DVSA ‘Photos at Test’ Scheme to prevent MOT ‘Ghosting’
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has taken a major digital step forward in its ability to eliminate Ghost MOTs. Following several successful local pilot schemes, the DVSA has launched its national rollout of the “Photos at Test” scheme, initially to around 2,500 garages across Great Britain.
A “Ghost MOT” occurs where a VT20 or VT30 Pass/Fail certificate is issued for a vehicle that has not physically been tested or was not physically present at the VTS, but test data was entered onto MTS to obtain what will be a false certificate. According to DVSA enforcement data, these fake inspections account for nearly 80% of all fraudulent MOT activities.
Under the new scheme Testing Stations will be encouraged to upload photographs taken during the testing process although this will not be mandatory during the initial rollout period. Testers can still complete an MOT if they are unable to take or upload a photograph. The scheme is designed to stop Ghost MOTs by providing photographic evidence that a vehicle was physically present during the MOT inspection.
For HGV operators and transport businesses, the immediate impact is likely to be minimal, although the rollout reflects the DVSA’s continued focus on strengthening compliance and reducing fraud within the MOT testing system.
How the Photo Scheme Works
The newly system relies on a seamless, secure, and rapid verification mechanism built straight into the MTS:
- Live Capture Only: Using a smartphone, tablet, or other connected device, Testers will capture a live photo of the vehicle actively positioned inside the testing bay or on the inspection ramp.
- No Pre-Stored Files: To prevent the alteration or re-use of images from an entirely different “donor” vehicle, the system will block an upload from a device’s pre-existing camera roll or gallery.
- QR Code Integration: Testers working on a desktop computer simply scan an on-screen QR code with their mobile device to instantly trigger the camera function and upload the image seamlessly.
- Strict Visibility Requirements: The final uploaded photo must clearly show the entire front or rear of the vehicle, its registration plate, and the surrounding environment of the inspection bay.
The uploaded images will be archived for 12-months for enforcement audits before being automatically deleted.
Impact
Whilst the scheme is starting as a voluntary mechanism for garages during its initial phased expansion, the DVSA has heavily hinted that photo-uploads will likely transition into a mandatory nationwide scheme in the future. Early trial evaluations involving thousands of uploads revealed much positive feedback, with most Testers reporting that the digital step had little to no impact on overall testing times.
By providing undeniable, time-stamped proof of a vehicle’s physical presence, the “Photos at Test” goes a long way to eliminating Ghosting.
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