DVSA begins national rollout of MOT vehicle photos to tackle fraud
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is taking another significant step in its fight against MOT fraud, with the national rollout of its ‘Photos at Test’ feature beginning on 3 August 2026.
Following two successful pilot schemes, the DVSA will enable an additional 2,500 MOT garages to upload photographs of vehicles during the MOT process, helping to provide evidence that a vehicle was physically present during its inspection.
The move forms part of the agency’s wider strategy to combat so-called ‘ghost MOTs’, where certificates are fraudulently issued without a vehicle ever entering a testing station.
Successful trials pave the way
The rollout follows two trials that demonstrated the practicality of the system across a wide range of garages.
According to information shared by the DVSA, more than 60,000 vehicle images were uploaded by over 300 garages during the most recent trial. Analysis of MOT testing times found that taking and uploading photographs caused no measurable disruption to the testing process.
Earlier trials also showed testers quickly became familiar with the technology, with consistently high upload success rates achieved within the first week of operation.
How Photos at Test works
The new functionality has been designed to fit easily into existing MOT workflows.
Garages using phones or tablets can upload photographs directly after checking a vehicle into the MOT Testing Service (MTS).
For users working from a desktop computer, the system generates a QR code which can be scanned using a mobile device, allowing the photograph to be uploaded directly to the MOT record.
The DVSA says the feature will eventually become available across all MOT Testing Service accounts as the rollout continues nationwide.
Not mandatory — yet
Although more garages will receive access to the feature from August, the DVSA has confirmed that uploading photographs will not initially be mandatory.
Instead, testers are being encouraged to begin using the system early to become familiar with the process and allow businesses to integrate it into their daily routines before future policy changes make image uploads a formal requirement.
The agency says the phased rollout will also provide time to identify and resolve any operational issues before mandatory implementation.
Why vehicle photographs matter
The introduction of vehicle images is intended to strengthen confidence in the UK’s MOT scheme by providing additional evidence that every vehicle tested has physically attended the test station.
Photographs are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting DVSA investigations into suspected fraud while protecting reputable MOT businesses that follow the rules.
The changes are part of a wider programme of digital improvements being introduced to the MOT Testing Service over the coming months.
What MOT garages should do now
Garages that receive access to the feature should:
- Familiarise all MOT testers with the upload process.
- Ensure suitable smartphones or tablets are available where required.
- Build photograph capture into their standard MOT workflow.
- Encourage staff to begin using the feature before it becomes mandatory.
- Keep an eye on future DVSA communications for updates to the MOT Testing Guide and official policy.
For garages not included in the first phase, the functionality will become available as the national rollout continues.
Motester view
The expansion of Photos at Test represents one of the biggest operational changes to the MOT Testing Service in recent years.
While the process itself appears straightforward, garages that adopt it early are likely to experience a smoother transition once image uploads become compulsory. The successful trials suggest the technology can be introduced without affecting workshop productivity, while offering the DVSA a valuable tool in protecting the integrity of the UK’s MOT scheme.
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