MOT test numbers up 45 per cent in 2Q 2021

The latest MOT test data released by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) shows that test volumes recovered strongly between April and June of this year, in stark contrast with the disruption caused by last year’s MOT extension. The DVSA data, obtained by BookMyGarage.com through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, shows 45 per cent more MOTs took place in the second quarter of 2021 than in the second quarter 2020. However, test numbers were still down 32 per cent compared to the same period in 2019.

The latest data forms part of a raft of analysis that follows last year’s MOT turbulence, with Continental, ATS Euromaster and BookMyGarage.com. The consensus is probably best summarised by Continental, with the company suggesting the MOT backlog “could cause short-term workshop chaos” as well as sparking off a “new seasonal MOT curve”.

In addition to Continental, ATS Euromaster and BookMyGarage.com’s analyses, Tyres & Accessories has developed its own growing database of MOT data by submitting an independent Freedom of Information requests in order to compare current market developments with medium-term market trends. This information will be published in future editions of Tyres & Accessories and online at Tyrepress.com.

So, what’s been happening? In short, the six-month extension saw a huge decline in MOT test numbers between April and June last year, but a large increase between September and December as MOTs eligible for the extension took place later in the year. As a result of that the remainder of 2021 is expected to be busy again for the aftersales sector, but to a lesser extent as the same period in 2020.

“While MOT test numbers between April and June are still some way off 2019 levels, it’s interesting to see numbers have recovered by almost half, or some 1.7 million tests,” commented Karen Rotberg, Co-Founder of BookMyGarage.com. “That means approximately half of the 3.4 million additional MOT tests that took place between September and December last year have already been conducted. So, while this autumn and winter will still be busier than normal for garages, we don’t expect it to be quite to the same extent as last year.”

“We knew the six-month MOT extension would have an impact lasting several years, but this data shows that in the first year alone, MOT numbers have already rebalanced somewhat.”

Some sources suggest that the recovery of MOT test numbers in the challenging second quarter of 2021 is likely to have been driven by a combination of used cars being sold with a new MOT, and three-year-old cars having an MOT test for the first time.