A new feature is being introduced to MOT tests this month in a bid to tackle fraud.
From August 3, garages will be encouraged to take photos of vehicles at the time of the test and upload them to the MOT testing service.
This is part of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency's (DVSA) plan to curb illegal MOT activities and support vehicle identity verification.
The first phase of the national rollout will involve around 2,500 garages across Great Britain.
What's checked in an MOT?
DVSA cracks down on fraudulent activities related to MOT tests
Further phases are expected to follow, with reviews taking place as the rollout continues.
The DVSA said the new feature is designed to reduce the risk of MOT certificates being issued when no vehicle is present.
It hopes to improve confidence in MOT testing and contribute to road safety objectives.
How will the new MOT photo uploads work?
Selected garages can use a phone to register a vehicle, take a photo, and then complete the test.
Alternatively, the test can be started on a computer, with a QR code scanned using a phone to take and upload the photo.
The photo will be directly uploaded to the MOT testing service and will not be stored in the device's camera roll or gallery.
At present, including a photo as part of the new feature is optional, and garages can continue to conduct MOT tests without it.
What can fail an MOT test?
However, the DVSA is strongly encouraging garages to adopt the new feature in anticipation of it potentially becoming a mandatory requirement in the future.
The national rollout follows positive feedback from two successful trials in 311 garages.
Recommended reading:
- Highway Code rule dividing drivers and pedestrians that experts say must be 'clearer'
- DVLA guidance for drivers with ADHD over £1,000 fine risk
- Highway Code warning issued as the road signs most drivers don't understand revealed
The phased introduction of the photo feature across a smaller number of garages from August 3 will allow the DVSA to monitor service performance before wider implementation.
This approach will also enable the DVSA to track how many garages are incorporating photos during an MOT test, thereby gauging the success of the initiative.
Do you think this MOT change is a good idea? Tell us in the comments below.
Share