MOT anti-fraud checks means change for all tests DVSA says
MOT tests are being changed, with testers being required to take photographs of vehicles in a bid to curb fraud. In an initial trial of the new policy, 170 MOT testers across 62 garages were instructed to snap pictures of cars and other vehicles using a mobile phone or tablet.
These images were then automatically uploaded to the digital MOT Testing Service, serving as proof that the vehicle was indeed present. This measure is designed to thwart fraudulent 'ghost' MOTs, where an MOT certificate is issued for a vehicle that hasn't actually undergone the yearly inspection.
Following the success of the trial, the scheme will now be expanded. The DVSA said in a blog post in June 2025: "The success means DVSA will be widening the trial with more garages after we've collated all of the feedback from the garages who took part in the first trial.
READ MORE:
"This will help us to get insight on how we can improve the software and process for every kind of garage. We know there's still room to refine and enhance image capture and upload, and we'll continue making improvements as we go.
"The second phase of the trial will focus on testing the system at scale to ensure it's ready for a phased rollout. But we also know the garages who signed up for the service are continuing to use this – and anyone involved in the trial can be sure they are working with DVSA to combat MOT fraud."
Other changes to the MOT testThe department confirmed this is just one of numerous measures being introduced to address faults within the MOT system. James Harding, motor industry expert at tyre supplier Blackcircles, discussed some of the broader changes that could come in for the MOT test.