The Motor Ombudsman is urging vehicle owners to book their MOT in advance, especially if they are heading on holiday in the coming weeks.
With motorists able to arrange their annual check up to a month before it becomes void, and therefore keeping their renewal date, it is beneficial to book in advance, and benefit from extra awareness of a vehicle’s safety.
With MOT season still occurring due to the delays through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also important for motorists to ensure they are able to book a slot for their annual test in advance rather than wait to the last minute, and risk missing their due date.
Booking an MOT in advance carries a number of key benefits for consumers, namely that it:
- Reduces the risk of driving illegally without a valid MOT certificate, which can incur a £1,000 fine, points on their driving licence, and invalidate their insurance in the event of an accident.
- Helps avoid a last-minute rush, potential delays in their cars being tested, and may offer more availability at test stations that fits better with their personal and work commitments.
- Can give the opportunity to address any necessary repairs identified during the check, ensuring a vehicle is safe to drive, and reducing time off the road.
The Motor Ombudsman accreditation
With this in mind, The Motor Ombudsman is reminding consumers to check its online Garage Finder, to seek one of its 7,500 accredited workshops. These businesses follow The Motor Ombudsman’s Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI)-approved Motor Industry Code of Practice for Service and Repair.
“An MOT is a legal obligation, an annual check that ensures your vehicle meets the required road safety and environmental standards,” commented Rebecca Pullan, Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman-accredited Carmaster Garage in Harrogate. “Contrary to the misconception of some consumers, there is no grace period once the MOT certificate becomes void. This means we always advise securing an appointment in advance, to ensure that the test is done well ahead of the deadline.
“As a general rule, it is good practice to bring your car to a garage for routine checks at least twice a year. Many drivers like to schedule their annual check and service for the same time, as they are just making one trip to the garage. However, ‘uncoupling’ these visits means vehicle owners are much more likely to catch small issues before they become serious problems. This can therefore help avoid incurring unwanted expense in the long run.”
For workshops, reminding drivers of their obligation when it comes to their MOT is another area of education they must embark on to ensure their vehicles remain safe. This is especially true when it comes to the summer getaway, with drivers not considering essential maintenance, servicing, checks or their MOT.
Bill Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman, explained: “As the summer holiday period gets underway, and with millions of drivers set to take to the nation’s roads, we are urging consumers who own cars of three or more years age to arrange the annual assessment as soon as possible in advance of their trip. This gives a better chance of securing a booking at their preferred business, whilst it also helps spread the workload for MOT stations, particularly in locations across the country where garages may be busy.”
