All MOT Matters-Articles relating to MOT Testing in Halifax

Dishonest MOT testers a Nightmare-Halfords MOT tester admits issuing 31 fraudulent certificates

30th January 2023/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters, Automotive industry/by Eric Roberts

Dishonest MOT testers a Nightmare

As the owner of an MOT station then I must sympathise with the huge multi nation companies that are involved with MOT testing. Thus, MOT testing is a very important and trustworthy job to have. So, you are not just working for your particular company but are doing this in conjunction with the UK Government. Consequently, a very responsible position to hold.

In my business in Halifax UK, we have two testers. Both these guys hold very high positions in my business. Indeed they are the key to a successful garage business. As a garage owner we are held fully responsible and regularly checked by the VOSA MOT standards agency. If I had hundreds of MOT testers working for me then I would not sleep at night.

Total trust essential.

Multinational companies such as the company in the attached article must have a difficult job selecting the correct candidates to be an MOT tester. If they get it wrong then heads will certainly roll. So, as I have said as the business owner I am held totally responsible for any wrong doing or Illegal practises by my MOT testers.

Importantly testers are operating under fair but strict rules. Therefore I find it impossible to get my head round the way that these important members of our staff are selected and also kept under control of these strict government guide lines. So, this is probably why that every so often we read stories like this. Members of staff that just cant work within the rules. Consequently this tester from Taunton was caught and prosecuted whilst working for Halfords. I can only hope that these massive companies treat and pay their testers with the greatest of respect, as I do. Otherwise it will surely be big trouble for them!

A Taunton-based MOT tester has admitted issuing 31 MOT certificates without carrying out the required checks. Anton Keith Fricker pleaded guilty to 31 counts when he appeared at Taunton Magistrates’ Courts on July 13 following a

Source: Halfords MOT tester admits issuing 31 fraudulent certificates

MOT backlog peaking in October-DVSA data suggests – Pellon Autocentre Halifax

29th January 2023/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

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MOT backlog peaking in October

So, this graph shows the expected peak when motorists will have to have their cars MOT tested. Along with these cars will be the ones that are due for testing after the August 1st deadline. Crucially, this will mean a very busy time for testing stations to cope with the huge expected influx. Of course it is not only the tests but the work that has to be done once a car fails.

I suspect we will have to add a temporary extra day to cope. With the expected spike in extra MOT failure work. Looking back it all seams a bit crazy and in my opinion the MOT exemptions had no need to take place. In fact many drivers are still having their vehicles tested. Importantly, it is still up to the car owner to make sure the car is roadworthy.

Insurance companies will be reluctant to pay out if an accident occurs and the car is found not to be roadworthy.

Here at pellon Autocentre we will continue to encourage our customers to have their test done on the due date. Firstly as I have just said it is their duty of care to make sure the car is in a good state of repair. Including, such things as tyres are kept in line. However I have an air of excitement now. So cant wait for some catching up to be done! especially after weeks of staff furloughing ?

Eric Roberts

The number of MOT tests is set for a dramatic increase following a return to mandatory testing on 1 August, DVSA data seen by Garage Wire shows. The number of tests is expected to overtake pre-exemption
Source: MOT backlog to peak in October, DVSA data suggests – Garagewire

Two Year MOT Tests still under scrutiny-UK aftermarket lobbying intensifies

23rd January 2023/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters, mot testing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

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Two Year MOT Tests

So this is about the wrangling that continues about our MP’s trying to convert the MOT testing gap to two years. Utterly stupid in my opinion! These MP’s should visit testing stations to see how a modern day car can deteriorate over the current one year period. So, two years would just mean many more dangerous cars on our roads.

However as this attached article states, the motor industry are fighting to knock this stupid idea ion the head. I drive for my business and often depart at 4.30am in the morning. The roads are very busy and in my opinion we are heading for a complete 24hr period of heavy traffic. Ask any lorry driver! No longer can you drive in the UK through the night to try avoid heavy traffic. It is with us now. So testing cars over a two year period is a no brainer and the idea scrapped immediately far safety’s sake alone.

Along with this article I can only hope that the recent conservative re-shuffle will kill the Two Year MOT Tests stone dead and common sense prevails.

