New MOT Photo Checks in 2026: What Drivers Need to Know

The DVSA is rolling out a new Photos at Test feature for MOT centres across Great Britain, meaning some drivers may now see their vehicle photographed during an MOT. The photo provides additional evidence that the vehicle was physically present at the testing station and is designed to help tackle fraudulent MOT activity, including so-called “ghost MOTs”.

For drivers, the important point is that the new photo does not replace any part of the MOT inspection. Your vehicle still undergoes the normal MOT checks, and the photo is an additional record supporting the testing process.

The national rollout began on 3 August 2026, with around 2,500 garages receiving access during the first phase. Further phases will follow as the DVSA extends the feature to more testing sites.

If you’re booking an MOT in Fleet, you may be wondering why your garage is taking a photo, whether the photo is compulsory and whether it can affect your MOT result. Here’s what the new DVSA photo checks mean for drivers.

MOT Photos at Test: Quick Answers

Question	Answer
Why is my car being photographed?	To provide additional evidence that the vehicle was present during its MOT
Does the photo replace part of the MOT?	No
Is taking a photo currently compulsory?	No
Will every MOT centre have the feature immediately?	No, the rollout is being introduced in phases
Does the photo decide whether my car passes?	No, it supports the existing MOT process
What happens if a photo cannot be uploaded?	The tester can select an appropriate reason and continue recording the MOT result
Will the system eventually become compulsory?	It may, but DVSA has not announced a date for this

The DVSA currently says taking and uploading a photo is optional. Testers can continue an MOT without a photo by selecting the appropriate reason within the MOT Testing Service.

What Is the New MOT Photos at Test Feature?

Photos at Test is a new DVSA feature that allows an MOT tester to photograph a vehicle during its MOT and upload the image directly to the MOT Testing Service.

The purpose is to create additional evidence that the vehicle associated with an MOT result was physically present at the testing station.

The feature is part of the DVSA’s wider efforts to improve confidence in the MOT system and tackle fraudulent testing. It is intended to:

• Deter fraudulent MOT activity
• Reduce the risk of certificates being issued when a vehicle is not present
• Support vehicle identity verification
• Improve confidence in MOT testing
• Contribute to wider road safety objectives

Importantly, the DVSA says the photo supports the existing MOT process and does not replace any part of the inspection itself.

Why Is the DVSA Introducing MOT Photos?

The main reason is to make fraudulent MOT activity harder.

An MOT is supposed to involve a physical inspection of the vehicle at an authorised testing station. A photo creates an additional digital record showing that the vehicle was at the testing location when the test was carried out.

This is particularly relevant to so-called “ghost MOTs“, where an MOT certificate is issued even though the vehicle has not actually undergone the required inspection.

The DVSA says the new feature should help reduce the risk of MOT certificates being issued where no vehicle is present. It also provides another way to support vehicle identity checks and improve confidence in the testing system.

What Is a Ghost MOT?

A ghost MOT is fraudulent activity where an MOT certificate is issued for a vehicle that has not actually received the required physical inspection.

This can create a serious safety risk. A vehicle could appear to have a valid MOT despite never being properly inspected.

The new photo system is intended to make this type of fraud more difficult by creating additional evidence that the vehicle was physically present at the MOT centre.

It is not described by the DVSA as a replacement for its existing fraud-prevention measures. Instead, the photo adds another piece of information to the MOT record.

What Will the MOT Tester Photograph?

The purpose of the photograph is not simply to take a picture of your registration plate.

The image should provide enough information to show that the vehicle was present at the MOT testing location and allow the vehicle to be identified.

The DVSA guidance explains that testers can use a smartphone, tablet or another compatible mobile device to take and upload the photograph.

According to the available guidance, the photo should:

• Show the vehicle at the testing location
• Provide evidence that the vehicle was present during the test
• Allow the vehicle to be identified
• Support vehicle identity verification

The registration number needs to be visible and legible so that the vehicle can be identified from the image.

Is the New MOT Photo Check Compulsory?

No, not at the current stage of the rollout. The DVSA currently says that taking and uploading a photo is optional.

