DVSA issue COVID-19 update
Published: 24 September, 2020
DVSA has issued an update on MOT testing during the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The Government has announced that new measures will be introduced on 24 September to limit the spread of coronavirus,” said the update. “Currently the new restrictions do not affect MOT garages. MOT testing which has carried on throughout the pandemic, should continue.”
The organisation reminded garages about the guidance it previously published, and directed garages towards it: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-mot-centre-and-tester-guidance
With MOT testing stations facing unprecedented demand following the end of the MOT exemption, the DVSA went on to say: “We know you are dealing with extra demand for MOTs this autumn, because of the six-month MOT exemption which was introduced to help prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
“To help you manage demand, we’ve created a toolkit of materials for you to send to your customers: https://mattersoftesting.blog.gov.uk/beat-the-rush-mot-campaign/
- MOT calibration: Snap-on support
Snap-on is offering MOT testing stations the opportunity to sidestep the need to source calibration for existing equipment via a special offer on a fully calibrated SUN DGA5000 emissions analyser.
The company says the equipment can be up and running within days of orders being received, and that those who take up the offer will pay nothing for 90 days. When payment is due, it will be interest-free, with a range of payment options available.
Since the end of the MOT exemption, the number of motorists seeking tests has risen significantly, and in a Special Notice DVSA acknowledged that MOT testing stations may find it difficult to get equipment calibrated. While some leeway was permitted if there was proof that a testing station had a calibration booked, it was also pointed out that business unable to prove their equipment has been calibrated and is functioning normally would not be allowed to perform testing.
Commenting on Snap-on’s offer, UK General Manager Mark Ost said: “We can provide you with our industry-leading SUN DGA5000 emissions analyser. You pay nothing for 90 days, ensuring you can generate some much-needed revenue without the worry of having to make a large lump sum payment straight away.
“With over 500,000 consumers choosing to defer their MOT tests, we know this has been a very challenging time for the whole garage industry.
“The positive news is that industry experts expect that the volume of MOT tests to be carried out from August to early 2021 will be over 2.5 times the usual activity, which will hopefully result in tremendous revenue opportunities.”
Mark added: “We know that the demand for the SUN DGA5000 will be high and so in order to meet our customers’ needs, we have been working hard to build up a stock of available product. Place your order now to ensure you get one of these units before supplies are gone.”
To find out more about the offer, call 01553 692422, alternatively, email techsales.uk@snapon.com or visit https://www.snapon.com/diagnostics/uk/MOT-support
- Scrappage to scupper post-lockdown prospects for garages?
Independent garages expecting a surge in customer demand resulting from motorists being unwilling or unable to buy a new car in the wake of COVID-19 and post-lockdown uncertainty could soon have to contend with a scrappage scheme.
- DVSA publishes new ‘Manage your MOT centre’ guide
The DVSA has published new, clearer guidance on how they want to see MOT stations run that puts all relevant information in one place.
- What’s new pussycat? Throwing light on the new Directive
I work in and around MOT testing every day and yet I am daily confronted with new terms and abbreviations, new rules and guidelines faster that I can possibly keep up.
So, just for fun here is a run through the latest DVSA guidance notes where I have added some more easily palatable descriptions and cleared away some of the ‘noise’. If you are a tester then this should help re-enforce your annual training syllabus and if you are involved in the MOT scheme it with hope expands upon the latest DVSA offerings.
New defect categories
Dangerous defects that are fails and present risk to road safety or the environment. Major defects that are fails and categorised as major within the fail criteria. Minor defects that we used to term as optional advisories, but now must be listed. Advisories can still be added manually.
New vehicle categories
- MOT overhaul means more changes for testers
New changes to the MOT testing rules mean that 65,000 MOT Testers must complete new annual training assessments to remain compliant. In response, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), has launched updated Tester training which includes a free eLearning course enabling Testers to access the new assessment via their smart device and qualify them to test under the new EU directive.
