The results of one in seven of MoT tests are wrong, Auto Express can exclusively reveal.
Figures obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) annual MoT Compliance Survey show 15 per cent of results were incorrect, with 18 per cent of those given a pass when they should have failed. A further 11 per cent received fails instead of passes.
The 2014 stats highlight the growing inaccuracy of MoT test centres across Britain. The DVSA’s error rate of 15 per cent across the 1,800 randomly selected vehicle test stations was an increase of two per cent over the previous year. In almost a third of the vehicles tested, the DVSA vehicle examiner found faults the test centre had missed or ignored.
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The defects weren’t just flat tyres or faulty headlamps, as 13 per cent of the vehicles tested should have been banned from the road. This negligence by test stations forced the DVSA to issue disciplinary action in more than 15 per cent of cases.
A spokesman for the agency said: “The DVSA continues to take the quality of MoT testing seriously. Garages who fail to meet the required standards risk having their licence to carry out MoT testing withdrawn.”
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If you think your car may have been tested incorrectly, you can use this form to make a complaint.
Warning about plan for first MoT after four years
Hundreds of thousands of defective cars would be on British roads if plans to extend the MoT for new cars from three to four years are brought in.
Auto Express analysis of Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) MoT testing data found an average of nine per cent of all new vehicles fail their first MoT after three years.
Using our calculations, of the 2.4 million new cars registered in 2014, an estimated 222,879 will fail their first MoT in 2017.
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Under the Government proposals, these unroadworthy vehicles – which could have illegal tyres, damaged lights or faulty brakes – would be on the road until 2018.
The number of potentially unsafe cars on the roads will grow over the next few years, too, as the UK continues to register record numbers of new cars each month.
The DVSA’s own data reveals nearly 12 per cent of four-year-old cars already fail the MoT – which is currently their second test. Under the new scheme, this test would become a vehicle’s first MoT, and failure rates would likely rocket.
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A DVSA report admitted: “Vehicle age was an important, if not the most important, variable tested. In general, the older the vehicle, the more likely a negative test result.”
The MoT new car extension consultation plans were announced by Chancellor George Osborne in July’s Budget in a move to save motorists “billions” through test fees. But the cost-cutting move has already been criticised by industry bodies due to the concerns about defective vehicles being on the road and the threat it poses to the UK’s vehicle and road safety record.
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Bridgestone managing director Robin Shaw is one of those calling for a Government rethink. He said: “Our roads would be more dangerous than ever if the changes are made. The Government claims motorists will save money as modern cars don’t need their vehicles tested as often.
“The worry is that within the 12-month extension, motorists will be driving around with defects that are more costly to repair, and significantly more dangerous as a result.” The four-year rule is already in place in Northern Ireland. There’s no set date for it to be rolled out across the rest of the UK, but it’s unlikely to be in place before 2016.
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A Department for Transport spokesman confirmed: “The Government will explore the options for requiring motorists with new cars to undergo the first MoT after four years rather than three as part of the forthcoming Motoring Services Strategy.”
Now read our guide to saving money on car servicing, repairs and MoTs.