If a tester cannot take or upload a photo, they can select the appropriate reason within the MOT Testing Service and continue recording the MOT result. A failed photo upload should not currently prevent the tester from completing the MOT.

However, there is an important point for the future.

The DVSA is encouraging garages to start using the feature when it becomes available because it wants testers to become familiar with the system. The agency has also said that Photos at Test may become mandatory in the future.

No date for compulsory photographs has been announced in the guidance you shared.

Does the Photo Affect Whether Your Car Passes Its MOT?

No. The photograph itself does not replace the MOT inspection or become a separate vehicle condition test.

Your vehicle still needs to meet the applicable MOT standards.

The DVSA specifically states that Photos at Test supports the existing MOT process and does not replace any part of the inspection.

So, if your tester takes a photograph, think of it as an additional record associated with the test rather than another mechanical check.

Your MOT result still depends on the condition of the vehicle and the requirements applicable to the MOT test.

How Does the MOT Photo System Work?

MOT testers do not need to download a separate dedicated app for Photos at Test.

There are two main ways the feature can be used.

Using a Mobile Device

A tester can use a compatible mobile device to register the vehicle, take the photograph and complete the test.

Starting the Test on a Desktop

A tester can also start the MOT on a desktop computer. The MOT Testing Service can then provide a QR code which is scanned using a compatible mobile device to take and upload the photograph.

The image is uploaded directly to the MOT Testing Service. The DVSA says the photo is not stored in the device’s normal camera roll or photo gallery.

Will Every MOT Centre Have Photos at Test?

Not immediately. The DVSA is introducing the feature in phases.

The first national rollout phase started on 3 August 2026, with around 2,500 garages across Great Britain receiving access. The DVSA says further phases will be introduced and reviewed as the rollout continues.

If your usual MOT centre does not have the feature yet, that does not mean anything is wrong with the garage or your MOT.

It simply means the garage has not yet received access during the current phase.

The DVSA says garages will receive the feature at a later date as the rollout continues.

What Did the MOT Photo Trials Show?

The national rollout follows two previous trials involving 311 garages.

According to the DVSA, tester feedback from those trials was overwhelmingly positive. Many testers reported that the feature was straightforward to use and had little or no impact on overall testing times.

The trials also helped identify technical issues involving:

• Device compatibility
• Browser settings
• Network connectivity
• Local IT restrictions

The DVSA used feedback from the trials to improve the photo-upload process before the wider rollout.

Trial Results at a Glance

Additional reporting on the DVSA trials has cited more than 60,000 vehicle images uploaded, a 92% upload success rate, and 88% of participating testers saying they were satisfied or very satisfied with the ease of use.

Because these additional figures come from trade reporting rather than the DVSA notice itself, they should be treated as reported trial figures rather than presented as independent TJ Services research.

What Does the New MOT Photo Check Mean for Drivers in Fleet?

For most drivers, there should be very little change to the way they book or attend an MOT.

You still bring your vehicle to an authorised MOT testing centre, and the tester carries out the required inspection.

The new photo is an additional record supporting the integrity of the test.

If you’re having an MOT in Fleet and the tester uses a phone or tablet during the process, there is no reason to assume that something is wrong with your vehicle. The device may simply be being used as part of the new Photos at Test system.

Workshop Insight from TJ Services

For drivers, the key point is that the new photo check does not replace the MOT inspection. It is an additional step designed to provide evidence that the vehicle was present during the test. The actual MOT result still depends on whether the vehicle meets the required testing standards.

What Happens If the Photo Cannot Be Uploaded?

At the current stage of the rollout, a photo upload problem does not automatically stop the MOT from being completed.

The DVSA says testers can select the most appropriate reason within the MOT Testing Service when a photo cannot be taken or uploaded. The tester can then continue recording the MOT result.

This is important because technical problems can happen with devices, browsers or internet connections.

The introduction of Photos at Test does not mean an MOT result is automatically blocked because a photograph could not be uploaded.

What Should Drivers Do?

For most motorists, there is no special preparation required for the new photo system.

You should continue to:

1. Book your MOT with an authorised MOT testing centre.
2. Bring the vehicle to the testing location at the agreed time.
3. Make sure the vehicle is accessible to the tester.
4. Allow the tester to complete the normal MOT process.
5. Ask the garage if you are unsure about any part of the test.

