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 Tony posted on
Can the photo be taken in front of the rolling road or gas emissions analyser. ?
The reason I ask is because my VTS has a ramp on one side and rolling road etc on the other. Two tests can be carried out by two testers at once. If we have to wait to be on the ramp this will slow the tests down immensely.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Tony. The main issue is that the photograph clearly identifies that the vehicle is at your test station and shows the number plate of the vehicle - either at the front of the back.
Comment by Roger. posted on
I am NOT happy about using my personal phone. How can the DVSA guarantee that my personal details will not be accessed or hacked??
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Roger. We completely understand your concern. While some testers may be happy to use a personal device, we do not expect anyone to rely on their own phone to use the feature.
Using your device to upload the photos taken for the MOT test does not give DVSA access to personal content, such as contacts, messages or other photos. Decisions about what devices are used for testing are for individual garages and employers to make.
Comment by Mark Soane posted on
Hi
Is a picture required for retest as well
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Mark. You will need to provide a photo of the vehicle for a retest.
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
my brake tester is at the back of my 4 poster i do the brake test first then put the car on the ramp the picture would be from the rear show the brake tester screen / legs of the ramp in the fore ground would this be ok
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Mark. The picture must show that the vehicle is in the testing bay at the MOT testing station.
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
so is that on the 4 poster ramp our in the mot bay my brake tester is at the back of my ramp i do the brake test then drive onto the ramp if i have to do the brake test at the end of the test okay thats the way we do it take the picture on the ramp i want to get this right
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Mark. As long as there is a clear picture of the car that shows it similarly to the ones in the blog post, that is fine. As long as the picture is uploaded sometime during the test.
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
thanks for keeping me right thats all we need is a bit of help
Comment by Tony posted on
Do the photo get deleted after the test.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Tony. Images are not deleted when the test is completed. Once uploaded to the MOT Testing Service, they are retained for 13 months before being automatically deleted.
Comment by Dawit posted on
I am pleased 😀 with photo testing methods because, reduced fraudulent 50%
Comment by Robert Morris posted on
Good addition to the test procedure, no issue for stations that operate correctly, will help cut fraudulent testing and testing stations not operating correctly, well done.
Comment by Borely Kizamba posted on
Hi, I've been using the new system, taking photos doesn't take long as long as you have a good connection, some bays have limited space for taking photos, so I try to take a photo within the MOT bay as the vehicle is on site, but some sites, correct you can take a photo on the bay, so we have to be careful how we word this because it could be misinterpreted, but I'm sure as national roll out continues there will be further guidance, across the board, and yes it has and doesn't have any effect on the rest depending on your internet connection..
Comment by Paul Agutter posted on
If the vehicle fails and is repaired at the same station does it need another photo taken on the MOT ramp/bay
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Paul. You will need to take a picture of the vehicle in the test bay when you do the retest.
Comment by keb posted on
it works well those who dont want to do it have something to hide dosnt take any extra time and safegaurds us and the customer ive been on it a year no problems at all
Comment by Dennis posted on
Moving forward I'd like to see a photo file of each defect and repair at the time of MOT fail and pass. Through time this would become like a digital vehicle passport. The passport could be added to as other works were carried out throughout the year. Eg. Tyre replacement or brake renewal or other service requirements. This could be done by the vehicle owner or garage facility via an online portal. This would also be visible online on the Gov website, vehicle history.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Dennis. Thanks for sharing this idea. It's a great example of how vehicle records could evolve in the future, creating a more complete digital history for vehicles.
Suggestions like this help shape future thinking, but we need to balance the benefits against the cost, complexity and effort involved, alongside other priorities across MOT services. This helps ensure we focus on delivering the changes that provide the greatest value to users.
While there are no current plans for a digital vehicle passport, it's a positive and interesting suggestion, and we appreciate you taking the time to share it.
Comment by David Liu posted on
Hi what about the import car that come from Japan or abroad they don't have no. Plate.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi David. You should continue to register and test the vehicle as presented, in line with current MOT procedures. For vehicles that do not yet have a registration number, such as recent imports, the photo still provides additional evidence that the vehicle was present at the VTS at the time of the test and supports the information recorded in MTS, It will also show that there wasn’t a registration plate fitted either.
Comment by William Leith posted on
The use of your own mobile will be full of photos and use all your storage space, if the government want this to work going forward should they not supply the tester with a phone just for mots. Do you think this is right to ask a tester to use there own mobile. Can you please return your thoughts to my email below.
