MOT centres can remain open, DVSA confirms

Today (Monday 11 January 2021), the DVSA updated its MOT guidance to clarify that “MOT centres can stay open in all areas of Great Britain, including during the national lockdown in England, the temporary lockdown in Scotland, and all of Wales in alert level 4 (lockdown)”. The same guidance always specifies that motorists are still required to get an MOT and there is no MOT exemption this time. As a result, garages across the UK should ensure that customers know that tyre fitting, vehicle repair and MOT services are permitted during the latest lockdown restrictions. At the same time, motorists need to know that there is no MOT exemption.

The same advice is being promoted by garage management specialist, TechMan Leo Freebairn of TechMan said: “It’s pleasing to see that garage services have once again been permitted to continue operating and we welcome the DVSA’s confirmation that MOT testing will also continue. “As with everything during this pandemic though, there’s still a lot of confusion and it’s down to garages to proactively communicate what the latest restrictions mean to their customers. The message is simple; workshops are permitted to remain open and the DVSA has indicated that there will not be another MOT extension at this time, so motorists must ensure their vehicle is roadworthy with a valid MOT.”

The TechMan garage management system features tools that send customised text messages and emails to customers for notifying them of your business’s response to new lockdown restrictions as well as booking reminders, quotes and job information. Other features include Electronic Vehicle Health Checks, Real-Time Technician Efficiency, PDQ Integration, LKQEuro Car Parts Catalogue with electronic ordering, Tech Data and Web bookings direct to diary.