6 AFTERMARKET MARCH 2024 www.aftermarketonline.net MOTs will continue to be undertaken on the existing 3-1-1 pattern, it has been confirmed by Government following the publication of its response to the MOT consultation at the end of January. The consultation, which ran in early 2023 from January to March saw the UK automotive sector come together to oppose proposals move to a 41-1 or 4-2-2 pattern. Commenting on the response, Roads Minister Guy Opperman said: “We have listened to drivers and industry, and keeping MOTs in their current form shows once again that we are on the side of motorists. By offering clarity on MOT tests, alongside our recent street works consultation and unprecedented £8.3 billion to resurface roads, we are helping motorists drive with peace of mind and ensuring Britain’s roads continue to be some of the safest in the world.” The consultation also considered the future of the MOT, and sought opinions on how to move the test forward via advances in vehicle technology such as ADAS, and to address vehicle emissions, with an emphasis on diesel particulate emissions testing. To view the consultation outcome, visit: www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changesto-the-date-of-the-first-mot-test-and-research-int o-other-mot-enhancements For the full industry response to the outcome of the MOT consultation, turn to Big Issue on pages 8-11. MOT consultation response: 3-1-1 to stay in place REPXPERT Conference announced An all-new national REPXPERT Conference is being run by Schaeffler at the Manufacturing Training Centre (MTC) Coventry on Wednesday 22 May 2024, and the day is also set to include the inaugural REPXPERT Awards. Keynote speakers are set to include REPXPERT Ambassador/ The Garage Inspector Andy Savva, Tim Benson of Oldfields Garage, Matt Wiseman of Wiseman Motor Services and Dean Lomas of DC Lomas. The host for the event will be automotive journalist, TV presenter and content creator Abigayle André. Meanwhile, there will also be three repeated breakout lectures presented by the likes of EV servicing and repairs ambassador Matt Cleevely of Cleevely EV, and a Technical Zone covering innovations from Schaeffler and invited workshop service providers including Laser Tools and Garage Hive. Schaeffler Automotive Aftermarket (UK) Sales and Marketing Director Matthew Selby commented: “This action-packed REPXPERT Conference has been created to provide garages with ideas and resources to deliver exceptional service.” Schaeffler will cap attendance at 200 attendees. Free tickets are now available on a first-come, first-served basis. To book, visit: https://oeparts.typeform.com/ to/Nj0eezec 73% of testers still need to take Annual Assessment 73% of MOT testers have still not taken their Annual Assessment and the IMI has warned then that they face additional checks if they miss the 31 March deadline. A new requirement, introduced on 8 January 2024 means that MOT testers must provide a recent basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if they are ‘returning after being lapsed or suspended from testing. This includes being suspended for not completing your annual assessment’. IMI Policy and Public Affairs Lead Hayley Pells said: “This could have a serious impact on garages’ ability to complete MOT testing, and ultimately their customer satisfaction and profitability. Garages therefore need to support their technicians in their training and assessments to avoid any impact on the business.” Hayley added: “MOT testers who fail to meet the deadline will lose their ability to conduct any MOT work until their training and assessment has been completed, and their DBS check has been approved.” For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/IMI-MOT-quals Follow us on Facebook @aftermarketmagazine NEWS In association with:
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