Kind regards
William Leith.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi William. - Thanks for your feedback. We understand that some testers may not be comfortable using a personal device.
We do not expect testers to rely on their own equipment to use the feature. Access to devices and policies on their use are decisions for individual testing stations and employers. Photos are uploaded directly to the MOT Testing Service and do not remain on the device after upload.
Comment by Samson Mehari posted on
"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". This is the best idea ever and it has to be mandatory and include on special notices ASAP, to protect the mot testing rule from the bad tester & MTS, keep it up the good work.
Comment by Simon Freeman posted on
If contingecy testing is in place what happens?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Simon. When retro keying contingency tests select option 2 'I can’t use the QR code'. As the feature develops, we will consider other options.
Comment by Saeed posted on
To take a picture of the car on mot bay is compulsory from the front or can be taken from the back of the car on mot bay?
The reason I’m asking is because some mot bay are very close to the wall and may hardly can take a picture of the full car also there is an option in the phone camera to zoom in and zoom out to take car picture on the bay.
I’ll try to take a picture of the car on mot to make sure the picture could be taken easily from front and the car can be easily recognised on mot bay and if any difficulties I’ll come back again here and comment before it’s too late and the rules implemented.
Thank you regards
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Saeed. You can take a picture from the front or the back of the car, as long as the registration number is visible and it's in the test bay.
Comment by Richard posted on
As we do a rolling test ie one on the ramp the other on roller test head light + emission test will it still work with two cars in the test bay?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Richard. Yes, it should still work with 2 vehicles in the test bay, as long as testing is being carried out according to normal MOT procedures.
Comment by Mario Gol posted on
Taking a photograph of the vehicle at the test station may prove that the vehicle attended, but it does not prove that the test was carried out properly. The real fraud is where vehicles that should fail are still passed for a few pounds. Therefore, photographs alone will not solve the problem of fraudulent testing.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Mario. We recognise that photographs alone will not prevent all forms of MOT fraud. However, the requirement to take photographs is only one part of a wider package of assurance measures.
Comment by William watt posted on
No problems at log in easy to use
Comment by Mr lee d manning posted on
Great result with the capture results, however more development is required when we experience contingency testing
Comment by Craig cunningham posted on
Nice all good works well
Comment by Anthony gorman posted on
Yes it looks like a great idea and it will stop fraud witch is imperative to the mot service working properly 👍
However what if the customer asks us not to take pictures of there vehicle can we say it’s compulsory ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Anthony. The photo provides an additional record that the vehicle was present at the testing station at the time of test.
If a customer has concerns, explain that the photo forms part of the MOT test record, is stored alongside the test details and is only accessible to authorised users with the appropriate permissions.
During the current voluntary rollout, a pragmatic approach may be appropriate in the rare event that a customer remains concerned. However, the photo can also benefit the testing station by providing an additional record of the vehicle's presence at the time of test.
Comment by pete lancaster posted on
Does the photo need to show the garage name?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Pete. No, the photo does not need to show the garage name. The key requirement is that it clearly shows the vehicle and follows the published Photos at Test guidance.
Comment by Mr Warren g gladwish posted on
Thanks for the clarity,looks fairly straight forward to do .
Comment by Matt Crook posted on
Ya easy to use. 👍
Comment by Darren Walters posted on
Can the picture be took from the rear of the vehicle as I have more room at the rear for a better picture
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Darren. You can take the picture from either the front or the rear of the car.
Comment by Darren Wilcox posted on
Do we have to take photos of retest even if they remain on site for repair ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Darren. Yes, you will need to take a picture of the vehicle for the retest.
Comment by Norman Freeman posted on
Why not photograph complete chassis number, as a blue car with the appropriate plates on could look like the original ?just saying pROOF is whats needed to stamp out fraud.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Norman. - Thanks for your suggestion. We agree there are many ways the feature could go further in proving a vehicle's identity.
As Photos at Test evolves, we'll consider enhancements based on the value they add and the benefits they deliver. It's important that any additional requirements balance stronger evidence with keeping the process simple and proportionate for testers.
Your feedback is appreciated and will help inform future improvements.
Comment by Frank posted on
It will stop all of the disagreements over number plate failure due to spacing of the letters
Comment by Howard Yeadon posted on
Why would a retest take longer than the initial test?
I'm a class one and two tester and I'm finding the new photo system brilliant and makes so much sense. Had a couple of glitches to begin with when I could not upload a picture, maybe you should add this to the tick box when it says reason for not uploading a picture.
