These include:

• Check garage reviews before you book. Look for positive feedback on Trustpilot and Google for indicators of good quality.

• Use an approved MOT test station. The government offers a list of approved testing stations in England, Scotland, and Wales.

• If you receive unfair faults, request photo or video evidence. You can use this to report the garage.

• Familiarise yourself with the MOT standards. Knowing the testing criteria will help you catch any scams.

If you suspect fraud, contact the UK government and report an MOT testeras soon as possible. This will save other drivers from falling for scams.

Final Thoughts

Avoiding MOT scams comes down to staying informed and vigilant. Hopefully, this blog has given you a helpful starting point to protect yourself and your vehicle when your next test rolls around.

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You can split the cost of MOTs and service plans into manageable, interest-free monthly payments with Bumper.

Find out more about our MOT service plans here