MOT testers could be required to upload a digital image of every vehicle they put through the test, in the latest attempt to fight MOT fraud. There have been cases of ‘ghost’ MOTs, where the bike, car or truck is given a test pass without even visiting the test centre. From March 2025 the agency is trialling a new digital image capture system, which should prove that the vehicle in question really was undergoing the test.

“We want to create a level playing field where high quality testing is the standard,” said Chris Price, the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency’s head of MOT policy. “Capturing images at the time of the test will help prevent fraud while ensuring MOTs are conducted correctly.”

Also on MOTs, an increase in fee could be on the cards. The Independent Garage Association is to meet roads minister Lilian Greenwood, pointing out that the fee hasn’t changed in 14 years.

Jim Freeman, chair of the BMF said: “Is there a connection between the cameras and the increase in fees? Very expensive those cameras. Without trying very hard I can think of a number of ways to beat the system already. I also thought that exhaust emissions were tested in real time linked to the testing software, or is that no longer the case?”

Written by Peter Henshaw

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