DVSA set to introduce nationwide MOT photo checks

The DVSA is planning to roll out a new nationwide ruling which will require all MOT test centres in the UK to provide photo evidence of the checks carried out.

A six-week trial has already taken place and the DVSA has confirmed positive results as it aims to crackdown against dodgy tests and illegal modifications being used, with the initiative tested at 62 garages.

From the 62 garages a total of 170 testers took part, and they covered all kinds of vehicles including motorbikes. The tests were carried out at independent garages, chains, dealerships and local council testing stations.

The DVSA says that alongside MOT fraud, the photo check initiative was introduced to combat illegal mods such as small number plates.

Around 450-500 photos of the checks were uploaded every weekend in the six-week trial. And according to the results, the ten busiest garages reported more than 90 per cent upload success, which means a second phase of the initiative will take place before a planned rollout across all MOT text centres comes into effect.

In a statement on its Matters of Testing blog, the government said: “The six-week nationwide trial saw just over 170 MOT testers in 62 garages take part. Together, they cover all vehicle classes and include independent garages, chains, dealerships and local council testing stations.

“Using a mobile phone or tablet, testers were asked to take a photo and upload it through the MOT Testing System (MTS) – where it was attached to the MOT record for that vehicle. 

“The response has been impressive. Around 450-500 photos were uploaded each weekday – by the end, over 13,000 photos from all 62 garages had been submitted. Testers were able to get to grips with the technology quickly and by the end of the first week, the top 10 busiest garages in the trial had an upload success rate of 90.2 per cent.”

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