Comment by Edwin Roberts posted on
Excellent idea and introduction to testing, I have been using the photo since the 3/8/26 and found it to be, an easy to use addition to the test which will in turn stop the fraudulent tests being carried out. Well done DVSA.
Comment by GRAHAM BESTON posted on
good process and idea
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
what happened this week when you crashed the full mot scheme for 2/3 hours i was still here 7.30 at night playing catch up does not fill you with confidence
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Mark. The cause of the system outage is under investigation.
Comment by mark mitchell posted on
i am a high volume station when this happens its a nightmare for us boys
Comment by Jeff posted on
Dose the car need to be on the ramp or can it be in the mot bay ie next to roller brake tester
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Jeff. The photograph must clearly identify that the vehicle is at your test station.
Comment by Craig Pearson posted on
Can you log on to a test if you have multiple testers and there are two vehicles being tested and the other vehicle is behind having the emissions tested will this photo be acceptable?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Craig. The photo would generally be acceptable if it clearly identifies the vehicle being tested and there is no ambiguity about which vehicle the MOT record relates to. The presence of another vehicle in the bay would not in itself prevent the image meeting the requirement.
Comment by Riad Malik posted on
Although we haven’t been shortlisted as part of the 2500 Stations that have been selected we have already initiated the system and since then I have already registered near 70 vehicles/retests in 3 classifications.
If it’s inevitable for all stations in the next couple of months then it was a wise move for us.
Comment by Thomas Buttery posted on
The MOT system went down this week so had to do a couple of contingency tests. When the system was back up and running and logging the contingency tests into the system, it was still asking for a photo. On the options for why a photo couldn’t be provided there was nothing for system outage or contingency tests. Obviously the car was no longer at the test station.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Thomas. When retro keying contingency tests, select option 2 'I can’t use the QR code'. As the feature develops, we will consider other options.
Comment by David Statham posted on
Did you say that you would have to take a photo on retest .when will that start to cover failed items
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi David. A photo needs to be taken when registering a vehicle for a test or retest. As the feature develops, we will consider where else it could be used.
Comment by Mohammad-Djavad Manzoori-Fard posted on
Anything that reduces wrong doings in MTS, must be welcomed by all honest MOT stations, as it is the crooks that give our businesses a bad name.
Comment by Philip posted on
Will doing retests if vehicle is repaired at same garage require a photo again when clocking on ?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Philip. You will need to take another picture of the vehicle for the retest.
Comment by JOHN.B.A posted on
HI I PRESUME UPLOADED PHOTOS WILL INCLUDE ALL RETESTS TO!
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi John. Yes, this is the case.
Comment by JOHN.B.A posted on
THANK YOU
Comment by Adrian Francies posted on
Who supplies the phones or tablet to upload the photos
I work for a local authority it extremely difficult to upload anything onto the system without IT department authorising it
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Adrian. This is something to discuss with your garage manager/IT department.
Comment by Mr Anthony Burrows posted on
Can you clarify, ‘On the test equipment’. Is that in the Testing Bay, ie alongside emission equipment or actually on the mot ramp?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Anthony. The photograph needs to identify the vehicle and that it is at your testing station.
Comment by Craig Kett posted on
This whole process just seems totally unnecessary for something that even you admit at the start of this blog is rare. Just creates a level of complexity that doesn't need to exist. If people are going to commit MOT fraud they will find ways around this kind of nonsense.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Craig. We recognise that photographs alone will not prevent all forms of MOT fraud. However, the requirement to take photographs is only one part of a wider package of assurance measures.
Comment by jone1140 posted on
the photo of a car on a test ramp just goes to prove that the dvsa trust is non existant in the testers. we must all be passing cars that not fit to be on the road. as soon as you have us all taking photos of a car sat the test centre then that wont be enough and you will try to get the live feed camera [ big brother ] .if you dont trust us to mot then you should not of let us..
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi there. Thanks for your feedback. We recognise that the vast majority of MOT testers and garages carry out their work professionally and play a vital role in keeping vehicles safe.
Photos at Test is not about a lack of trust. It's one of a number of measures designed to strengthen the integrity of the MOT scheme, provide additional evidence that a vehicle was present at the testing station, and help reduce the small amount of fraud that unfortunately still exists within the industry.
The aim is to support road safety and maintain public confidence in the MOT system, while building on the high standards already delivered by most testers every day.
