14/01/2005

DVTA issues mock vehicle test certificates warning

The Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) has warned customers to be on the lookout for invalid vehicle test certificates which might easily be confused with MOTs.

The certificates are being issued by a private individual and are headed ‘Vehicle Obligatory Safety Test’, or ‘VOST’.

They include a disc similar in format to those issued for an MOT. The VOST certificates would appear to have been modelled on the layout of MOT certificates issued in GB by private garages, under the authority of the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), and are similar in appearance.

Stanley Duncan, Chief Executive of DVTA, said: “We want to make customers aware that these are not valid vehicle test certificates and cannot be used to satisfy vehicle testing regulations or for motor tax purposes.

“Only certificates issued by DVTA in Northern Ireland or VOSA in Great Britain are valid for these purposes.”

The Agency has advised customers who feel they have been misled in any way about vehicle testing to contact the Trading Standards Service on 028 9025 3900 or report this to the police.

Customers can also get information on legitimate MOT certificates by contacting the DVTA customer helpline on 0845 601 4094.

(MB/SP)

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