11:33 am, August 13, 2026
MOT testers will now be required to photograph cars as part of efforts to crack down on fraudulent activity.
Around 2,500 garages have gained access to the ‘Photos at Test’ feature since August 3, with further phases planned as the DVSA expands the rollout.
The system allows testers to use a smartphone, tablet or other compatible mobile device to take a photograph of the vehicle and upload it directly to the MOT testing service.
The DVSA says the additional evidence will help demonstrate that a vehicle was physically present at a garage when its MOT was carried out, and crack down on so-called ‘ghost MOTs’.
It says the feature is intended to deter fraudulent MOT activity and stop so-called ‘ghost MoTs’ – where certificates being issued when no vehicle is present and support vehicle identity checks
The DVSA also says it could improve confidence in MOT testing and contribute to road safety.
Testers do not need to download a separate app to use the system.
They can either register the vehicle, take the photograph and complete the test using a mobile device, or begin the test on a desktop computer before scanning a QR code with a mobile device to take and upload the photograph.
Images are uploaded directly to the MOT testing service and are not stored in the device’s camera roll or photo gallery.
The national rollout follows two trials involving 311 garages, with the DVSA saying feedback from testers was ‘overwhelmingly positive’.
Many testers reported that the system was straightforward to use and had little or no impact on overall testing times.
Head of MOTs at the DVSA, Grant Thunder, said: ‘Photos at Test will help prevent fraud, provide reassurance to motorists, and protect the reputations of hard working and honest MOT testers across the country.
‘This change adds to the range of intelligence and evidence-gathering processes used by DVSA to tackle MoT fraud, and will help us to take action against anyone who attempts to undermine the integrity of the MoT or compromise road safety.’