Earlier this year we completed phase 2 of the MOT Photos at Test trial, formerly known as Images in Garages. Phase 2 of the trial was really important because it showed that we’d progressed to a point where national rollout is now possible.
Why we’re introducing photos at test
Although rare, MOT fraud compromises road safety and damages the reputation of hard working MOT testers across the country.
We’re introducing photos at test to:
- help deter fraudulent MOT activity
- reduce the risk of MOT certificates being issued when the vehicle is not at the testing station
- improve confidence in MOT testing
- contribute to road safety objectives
Results of the trials
Across phases 1 and 2 of the trials, over 300 garages took part, uploading over 60,000 images to MTS with a 92% success rate.
The trials also demonstrated that the feature had minimal impact on testing times, with initial tests remaining at around 40 minutes and retests only slightly longer.
We were also pleased to see that 88% those involved in the trial were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with how easy the new feature was to use.
Overall, the trials were a success and demonstrated how well testers adapted to including a photo of the vehicle being tested in the testing bay.
Next steps
On 3 August 2026, the national rollout began and an additional 2,500 garages across Great Britain received access to the feature.
Over time we will provide access to more garages until all MOT testers have access to upload photos.
We’d recommend using the new feature once it becomes available to your garage. Familiarise yourself with how it works, as it may become mandatory in future.
How to take a photo of the test
You’ll see the new feature on the test registration process once your garage is given access:
On a desktop
Scan the QR code shown during the vehicle registration process using a device with a camera and internet connection, such as a phone or tablet.
Take the photo of the vehicle in the testing bay. The image will automatically upload to MTS.
With a phone or tablet
During vehicle registration, you can upload an image of the vehicle on the testing equipment directly.
Take the photo of the vehicle in the testing bay. The image will upload directly to MTS.
Taking the photo correctly
Taking the photo while the vehicle is on the test equipment is important as this achieves the objective of proving the vehicle was at the testing site at the time of the test.
Your photo needs to be similar to the one above as it follows MTS guidance. The image is good quality, and the vehicle is easy to identify, confirming it was present in the testing bay at the time of the test.
The photo should:
- not be blurry or distorted
- clearly show the vehicle in the testing bay
- have the number plate completely legible and visible
Getting to national rollout
Over the next few months, we’ll add the feature to all vehicle testing sites, so if you do not currently see it as an option, you will soon. If you have any questions, please do leave us a comment below.
132 comments
Comment by Al posted on
I like this idea of confirming id of car on site. I also see that headlamp alignment equipment might be part of future 'connected equipment' so my question is can the 2 be combined so the beam setter can take a live photo or small vid as it passes across front of vehicle?.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Al. Thanks for your suggestion. It's an interesting idea.
As with all aspects of service design, we regularly consider feedback and suggestions from users when exploring future improvements. While we can't comment on specific future features, any potential solution would need to be assessed for practicality, technical feasibility, cost and overall benefit to the MOT service.
We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Feedback like this helps inform our future thinking.
Comment by David Statham posted on
To think when I started testing it was brake lights and steering and you had to take vehice up the road for brake test. You new more about the can with short road test than any think else
Comment by Bir ghataaura posted on
I used the photo taking and found very easy , and this will stop those bad testers testing. Mot juice did a video and during the first phase and was very informative thnx
Comment by Kevin Bartram posted on
Just the fact that testers own electronic devices for taking the photos does not belong to D.V.S.A or the testing station they work for (as an employee) should mean Either D.V.S.A or the testing station provides that equipment. I can see conflict between bosses and employees here. Example many don't allow phone use on the shop floor but suddenly it is O.K and in my case my phone does not connect to the WIFI and I don't have my own internet access on my phone.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Kevin Thanks for raising this. We recognise that not all testers have access to a suitable device. While some may be happy to use a personal device, we do not expect testers to rely on their own equipment to use the feature. Access to devices, policies on their use, and any Wi Fi or connectivity requirements are matters for individual testing stations and employers to consider.
Comment by Mike posted on
Who has access to the images post completion?
Some business areas have additional security considerations, have these been taken into account?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Mike. Thanks for raising this. Access to Photos at Test images is restricted to authorised MOT Testing Service users with the appropriate permissions and a business need to view them.
We recognise that some testing stations may have additional security or confidentiality requirements, and we've considered these as part of the development of the feature. If there are specific concerns relating to your site, we'd be happy to receive further feedback.
Comment by Denville posted on
GOOD IDEA
Comment by RICHARD posted on
I don't know how AI works, only from what I've seen, but is it AI proof ?
Also what happens during contingency testing ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Richard. - Thanks for your question. While I can't comment on specific system capabilities, as with many digital services, a range of measures are in place to help protect the integrity of the service and support the identification of unusual or potentially suspicious activity. With contingency testing, when retro keying contingency tests select option 2 'I can’t use the QR code'.