Comment by Chris posted on
What took you so long ,it’s been going on for years !
Comment by James posted on
Are the DVSA supplying cameras to take the photos of the Vehicle. What happens if the site doesn’t have a device to take photos are we supposed to use are own devices?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi James. This is something you need to discuss with your employer.
Comment by j posted on
How do we get feedback to know that the pictures we take are acceptable?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi there. The examples in the blog post should help you take a suitable photo. You must take it in the testing bay and show the number plate.
Comment by Andy posted on
can the photo be in front of the ramp nut still in the testing bay?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Andy. The photograph needs to identify the vehicle and that it is at your testing station
Comment by I N AINSLEY posted on
If you've already taken a pic to do the mot why would you be required to take another pic when the vehicle is being retested especially if it has not left the testing station and has been repaired there. Would it be better suit test stations to use the PRS function to avoid a suggested requirement of taking a second photo for repairs taking about an hour??.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi there. The same process applies to MOT re-tests. The objective remains to demonstrate that the vehicle is present for retest at the VTS.
Comment by I N AINSLEY posted on
PRS stands for pass repair at station therefore the vehicle hadn't left the station and when we log off and relog on the mileage input states same as previous, test which implies it hasn't moved hence there's no reason for a second picture
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi there. A PRS (Pass After Rectification at Station) is where a vehicle is repaired and retested without leaving the testing station. The process for recording a PRS remains unchanged and Photos at Test does not alter this.
Only one photo is required. The same photo will be shown against both the failed test and the PRS pass record, which is correct as they form part of the same testing activity and the vehicle has remained on site throughout.
Comment by Herbert Holland posted on
Great idea, we bought a car that had a full m.o.t turned out it should never of passed,
Comment by Mark Stephen Brooks posted on
can we take a photo of a car which is in for a retest in the lane but not necessary on the mot ramp as dose not need to be on the ramp?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Mark. The photograph needs to identify the vehicle and that it is at your testing station.
Comment by Gregg willis posted on
I think this is a good thing. , in Spain on holiday reading the local paper and they were advertising British mot 150£ . This will stop all this rotten business.. well done
Comment by Claire Dale posted on
I’m not sure that this is going to prevent dishonest testers or VTS’s - what is to stop someone removing the metadata from the photo, thus ensuring that the location and time of the photo is not traceable?
It would be very easy to arrange for a vehicle to be brought to the VTS and photographed, with the test being done at another date/time when the vehicle isn’t present.
It strikes me as making testing more onerous for those of us who test properly and to correct standards, whilst the dishonest amongst us will just carry on doing what they’ve always done.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Claire. We recognise that photographs alone will not prevent all forms of MOT fraud. However, the requirement to take photographs is only one part of a wider package of assurance measures.
Comment by Chris posted on
With smaller stuff like a sidelight or a wheel bolt or screenwash, would the car still need to be pulled into the bay or would the vehicle with the test station in the photo (such as close by in the car park) make do?
A bit of common sense says that (without anything extra to check) then the vehicle doesn’t need to be on the ramp/test lane surely.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Chris. Thanks for your question. While there may be circumstances where a vehicle could be photographed elsewhere on site, our strong advice is to follow the published guidance and take the photo in line with normal MOT testing processes.
Photos at Test is still a relatively new feature, and we're continuing to learn from real-world use across a wide range of garages and testing environments. For now, following the published guidance remains the best approach and helps ensure consistency across the MOT network. As our understanding develops, we may provide further clarification in the future.
Comment by Sean Howley posted on
Slightly awkward at first, but simple enough once you get used to it. Hopefully it will stop some of the cheating.
Comment by Michael Gowling posted on
What do you when you have to do contingency test catch up and the vehicle has left the test site?
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Michael. When retro keying contingency tests select option 2 'I can’t use the QR code'.As the feature develops, we will consider other options.
Comment by David posted on
Looks good. MOT Juice did a video on how it works which is really good
https://youtu.be/msq90H6BF08?si=Uawt88rX-I3emGoS
Comment by James Berriman posted on
Great idea to include a photo and it was easy to do this and download the picture
Comment by Scott Burke posted on
Please add a contingency option for not taking a photo, if the vehicle has left the testing station in the period that the MTS was down.
Comment by Julia (DVSA) posted on
Hi Scott. When retro keying contingency tests select option 2 'I can’t use the QR code'. As the feature develops, we will consider other options.