MOT testers and garages are being urged to help drivers avoid costly mistakes, as new warnings highlight how easily motorists can fall foul of the law around MOT tests – sometimes before their car even reaches the ramp.
A report published by WalesOnline reveals that drivers could be hit with fines of up to £1,000 if they misunderstand their MOT obligations or arrive at the test centre in a non-roadworthy vehicle.
What’s the issue?
Many drivers wrongly assume that booking an MOT test gives them a free pass to drive a faulty vehicle to the garage. But if a car is unroadworthy – for example, if a tyre is bald or a number plate is obscured – they could be fined on the spot, even before the MOT test begins.
Police and DVSA enforcement officers are cracking down on unsafe or illegal vehicles being driven to MOT garages. In some cases, motorists have received stop-drive notices, meaning they can’t legally take the car away from the test centre until it’s fixed.
Easy-to-miss faults causing big problems
Common – and often overlooked – issues that could lead to fines or test failures include:
- Obscured or damaged number plates
- Non-working or faulty lights
- Bald or damaged tyres
- Cracked windscreens or faulty wipers
While these may seem like minor problems, they are roadworthiness issues, and drivers are legally required to fix them before driving their vehicle — even to an MOT appointment.
Why MOT garages and testers should care
For MOT testers, this is more than just a customer service issue – it’s a chance to:
- Protect your clients from unnecessary fines or enforcement
- Reinforce your role as a trusted source of MOT knowledge
- Prevent disputes if a customer believes their vehicle was wrongly failed or reported
By educating drivers ahead of the MOT, garages can help customers avoid fines – and improve pass rates at the same time.
What garages and suppliers can do
Here’s how garages, MOT testers, and even parts suppliers can take action:
- Offer a pre-MOT checklist – Give drivers a simple guide to help them check their car before booking or attending an MOT test.
- Check the basics at drop-off – Quick checks of plates, lights, tyres and wipers can stop a test (and customer relationship) from going south.
- Remind customers of their legal duty – A polite warning when booking an MOT that the car must be roadworthy on arrival could save them a fortune.
- Work with trusted suppliers – Ensure any replacement parts (like bulbs, tyres, wiper blades) meet DVSA standards.
Final word
This is a wake-up call for anyone in the MOT sector. As an MOT tester or garage, you may be the only line of defence between your customer and a hefty fine. A little education goes a long way — and keeps both your customers and your business safe.
Are your customers ready for their MOT test? Or are they heading for a fine before they even arrive?
Original source: WalesOnline – Drivers warned they could face hefty fines over simple MOT mistake
