What DVSA has announced
DVSA set out the change in MOT special notice 04-26, published on 29 July 2026. From 3 August 2026, a first group of about 2,500 MOT garages across Great Britain can take a photo of a vehicle at the time of its test and upload it to the MOT testing service.
The national rollout follows two trials involving 311 garages. DVSA says further phases will follow, but it has not given dates.
Why it is being introduced
A photo is evidence that the vehicle was at the garage when it was tested. According to DVSA, the aims are to:
- deter fraudulent MOT activity
- reduce the risk of certificates being issued when no vehicle is present
- support checks on a vehicle's identity
- improve confidence in MOT testing and road safety
Is it compulsory?
Not yet. DVSA's notice says taking and uploading photos is optional at this stage. It encourages garages to start using the feature in case photos become mandatory in future, but no date has been set.
What it means for drivers
For most drivers, nothing changes. The test itself, the items checked and the pass and fail rules stay the same. If you are buying a used car, a fraudulent MOT pass can hide real faults, so this is a welcome step. Always check a car's full MOT history and look for gaps, repeated advisories or mileage that goes backwards.
Sources
- DVSA: MOT special notice 04-26, national rollout of photos at test
- DVSA Matters of Testing blog: national rollout of photos at test
Facts checked against the sources above on 19 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.