The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is introducing new measures to address fraud and errors in the MOT testing system, with a focus on enhancing security and accuracy within the process.
As part of the DVSA’s ongoing strategy, announced in 2023, tackling fraudulent activity and ensuring consistent standards across garages have been identified as key priorities. Recent efforts include trialing connected equipment and implementing image capture technology during MOT tests.
Image Capture: A Key Initiative
The DVSA is rolling out trials to incorporate photographic evidence during MOT tests. Under the new prototype feature, testers will be required to capture an image of the vehicle in the testing bay after entering its number plate or VIN.
This feature aims to combat “ghost MOTs”—fraudulent certificates issued without the vehicle being present—by ensuring a record of the vehicle being tested. Key details about the system include:
- Photos must be taken during the test using a phone or tablet. Images cannot be uploaded from external storage.
- The service will provide guidance on what images to capture, with the photos securely stored in the MOT Testing Service (MTS).
- Both authorised examiners and the DVSA will have access to the images for verification purposes.
Chris Price, Head of MOT Policy, explained:
“Ghost MOTs account for nearly 80% of fraudulent tests, so knowing a vehicle is where it should be during testing is critical. Capturing images will help reduce fraud and allow us to focus on garages that need support or enforcement.”
The DVSA plans to trial this system across a range of garages to gather feedback before potentially rolling it out nationwide. Garages interested in participating can sign up here.
Enhanced Security for the MTS Platform
In addition to image capture, the DVSA is strengthening security for the MOT Testing Service (MTS). Recent incidents of compromised accounts highlight the importance of maintaining robust security practices.
To protect accounts, testers are encouraged to:
- Use strong passwords unique to their MTS accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) using apps like Google Authenticator.
- Stay vigilant against phishing emails designed to steal login credentials.
- Log out of shared devices and secure access to personal information.
Ongoing Improvements
The DVSA acknowledges that fraud and errors undermine public trust in the MOT system and the industry at large. These initiatives aim to create a level playing field for all garages, support high-quality testing, and ensure motorists receive the safety standards they rely on.
“While only a small number of testers bring disrepute to the system, even unintentional errors can cause issues for drivers. Our efforts are focused on creating a system where quality and integrity are the standard,” said Price.
Updates on the trials and additional measures will be shared in the coming months as the DVSA continues to refine and improve the MOT process.
