The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed the national rollout of its ‘Photos at Test’ feature, beginning on Monday, 3 August 2026. This initiative will allow an additional 2,500 MOT garages across the country to upload photographs of vehicles during the MOT process, providing evidence that a vehicle was physically present during its inspection.
Clampdown on Ghost MOTs
The move comes as the Labour Party government, now led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, seeks to clamp down on the growing problem of so-called ghost MOTs—fraudulent inspections where certificates are issued without a vehicle actually being tested. In January, under former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the government announced new measures targeting illegal number plates, including ‘ghost plates’ designed to fool camera systems.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, reappointed by Burnham in his first reshuffle, has been a key figure in pushing forward road safety reforms. At the time of the January announcement, she stated: 'Every life lost on our roads is a tragedy that devastates families and communities. For too long, progress on road safety has stalled. This strategy marks a turning point. We are taking decisive action to make our roads safer for everyone, from new drivers taking their first lessons to older motorists wanting to maintain their independence. The measures we are announcing today will save thousands of lives over the coming decade.'
Trials Prove Success
The Photos at Test feature has undergone two successful trials demonstrating its practicality across a wide range of garages. During the most recent trial, more than 60,000 vehicle images were uploaded by over 300 garages. The DVSA has confirmed that uploading photographs will not initially be mandatory from August 3, allowing garages time to adapt. However, the agency strongly encourages early adoption.
According to the DVSA: 'We recognise that some garages may need time to put local equipment, connectivity arrangements or processes in place before making full use of the feature. However, we strongly encourage you to begin using the feature where possible. This will help you become familiar with the process and make the transition easier if photos at test become mandatory in the future.'
Impact on Motorists and Garages
For motorists, the change provides greater transparency and assurance that their vehicle has undergone a genuine inspection. For garages, the system is designed to be flexible—if a photo cannot be taken or uploaded, testers can select the most appropriate reason within the service and continue the test without penalty. This phased approach aims to minimise disruption while building confidence in the system.
The national rollout marks a significant step in the government’s broader road safety strategy, which includes measures to combat fraudulent practices and improve inspection standards. With over 2,500 garages gaining access to the feature from August, the DVSA anticipates a substantial increase in the use of photographic evidence, helping to eliminate ghost MOTs and restore trust in the testing process.