UK government lobbying has intensified, the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) and the UK Alliance for the Freedom of Car Repair (UK AFCAR) has said. The IAAF is currently in active dialogue with the Competition and Markets Authority

Source: UK aftermarket lobbying intensifies

Independent garages lead MOT testing-A look at the increased use of Independent Garages in UK

21st January 2023/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

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Independent garages lead MOT testing

Moving forward to May 2021 then the covid threat to us all is now declining due to a great vaccination campaign by the conservative government. So, MOT testing has cleared the backlog caused by the pandemic and we are now testing on a level that is par to post pandemic figures. Of course it is not all over yet but as garage and MOT station then we are all safe and happy to see all our customers again.

This is a great article. Hence, and only emphasises the reason why many small garages are doing so well. Nonetheless, we should keep up with our high standards of customer service. Of course, we would be nothing if it was not for our staff. Staff and training are in my opinion, one of the most important factors. Thus of running a busy successful garage business.

Indeed, without good reliable staff then you may as well forget it. For this reason, our customers return time and time again. Please read the article ,it is filled with many interesting facts about your local independent garage. To be a successful MOT centre, then honesty is the key word.

Eric Roberts

Source: Independent garages lead in MOT testing

Another interesting MOT testing article about a dishonest tester working for Halfords.

Pellon Tyres Remain Open-Garages permitted to remain open during latest lockdown

18th January 2023/0 Comments/in mot testing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

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Pellon Tyres Remain Open

So, yet another “lockdown” ! What good did the other two lockdowns do ! Not sure ! However the good news is that here at Pellon Autocentre then we are able to remain open. Presumably it is to keep the key workers cars on the road. Of course all our regular customers are more than welcome to bring in their cars. of course we will require you to respect the current rules such as mask wearing and social distancing.

Should any of our customers wish to stay at home but require their car repairing then we would like help them. Including collecting and delivering back their cars. So, just call us on 01422 351314 to make the best arrangement to suit you. Of course we are also under pressure so our customers visiting us for repairs is still the best option. Importantly, we can still carry out MOT testing.

Lets hope that the government get the vaccines out quickly and we can get back to normal in the near future.

A new lockdown ordering people to ‘stay at home’ in England and Scotland is now in force but garages are permitted to remain open. The latest government guidance for England states that “vehicle repair and MOT

Source: Garages permitted to remain open during latest lockdown – Garagewire

MOT tester fined £1,300- for issuing fraudulent certificates

18th January 2023/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters, mot testing/by Eric Roberts

MOT tester fined £1,300

An MOT tester who issued false MOT certificates at a Surrey garage was hit with a £1,300 fine and 200 hours of community service. On January 4, Benjamin Aaron Sinclair pleaded guilty in Guildford Magistrates Court to seven offences of fraud by false representation. I must confess that it must be a nightmare when this sort of thing happens in your garage and MOT centre.

Many years ago, I had to advertise for an MOT tester, because the one I had left to go work in a larger main dealer garage. The grass is always greener! The applicants were not what i was looking for. However I manged to select one and crack on with the Testing.

At first I thought he was trustworthy. However, we heard a couple of rumours from people in the trade and discovered otherwise. he was as crafty as a fox. However we managed to catch him fiddling a non MOT item and was dismissed immediately.

Since then I have always trained my MOT testers and promoted within. Ryan Linton and Dale Linton are my long term testers. Alternating the testing with other management skills.

While employed by Godalming Garage Ltd in Godalming, Surrey,

The tester was accused of granting MOT certificates to seven vehicles without executing a test in order to profit financially. The offences happened last year between February 18 and April 6. I am amazed at these people thinking that they can get away with these things. MOT testers are very well monitored at all times. Both by the ministry and also in house as in this case at Godalming garage.

Magistrates also ordered Sinclair to pay £1,300 in costs and a £95 surcharge for victim services, along with 200 hours of unpaid labour to be completed within the next 12 months. GW Podcast: Appreciating the influence of data from the garage workshop
The DVSA registered 1,324 incidents of MOT Fraud between 2021 and 2022. Out of these, 351 cases in 2017 and 710 in 2018 were the most serious cases including dishonesty and negligence, representing a considerable increase.

The DVSA has the authority to prevent anyone from taking tests.

