New 2025 MOT test changes affecting every driver | Tech News

Motorists could also be unaware of new MOT test changes launched earlier this yr, with drivers securing assessments in September and October affected. Earlier this yr, the DVSA began asking MOT test garages to take a photograph of automobiles within the testing bay earlier than enterprise an examination. 

To begin an MOT test, examiners will need to take a photograph of the car with a telephone or pill with footage saved towards the vehicle document. The transfer is designed to cut down on fraud and stop a spate of so-called ‘ghost MOTs’. These are move certificates which have been issued by garages even when the car was by no means truly examined by mechanics. 

The observe permits automobiles in probably harmful situation to remain on UK roads as a substitute of being flagged up and any points fixed.

The DVSA stated: “We know ghost MOTs account for nearly 80% of all fraudulent MOTs, making it a clear area for us to tackle. Knowing if a vehicle is where it should be at the time of test should reduce the number of MOTs carried out when the vehicle isn’t present, or isn’t the same vehicle as the details being entered into MTS.  

“Potentially, both authorised examiners and DVSA will be able to see the images stored against the test record, and this will help all of us to crack down on fraud. 

“It will enable us to focus our efforts on helping garages do the right thing, but also free up time to focus on those who are not and deal with them accordingly.”

September is among the many busiest intervals for MOT exams with round three million exams predicted this month. October is equally busy, with highway customers urged to ebook forward to make sure they’ll secure a test earlier than their certificates expires. 

It is towards the principles to drive on UK roads with out a legitimate certificates, which means those that fail to secure a slot earlier than their expiry date will not be allowed to drive. Garages had been beforehand advised to only take a photograph of the car’s quantity plate however the DVSA has inspired centres to as a substitute {photograph} your entire vehicle.

However, the DVSA has defined that that is simply the beginning, with more technology prone to be adopted later down the road. 

They added: “Our original aim with capturing images of vehicles was to ultimately prevent fraudulent, ghost MOTs happening, and we think this method will be a better way of allowing us to do this. Although we’re focusing on the image capture of the whole vehicle right now, we still want to see how we might be able to use technology to interpret the image capture – for example checking the location, the registration plate or vehicle type. 

“However, we are taking this one step at a time – we know many of you found this useful last time, but we want to start with getting the basics working.”