Let’s be honest, when you signed up to be an MOT Tester or run an MOT testing station, you probably didn’t imagine photography would become part of the job description, and then along comes MOT ramp photography!
Over the past year, DVSA has been trialling photo capture as part of the MOT process, and if you’ve been involved, you’ll know it’s not always as simple as point, shoot, and upload.
So what’s the deal with photographing cars on ramps, and why are we bothering in the first place?
Let’s lift the bonnet and take a look…
Why Are We Taking Photos Anyway?
First off, MOT ramp photography isn’t about catching people out for the sake of it. It’s about protecting the integrity of the MOT system. We all know that fraud and errors, whether intentional or accidental, can creep in. By taking a photo of the vehicle on the ramp during its MOT, the DVSA can:
- Confirm the vehicle was actually there.
- Spot inconsistencies that might indicate dodgy goings-on.
- Help stop testers getting caught out by cloned vehicles or fake identities.
It’s one extra tool in the box for keeping standards high and honest garages protected, because, let’s face it, most of us are doing the job right but we all suffer when someone isn’t!
Sounds Simple… But Is It?
Not quite. The first round of trials in 2023 was an eye-opener.
The idea seemed straightforward: take a photo of the vehicle while it’s on the ramp – but, as anyone who’s tried it will tell you, that’s easier said than done.
Here are just a few of the issues that stations ran into:
1. Getting a Clear Shot
Some garages had lighting that made it hard to capture a decent photo. Others had cramped working spaces where stepping back far enough to get the whole vehicle in the frame was nigh on impossible!
2. Tech Woes
Not every garage has decent Wi-Fi or the latest smartphones. Some had to wrestle with uploading photos, logging into systems, or just trying to get a clear picture in the first place.
3. Workflow Disruption
MOT testers are already juggling a lot. Adding photography into the process felt like “one more thing to do”, especially when it wasn’t clear exactly when in the test the photo needed to be taken.
What’s Changing?
The DVSA didn’t just throw the idea of MOT ramp photography out there and walk away. They’ve been listening to feedback from the garages involved and refining the approach.
In the latest updates:
- There’s more clarity about when to take the photo (hint: during the under-body inspection).
- Garages are being guided on what the photo should show (the whole vehicle on the ramp, ideally with the reg plate visible).
- Some tech kinks are being ironed out to make uploads easier.
They’ve also confirmed that the trial is expanding to more garages – so if you’re not part of it yet, you might be soon.
We’ve also heard that testers will be asked to upload a photo via QR code during the logging on process, not during the actual test itself. This should mean there’s no need to keep the photos as they will immediately upload, which ensures there are no GDPR implications and no interruption to the actual testing process.
Tips from the Workshop Floor
If you’re part of the trial or just want to be ready, here are a few tips from testers who’ve been there:
- Use a clean camera lens (you’d be amazed what a difference it makes).
- Angle the shot so you’re not fighting the lights above.
- Talk to your team and build the photo step into your usual MOT routine, it gets easier with practice!
If you’d like to read more about the results of the trial and see some examples of how the photographs should look – check out this article from Gov.uk: Matters of Testing
What’s In It for Us?
Sure, it’s a bit of extra effort but there’s a bigger picture (no pun intended!).
By making the MOT testing process more robust, we all benefit. Honest stations are protected, dodgy practices get weeded out, and the public gets safer vehicles on the road.
In a world where trust matters more than ever, showing we’re doing things properly goes a long way.
Got Feedback?
If you’ve been part of the photo trial or just have strong views about photography and oily overalls, DVSA wants to hear from you. They’re still shaping how this will roll out long-term, and your input really does matter.
In the meantime, keep snapping those ramps, adjusting your angles, and proving that real MOT testers don’t cut corners.
Got questions about the MOT photo trial? Get in touch (karena@themotgroup.co.uk), we’d love to hear from you.