National rollout of Photos at Test

Earlier this year we completed phase 2 of the MOT Photos at Test trial, formerly known as Images in Garages. Phase 2 of the trial was really important because it showed that we’d progressed to a point where national rollout is now possible.

Why we’re introducing photos at test

Although rare, MOT fraud compromises road safety and damages the reputation of hard working MOT testers across the country.

We’re introducing photos at test to:

help deter fraudulent MOT activity reduce the risk of MOT certificates being issued when the vehicle is not at the testing station improve confidence in MOT testing contribute to road safety objectives Results of the trials

Across phases 1 and 2 of the trials, over 300 garages took part, uploading over 60,000 images to MTS with a 92% success rate.

The trials also demonstrated that the feature had minimal impact on testing times, with initial tests remaining at around 40 minutes and retests only slightly longer.

We were also pleased to see that 88% those involved in the trial were ‘very satisfied’ or ‘satisfied’ with how easy the new feature was to use.

Overall, the trials were a success and demonstrated how well testers adapted to including a photo of the vehicle being tested in the testing bay.

Next steps

On 3 August 2026, the national rollout began and an additional 2,500 garages across Great Britain received access to the feature. 

Over time we will provide access to more garages until all MOT testers have access to upload photos.

We’d recommend using the new feature once it becomes available to your garage. Familiarise yourself with how it works, as it may become mandatory in future.

How to take a photo of the test

You’ll see the new feature on the test registration process once your garage is given access:

On a desktop

Scan the QR code shown during the vehicle registration process using a device with a camera and internet connection, such as a phone or tablet.

Take the photo of the vehicle in the testing bay. The image will automatically upload to MTS.

With a phone or tablet

During vehicle registration, you can upload an image of the vehicle on the testing equipment directly.

Take the photo of the vehicle in the testing bay. The image will upload directly to MTS.

Taking the photo correctly

Taking the photo while the vehicle is on the test equipment is important as this achieves the objective of proving the vehicle was at the testing site at the time of the test.

Your photo needs to be similar to the one above as it follows MTS guidance. The image is good quality, and the vehicle is easy to identify, confirming it was present in the testing bay at the time of the test.

The photo should:

not be blurry or distorted clearly show the vehicle in the testing bay have the number plate completely legible and visible

Getting to national rollout

Over the next few months, we’ll add the feature to all vehicle testing sites, so if you do not currently see it as an option, you will soon. If you have any questions, please do leave us a comment below.

https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/national-rollout-of-photos-at-test/

seen at 16:43, 14 August in Matters of Testing.