A new photo feature is being introduced across MOT testing centres in Great Britain, allowing testers to photograph vehicles during inspections and upload the image directly to the MOT testing service.
The national rollout began on 3 August 2026 and initially covers around 2,500 garages in England, Scotland and Wales.
<h3>Why Photos Are Being Added</h3>
The main purpose of the system is to provide additional evidence that a vehicle was physically present at the garage when its MOT test took place.
The measure is intended to deter fraudulent MOT activity, reduce the risk of certificates being issued when no vehicle is present, support vehicle identity checks and strengthen public confidence in the testing system. It is also expected to contribute to wider road-safety objectives.
Importantly, the photograph does not replace any part of the existing MOT inspection. It is an additional verification tool rather than a substitute for the checks already required during a test.
<h3>How the New System Works</h3>
Testers do not need to install a separate application. They can register the vehicle, take the photograph and complete the MOT using a smartphone, tablet or another compatible mobile device.
Alternatively, a test can be started on a desktop computer. The tester can then scan a QR code with a mobile device and use it to take and upload the vehicle photograph.
Images are sent directly to the MOT testing service and are not saved in the device's camera roll or photo gallery.
<h3>Photos Are Still Optional</h3>
During the current phase, taking and uploading a photograph is not compulsory. Testers who cannot provide an image can continue with the MOT after selecting the most appropriate reason within the testing service.
A garage will not be prevented from recording an MOT result simply because a photograph cannot be taken or uploaded.
The phased introduction is intended to give garages time to make any necessary changes to equipment, internet connectivity and working procedures. Testers are nevertheless being encouraged to begin using the feature where possible, particularly because photographs could become mandatory in the future.
<h3>Previous Trials Were Positive</h3>
The nationwide rollout follows two earlier trials involving 311 garages. Feedback from testers was described as overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting that the feature was straightforward to use and had little or no effect on overall MOT testing times.
The trials also identified technical issues that could affect individual garages, including device compatibility, browser settings, network connectivity and local IT restrictions. The photo-upload process was subsequently improved to increase reliability and overall performance.
<h3>What Garages Need to Know</h3>
Authorised examiners, designated managers and site managers can check existing MOT test logs to see whether a photograph was uploaded. Where no image was provided, they can also see the reason recorded by the tester.
Garages experiencing problems are advised to check their internet or Wi-Fi connection, mobile-device compatibility, browser permissions and local network restrictions before contacting support.
The current rollout is only the first stage. Garages not included among the initial 2,500 sites do not need to take any action yet, as further phases will follow. For motorists, the MOT itself remains unchanged for now, but the addition of photographic evidence marks another step towards tighter verification and stronger safeguards against fraudulent testing.
