Data shows sharp rise in MoT tester disqualifications

Almost 700 MoT testers have been disqualified in the last two years (2020/21 and 2021/22), a rise of 49% compared to the previous two years.

Data obtained from the DVSA by BookMyGarage has shopwn there were 687 disqualifications in the past two financial years, with more than 1,000 warnings issued to MoT testers during the same timeframe.

Tester disqualifications have risen steadily in recent years, with the DVSA banning nearly 3.5 times the number of testers in 2020/21 compared to 2015/16.

Karen Roberg, co-founder of BookMyGarage, said: “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.”

An MoT tester who issued 31 MOT certificates without testing the cars while working at Halfords Autocentre has recently received a suspended jail sentence.

The disqualification of MoT testers usually occurs following improper or careless practices during the test procedure, or for issuing fraudulent certificates.

Sector experts and automotive managers discussed the crucial success factors in customer retention and shared practical advice to help audience members to run their dealership more effectively in the latest of a series of 'General Manager Guide to...' webinars, that took place yesterday (September 27, 2022).

You can rewatch the webinar here.