The DVSA has moved into the second phase of its MOT test trial aimed at stopping “ghost MOTs” – and it’s quickly gaining momentum. With the trial expanding, it’s becoming increasingly likely that these changes could soon become a legal requirement for all MOT centres across the UK.
As a fleet management specialist committed to road safety, compliance, and transparency, Fleet Service GB welcomes measures that reinforce vehicle roadworthiness. Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how our initiatives support this shift.
What Are “Ghost MOTs”?
“Ghost MOTs” occur when testers issue MOT certificates without actually testing the vehicle. Only a small number of testers do this, but it still has a big impact on road safety.
Phase One of the DVSA trial required MOT testers to take and upload photos of the vehicle to prove it was present for the inspection. Following positive results, the DVSA is now scaling up.
If you missed our initial update, you can still read it here:
DVSA Completes First Phase Trial on Crackdown of ‘Ghost’ MOTs
Phase Two – What’s Changing?
The expansion of the trial shows clear intent from the DVSA to make photographic evidence part of the standard MOT process.
Key Updates:
- The number of participating garages has increased from 62 to 244
- Photographic proof of the vehicle during MOT testing must be uploaded to the digital MOT Testing Service
- Drivers do not need to be informed that photographs are being taken
- Images are stored for 12 months, unless required for legal reasons
- Participating centres are required to display the updated VT9A fees & appeals poster
Industry expectation is that this process will be made mandatory nationwide.
Why This Matters for Fleet Operators
For fleets, these changes align with the direction the industry needs to move in — greater visibility, traceability, and proof of compliance. Benefits to fleets include:
- Confidence that MOT tests are properly conducted
- Improved audit evidence
- Clearer documentation of vehicle condition at test
- Extra reassurance when purchasing vehicles with MOT history
As a fleet, this creates an opportunity to strengthen internal compliance processes and better monitor vehicle condition throughout the year — not just at MOT time.
Our Approach at Fleet Service GB: Supporting Compliance Beyond MOTs
These changes echo the culture of proactive care and accountability that Fleet Service GB has always promoted. Two of our long-standing initiatives already support the DVSA’s direction of travel by increasing visibility, behaviour change, and vehicle care across fleets.
Eyes and Ears – Our Collaborative Safety Approach
Our “Eyes and Ears” approach ensures that everyone involved in the care of a fleet vehicle — whether a driver, technician, line manager or support team member — plays a part in reporting issues.
This proactive approach aims to:
- Raise awareness of vehicle condition at every touchpoint
- Encourage reporting of defects or concerns as soon as they are spotted
- Support prompt decision-making to keep vehicles compliant and safe
- Feed into overall risk scoring and driver support
In short, Eyes and Ears brings continuous visibility to the vehicle condition — bridging the gap between scheduled servicing, MOTs, and daily use. The DVSA’s photographic approach only reinforces the value of transparency that Eyes and Ears has stood for over many years.
Stop & Think – Changing Driver Behaviour to Reduce Risk
Stop & Think is our ongoing road-safety campaign designed to influence driver behaviour and reduce avoidable damage. It encourages drivers to pause and consider the potential consequences before making decisions on the road.
The campaign focuses on:
- Raising awareness of driving as a high-risk activity
- Highlighting real examples of wear, damage, and poor maintenance
- Encouraging mindful decisions to prevent unnecessary incidents
- Reducing downtime, maintenance costs, and safety risks
By sharing real vehicle examples from our support network, we help drivers see the real-world impact of neglect, misuse, or rushed decisions. This aligns perfectly with the DVSA’s goal of reinforcing accountability in vehicle upkeep.
What Should Garages and Fleets Do Now?
For MOT Garages:
- Ensure internal processes allow smooth upload and storage of MOT photos
- Display the updated VT9A poster for transparency
- Train testers on photographic standards and secure handling
- Prepare for further DVSA rollout and potential full implementation
For Fleets:
- Review your MOT and maintenance compliance strategy
- Strengthen communication between drivers, fleet stakeholders, and garage partners
- Reinforce behaviours promoted through Stop & Think and Eyes and Ears
- Plan for more digital evidence and record-keeping as industry standard
FAQs About MOT Test Changes and “Ghost MOTs”
Why is the DVSA introducing MOT photos?
To stop testers issuing MOT certificates without a genuine inspection and to improve road safety.
Will this become compulsory for all MOT centres?
The scale of Phase Two strongly suggests a national rollout is likely.
Do drivers get a say in the photographs being taken?
No – images form part of the MOT verification process and do not require driver consent.
Can drivers access these images?
No – the DVSA stores the images securely for 12 months and only uses them if needed for legal or compliance reasons.
FAQs About Fleet Service GB
What does Fleet Service GB do?
We provide fleet management, maintenance, compliance services, and driver safety support to companies operating vehicle fleets across the UK.
How does Eyes and Ears support fleet safety?
It ensures that anyone interacting with a vehicle takes responsibility for reporting concerns, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing risk.
What is Stop & Think?
A behavioural safety campaign designed to help drivers make safer and more thoughtful decisions on the road, reducing risk, damage and downtime.
Final Thoughts
The DVSA’s trial signals a move towards a more transparent and accountable MOT process that’s likely to become standard across the UK. For fleets, it highlights the ongoing need for proactive vehicle care and responsible driver behaviour — principles we reinforce through Eyes and Ears and Stop & Think.
By staying aware and prepared, fleets and garages can adapt smoothly as these changes develop. We’ll continue to monitor progress and share updates to support you every step of the way.
