An Uber driver has had his MOT certificate rejected by the platform after minor staple damage was spotted in the top-left corner of the document — despite all key details being fully visible and verifiable online.
The document, issued by the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), clearly shows the vehicle’s registration, VIN, mileage, test result and expiry date. However, Uber’s automated document check flagged it as “too damaged” and refused to accept it, instructing the driver to obtain a new copy.
The driver told DM News the small tear — caused by a staple — did not obscure any critical information. The certificate’s authenticity could also be confirmed instantly via the official GOV.UK MOT history checker, which Uber already uses to verify vehicle records.
This incident serves as a warning to all Uber and private hire drivers: make sure your physical documents are in perfect condition before uploading. Even minor creases, rips, or staple holes could result in your MOT, insurance, or licensing paperwork being rejected — potentially delaying your ability to work and keeping your vehicle off the road unnecessarily.
If your MOT certificate becomes damaged, you can request a free replacement or reprint from any MOT test centre that conducted the inspection, or print a copy directly from the DVSA website.
DM News Commentary
While Uber’s verification process aims to prevent fraud, drivers say the system can sometimes be too rigid — rejecting legitimate documents over cosmetic imperfections. This highlights the importance of uploading clear, undamaged scans or digital reprints wherever possible to avoid costly downtime.
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