The DVSA has confirmed that a requirement for MOT testers to take photos of vehicles at the time of their test will roll out from next week.
Following trials last year, the MOT photo requirement proved to be a successful addition to the test. Having already announced the plans will be implemented ‘later this year’ on its Matters of Testing blog, the government department has now confirmed the starting dates of the requirement.
From 3rd August, a national rollout of the MOT photo requirement will begin. During this phase of the rollout, around 2,500 garages will get access to the feature.
“Rolling out this MOT photo requirement in phases allows us to test it with a smaller number of garages,’ the DVSA said in a statement.
By doing this, the body can monitor service performance, see how many testers are using the feature, and minimise disruption to garages and MOT testers.
“Further phases will be introduced and reviewed as the rollout continues. If your garage is not selected to be part of this phase, you do not need to do anything. Your garage will get this feature at a later date,” the DVSA added.
How does the MOT photo requirement work?
Garages will not need to download a separate app for the MOT photo requirement. Instead, testers can either use a mobile device to register the vehicle, take a photo and complete the test. Or the MOT can be started on a desktop computer, with testers scanning a QR code with a mobile device to take and upload a photo.
The photos are uploaded directly to the MOT testing service, and are not stored in the device’s camera roll or photo gallery.
According to the DVSA, at this stage, taking and uploading photos is optional. Workshops can continue an MOT without taking a photo by selecting the most appropriate reason within the testing service. Results can still be provided if a photo is not uploaded to the system.
“We recognise that some garages may need time to put local equipment, connectivity arrangements or processes in place before making full use of the MOT photo requirement feature,” the DVSA added.
“However, we strongly encourage garages to begin using the feature where possible. This will help them become familiar with the process and make the transition easier if photos at test become mandatory in the future.”
Why are MOT photos being recommended?
The DVSA trialled the MOT photo requirement in 2025, with 311 garages taking part.
Feedback from testers during this trial was positive. Many reported that the feature was straightforward to use and that it had little or no impact on overall testing times.
The trials also helped to identify opportunities to improve the service. As a result, the DVSA was able to improve the photo upload process to improve performance , reliability and the overall user experience.
The requirement has been introduced to improve road safety. With some drivers taking advantage of ‘ghost MOTs’, which guarantee a pass despite a vehicle not being presented for test, this could lead to dangerous vehicles staying on the road, without repairs, for a 12-month period.
Therefore, by ensuring a vehicle is present in the MOT bay when the test is being carried out reduces to ability of ghost MOT providers to carry out this service.
