TechMan is urging garages to make sure they customers know there’s no MOT exemption this time, and that they must make sure that they seek an MOT for their car if it is due.

The advice came as concerns grow over the possibility that motorists may delay or even miss servicing and MOTs as a result of the new lockdown. In fact, guidance released last week in both England and Scotland states that garages can remain open. The situation in Wales, which remains at Alert Level Four, is the same.

Leo Freebairn of TechMan observed: “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.”

Leo added: “We all know that communication is key to building a strong customer rapport but there’s never been a more important time to go the extra mile by offering your professional expertise and advice during the ongoing pandemic.”