Motorists in the UK are facing potential changes to the MOT test, advised by the DVSA. The new procedure involves taking photographs of vehicles during the MOT process, aimed at combating the issue of ‘ghost MOTs’. This term refers to situations where a vehicle is issued an MOT certificate without actually undergoing the requisite test.
Details of the MOT Test Changes
The DVSA has initiated a trial featuring this photographic requirement, which has proven to be a success. The initial phase included:
- 170 MOT testers
- 62 garages
- 13,000 photos uploaded
This success has led to plans for a significant expansion of the trial. The number of participating garages will increase to 244, nearly four times the initial count. Paul Barker, editor of Auto Express, indicated that this measure is likely to become mandatory across the UK.
Anticipated Impact on Road Safety
The DVSA emphasized the importance of this initiative in ensuring road safety. A spokesperson noted that while only a small fraction of testers are involved in MOT fraud, it poses a considerable risk to drivers and the general public. The aim is to establish a fair standard for testing vehicles.
Trial Protocols and Driver Awareness
The DVSA clarified that drivers are not required to be informed when their vehicle is photographed during an MOT test. The images are part of a standard verification process. Furthermore, vehicle presenters cannot request to see or delete these images. However, the photographs are systematically removed from the database after one year unless needed for legal reasons.
Drivers can identify participating garages by looking for an updated VT9A fees and appeals poster, which includes information about the photographic process. This visibility is intended to promote transparency in the testing process.
Future Possibilities
Paul Barker also suggested that making these photographs publicly accessible could be beneficial. Such a measure would assist various stakeholders, including the DVLA, law enforcement, and insurance companies, in verifying vehicle statuses. Additionally, integrating photographs into the existing online MOT history could enhance consumer trust, particularly for prospective used car buyers.