If your MOT centre uses Photos at Test, the tester will handle the photograph and upload process.

You do not need to download a separate DVSA app to use the feature as a driver. The system is designed for MOT testers and integrates with the MOT Testing Service.

If you want to prepare your vehicle before the appointment, our guide to pre-MOT checks covers some simple areas you can inspect before taking your car to the test.

Why the New System Matters

The MOT system relies on motorists being able to trust that a vehicle has actually been inspected before a certificate is issued.

Photos at Test adds another piece of evidence to the digital MOT record.

For honest MOT centres and motorists, that can help strengthen confidence in the testing process. For people attempting to obtain fraudulent MOT certificates without presenting a vehicle for inspection, the additional evidence creates another obstacle.

The DVSA says the feature is intended to deter fraudulent MOT activity, support vehicle identity verification and improve confidence in MOT testing.

Is Photos at Test the Same as a New MOT Test?

No. Photos at Test is a feature supporting the MOT process. It does not introduce a separate inspection or replace any existing part of the MOT.

Your vehicle is still assessed against the relevant MOT testing requirements.

The photograph simply provides additional evidence associated with the test.

What Happens Next?

The rollout will continue in phases. The first phase began on 3 August 2026, when approximately 2,500 additional garages received access. The DVSA says it will monitor service performance and usage as the rollout continues before extending access to more testing stations.

There is currently no announced date for photographs to become mandatory.

However, the DVSA is encouraging garages to familiarise themselves with the system because Photos at Test may become mandatory in the future.

For drivers, the practical message is simple: if your MOT tester takes a photo of your vehicle, it is likely to be part of the new DVSA Photos at Test system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the DVSA taking photos during MOT tests?

The DVSA is introducing Photos at Test to provide additional evidence that a vehicle was physically present at the testing station. The feature is also intended to help deter fraudulent MOT activity and support vehicle identity verification.

Is taking a photo during an MOT compulsory?

Not currently. The DVSA says taking and uploading a photo is optional during the current rollout. Testers can record an appropriate reason if a photograph cannot be uploaded.

Does the photo decide whether my car passes its MOT?

No. The photograph supports the existing MOT process and does not replace any part of the inspection. Your MOT result is still based on the applicable testing requirements and the condition of your vehicle.

What is a ghost MOT?

A ghost MOT is fraudulent activity where an MOT certificate is issued even though the vehicle has not received the required physical inspection. Photos at Test is partly intended to make this type of fraud harder.

Does every MOT centre have Photos at Test?

No. The DVSA is introducing the feature in phases. Around 2,500 garages received access during the first rollout phase from 3 August 2026, with further phases planned.

What happens if the garage cannot upload the photo?

At the current stage, the tester can select the appropriate reason within the MOT Testing Service and continue recording the MOT result.

Will the new photo system make MOT tests longer?

Trial feedback reported little or no impact on overall testing times for many participating garages. The trials did identify some technical issues involving devices, browsers and connectivity.

Will MOT photos become mandatory?

The DVSA has not announced a date for mandatory photographs. However, it says the feature may become mandatory in the future and is encouraging garages to become familiar with it now.

What This Means for Your Next MOT

The introduction of Photos at Test is a change to the way MOT tests are digitally recorded, but it does not change the basic purpose of the MOT.

Your vehicle still needs to undergo the required inspection and meet the relevant MOT standards.

However, an MOT is not a complete health check of your vehicle. Our guide to what an MOT does not cover explains which areas of vehicle maintenance sit outside the MOT test.

If your garage takes a photograph during your test, it is likely to be part of the DVSA’s new Photos at Test system. The photograph provides additional evidence that your vehicle was present at the testing station and supports wider efforts to reduce fraudulent MOT activity.

For drivers in Fleet and the surrounding areas, there is no need to worry about the new photo check. Continue to book your MOT with an authorised testing centre, bring your vehicle to the appointment and ask the tester if you have any questions about the process.

Need to book your MOT in Fleet? Contact TJ Services on 01252 622200 to arrange your appointment.