The DVSA has provided an update on its MOT photo scheme, following feedback from two trials conducted last year.
In a post on the Matters of Testing blog, the body has confirmed that the MOT photo scheme will be rolled out nationwide later this year. The current MOT policy and Testing Guide will be updated to reflect these changes.
This move aims to prevent ‘ghost MOTs’ from taking place, by confirming that a vehicle is present and in the workshop during its annual test. This will, in turn, improve road safety while reducing levels of MOT fraud.
The DVSA highlighted that feedback from the two MOT photo trials was overwhelmingly positive. Evidence showed that, on average, there was little to no impact to testing times. In addition, over half of testers surveyed said it was easy, or very easy, to upload the image. They were also very satisfied with taking a photo of the vehicle during the test.
Rollout for the MOT photo requirement
With the data now established from the trials, the DVSA has confirmed that the MOT photo requirement will be rolled out in 2026, although no final date has been set for its implementation.
To begin with, It will not be mandatory to begin uploading photos from the start as DVSA teams are currently updating the MOT policy and MOT testing guide.
However, the government department recommends that during this period that testers begin to familiarise themselves with how to upload, before the policy and guide are updated. This will help you get used to the system before the change is made mandatory.
The MOT photo requirement, also known as ‘photo at test’, has sparked interest from drivers across the UK. There have been many positive comments following the trials, but also confusion around the scheme’s implementation. With the DVSA now confirming that the MOT photo requirement will be entered into the MOT policy, drivers can now expect an image of their car to be taken while on test.
There has been a rise in the number of ghost MOTs issued. According to Halfords, cases have doubled, based on the company’s own figures. There are several Facebook groups also dedicated to offering ghost MOTs.
One independent garage in East Yorkshire also highlighted to the BBC how its MOT system was hacked, allowing for fake certificates to be issued for cars it had not seen.
With cost of living challenges increasing, car maintenance is likely to fall down the list of essential spending amongst many drivers. For those who know that a vehicle has defects, a ghost MOT could be tempting, to avoid expensive repairs.
This is the situation that the MOT photo requirement hopes to eliminate.
Other changes to the MOT
A number of other amendments to MOT procedure were announced in the post. These include the switching off of MOT security card log-ins. These do not carry the protections of other log-in types, such as two-factor authentication, and are, therefore, seen as insecure for the system.
Testing classifications have also been updated for good vehicles, with the previous 3.5-tonne band updated to 4.25-tonnes. This takes into account electric vans, with the same payload range as traditional petrol or diesel models. However, the added weight of batteries pushed these models into the HGV class.
