The DVSA has launched a new campaign – ‘Beat the Rush’ – designed to help garages encourage customers to have their MOT completed early, especially those given extensions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
These extensions will start to expire in October, meaning workshops are likely to see increased demand as those with new dates will clash with drivers whose MOTs were already due to expire in the autumn. The DVSA believes demand for tests will peak in October and November, while September and December will continue their trend of being busy. The authority believes that August will be quiet, even though the extension process ends at the start of the month.
“That means we may be able to persuade drivers to get their MOT test early. This will give them peace of mind that their vehicle is safe and roadworthy, and will mean they beat the rush in autumn,” the DVSA said in a blog post.
“For garages, this approach will help you to manage demand and make sure you can meet your customer’s needs during a very busy period.”
Toolkit in place
It is likely that customers will have questions about booking an MOT early, while the push to encourage drivers to book in August means further engagement with drivers. Therefore, the DVSA has put together a toolkit to make the process easier.
It includes draft messages for social media, for customer emails or texts, and graphics you can add to your posts, messages or website. The toolkit includes information about the campaign, and some key messages which you can use to start a conversation with customers.
The DVSA will be taking part too, messaging customers who have signed up to the MOT reminder if service if their MOT is due in autumn, encouraging them to get it done early. The authority will also utilise its social media platforms and will speak to national press to raise awareness of the safety benefits linked to an earlier MOT booking.
“By working together, we can manage the unprecedented demand for MOTs which will start to peak as more and more customers try to get their vehicles tested from September onwards’” the DVSA added.
Get involved
The Beat the Rush campaign will begin on 31 July 2020, to coincide with the end of MOT exemptions on 1 August.
Throughout August, the campaign will encourage motorists to move their MOT forward and avoid getting their MOT done during the busy period this autumn.
You can download the Beat the Rush – Campaign Toolkit here
