MOT sector could face 'significant' income loss, warns the IMI

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has warned that garages could face 'significant' income loss if they fail to complete annual training by April 30.

Garages risk losing their certificates to offer MOTs if they miss the DVSA deadline, which could have 'serious consequences' on income and road safety, said IMI chief executive, Steve Nash.

“Our concern right now is that a number of MOT technicians have been stuck between a rock and a hard place,” said Nash.

“The increased volumes they faced because of the 2020 MOT extension have made it difficult for them to find the time to complete their training and assessment.

"But the worst of the rush is now over and if they miss the April 30 deadline, they will lose an important revenue stream, not just for MOTs but for the other work that being able to offer MOTs enables.”

Garages and workshops should expect a decline in MOT test demand during April and May as a result of the MOT extension last year, according to BookMyGarage.com.

The number of cars expected to fail their MOT test in 2021 has increased, according to a survey by the Motor Ombudsman.

Nash also highlighted that industry professionals who have not yet taken their assessment may find that they have limited time to retake due to the higher pass rate required by the DVSA, of 80%.

The IMI said it offers an MOT Training and Assessment package, that allows technicians to retake the assessment up to three times, said the IMI.

The IMI MOT training and assessment for 2021 offers three options, training only, assessment only and combined training and assessment.

Failing to hit the deadline also compromises road safety if the MOT test market shrinks, said Nash.

Last year, the DVSA extended MOT tester assesments for one moth due to the coronavirus outbreak.