The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has announced that from Monday 3 August, MOT testers will be allowed to take and upload a photo of the vehicle being tested using a smartphone, tablet, or other compatible device.
Rollout and purpose
Around 2,500 garages across the UK will gain access to this feature in the first phase, with further phases planned. The DVSA said the change aims to deter fraudulent MOT activity, reduce the risk of 'ghost MOTs' – where certificates are issued without the vehicle present – and support vehicle identity verification.
The agency added that the new feature should improve confidence in MOT testing and contribute to road safety.
How it works
Testers do not need a separate app to upload the photo, and images will not be stored on the device's camera roll or gallery. The DVSA conducted two successful trials involving 311 garages. A spokesperson said feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many testers finding the feature straightforward and noting little or no impact on testing times.
However, some garages experienced issues with device compatibility, browser settings, and local IT restrictions.
Under current UK law, all cars over three years old must have an annual MOT test at an approved centre. The test checks technical safety and emissions.