Comment by RASHID AHMED posted on
i think 2 photos should be taken one for the registration one for the chassise number because the dogy garages swapping number plates on similar vehicle it will be a good idea to stamp out dogy testers
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Rashid. Thanks for the suggestion. Feedback like this is really valuable as we continue to develop the Photos at Test feature. We'll consider all improvement ideas on their value, benefits and wider impact, and use feedback from testers to help shape future enhancements
Comment by Amelia Earhart posted on
You say "if you are using a phone or a tablet", are you changing the requirements for the use of a device with a 9 inch screen for registering and use of the MTS for testing activities?
Also how will this effect training on the use of the system, prior to becoming a tester, registering a vehicle in training mode?
You say " We’d recommend using the new feature once it becomes available to your garage. Familiarise yourself with how it works, as it may become mandatory in future."
Will this effect RAG scores if its not mandatory to use and is not used?
If it is a "recommendation" to use it, will certain garages, who have possible fraud markers be forced to use it?
We know it will be mandatory in the future, what is the timescale for this?
What will the discipline procedure be for poor/bad/fake images?
Is it an AI system of checking the images for "proof" of attendance? if so how will this be affected by change of colour not recorded on DVLA records?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi there. Thank you for your comments and observations. We can't answer all of them at the moment, as some decisions have not yet been made and others will depend on how the feature develops.
Photos at Test allows images to be taken using a mobile phone or tablet and uploaded to the MOT Testing Service. When we refer to devices with screens of 9 inches or larger, this is the specification MTS has been designed and tested against. It is a recommendation rather than a requirement.
No additional training is currently required. The feature has been designed to be simple to use, and feedback from garages so far suggests it is straightforward. The feature will also be introduced into training mode in the future.
The feature is currently voluntary and has no impact on a garage's RAG rating. We're encouraging garages to use it now so they can become familiar with the process as it is rolled out more widely. The aim is to provide additional evidence that a vehicle was present at the VTS at the time of test.
There is currently no timescale for the feature becoming mandatory, and no decisions have been made regarding future disciplinary processes or any future technical solutions that may support image review.
Comment by alan eve posted on
what about motorcycles / as you would not know the make as the reg plate is at the rear
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Alan. A fair point. However, the photo is intended to provide additional evidence alongside the test details already entered into MTS and show that the vehicle was present at the VTS at the time of test. It won't always capture every identifying detail, such as the make of a motorcycle, but the process needs to be practical and workable across all vehicle types. The images should therefore be viewed as supporting evidence rather than the sole means of vehicle identification.
Comment by Michael Stanton posted on
Definitely a good idea to increase security of the mot system
Comment by Albert Guy posted on
I’ve used this new photograph system and found it easy to upload and probably added only a few minutes on to the testing times, so I’m happy, but disappointed that this was necessary action, I believe making a bigger announcement of corrupt testers would also help! Finding out through the grapevine wrong
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Albert. Thanks for your feedback. The vast majority of MOT testers carry out their work professionally and honestly every day, but unfortunately a small minority do not. Measures such as Photos at Test help protect the integrity and reputation of the MOT scheme for everyone.
It's encouraging to hear you've found the feature easy to use and that it has had minimal impact on testing times. A great deal of effort has gone into making it as simple and proportionate as possible.
DVSA continues to publish disciplinary and fraud cases through Matters of Testing and press releases. Your comments on the visibility of this activity are appreciated, and we'll consider whether more can be done to raise awareness of the action taken against those who break the rules, helping to reassure the vast majority of testers and garages who do the right thing.
Comment by Joginder Rajal posted on
Should have done this long time ago
Comment by ADRIAN ARMSTRONG posted on
If a vehicle is in for a retest does the retest picture need to be of vehicle in the testing bay aswell or just for the original pass/fail test?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Adrian. You need to upload a photo of the vehicle for retest and it needs to show it in the test bay.
Comment by christopher hobbs posted on
if a car has failed on tyres and the origanal tester is doing another test. does it mean that none of the other testers can do a retest on the car because he has one on the car already even though we just put the tyres on in the building
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Christopher. Thanks for your question. I'm not quite sure I've understood the scenario, but hope this will help.
Photos at Test does not change the existing rules on registering tests or who can carry out a retest. Testers should continue to follow the normal MOT testing process.
If a test bay is busy, testers should always aim to follow the published photo guidance where possible. However, we recognise that circumstances won't always be perfect, and occasionally a pragmatic approach can be taken when needed.
I hope this helps and answers your enquiry. If not, please provide a little more detail and we'll be happy to clarify.
Comment by Jed posted on
Surely it must be up to garage owners to provide the equipment necessary to take the photo required by dvsa because if a tester users his/ her private phone and it gets damaged in some way during the photo procedure then the garage is liable for the damage
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Jed. The device used to capture images, personal or company supplied, will be a matter for you to discuss with your employer.