This to me is the worse part. This type of thing brings shame to your garage, just for a few extra pounds in your pocket. MOT testers are hard to find these days. So, there is no need to try a fiddle your employee’s out of a few pounds. However some people are like that and are never satisfied with whatever pay they get at the end of the week.

288 authorised examiners were barred from the MOT programme in 2021, and a total of 127 authorised examiners were prohibited from operating Vehicle Testing Stations.

This includes suspensions for 185 tester cases and 85 authorised examiner cases involving the most serious offences, like dishonesty and gross carelessness.

An MOT tester has been slapped with a £1,300 fine and 200 hours’ community service for issuing fraudulent MOT certificates at a Surrey garage. Benjamin Aaron Sinclair admitted seven counts of fraud by false representation at

Source: MOT tester fined £1,300 for issuing fraudulent certificates

MOT Testing Re-starts- After lockdown restrictions relaxed

17th January 2023/0 Comments/in mot testing Halifax/by Eric Roberts

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MOT Testing Re-starts

Drivers can have there cars tested

Despite the government giving motorists a six-month extension to their MOT due date, Of course, during “lockdown.” Importantly, many people want to keep their cars in good, safe condition. So, it is possible to still have your MOT test at the original due date. Here at Pellon Autocentre in Halifax, we are now carrying out MOT Testing for many of our more responsible customers.

Of course, we must adhere to social spacing and Corona virus regulations. However, with a little thought from both our staff and our customers, this is doable. Happily, we have discovered that the customers prefer to leave their cars with us. Prior to the pandemic, most drivers wanted to remain with their cars after lockdown while the MOT test was carried out. So, as I have said! They now prefer to leave the vehicle with us, and we call them with the test results.

Old favourites turn up for there regular test

Of course, we often see the same cars year after year. Many of these cars are classics and vintage cars. Although legally, these vehicles are no longer required to pass a test. Then the owners prefer to stay safe and have their precious cars tested. Of course, these cars are their owners’ pride and joy. Also they find that having an MOT test carried out reduces their insurance for the year.

Of course, having the cars tested ensures that they are roadworthy and safe to use on our busy roads. In fact, two of our old favourites turned up for a test on the same day. First came the wonderful vintage Bentley Roadster. I believe that this car may be worth a fortune. So, after lunch, a wonderful red Jaguar was left with us for testing in the afternoon. Amazingly, both these cars passed the test with flying colours! They always do! Their owners keep these vehicles in first-class condition, and it is very rare that the cars require any work to pass the MOT test.

MOT Testing Re-starts

Importantly, if you drive your car on the road, you should have the car tested when it is actually due. Please don’t rely on the government’s extension time. Because your insurance company would be furious if the vehicle you were driving had flaws that caused a collision!

MOT Proposals Idiotic-IAAF says MOT proposals are “fraught with danger”

11th January 2023/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

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MOT Proposals Idiotic

The thing I do not understand is who or what actually brought this request in the first place. Of course some lobby group from somewhere have asked for a four year gap before an MOT test can be carried out on new cars. Or is this some watered down proposal from the EU?

We all know that brakes and tyres are not going to last the four years. Hence, before they require an MOT test. At present the time is three years which is most adequate. As a result, this protest report from the IAAF highlights some of the points against the new proposals.

So bringing this post into 2020 then I believe these proposals have now been scrapped. We are now in the process of leaving the European Union. Of course this will all be looked at in the future by the UK department of transport!

Source: IAAF says MOT proposals are “fraught with danger”

British Government MOT Mess-BBC airs aftermarket’s fears over gov’s 4-1-1 MOT proposals

6th January 2023/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

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British Government MOT Mess

With all the extra work that Brexit is giving the Government. Then you would not think that they would have time. Hence to bother about changing good MOT testing legislation. Naturally, it is going to affect MOT garages as well as our customers. Therefore, all we can do is pray that the big guns in the British auto industry start to fire. As a result warn off this idiosyncrasy of a new law. Thus that will be no good to anybody in the long run. We all know that tyre and mechanical parts wear out eventually. Of course usually before the three year first test is due.

So bringing this article forward to 2020. This proposal never really got off the ground. The UK will be coming out of the EU due to the massive majority for the Conservative party giving us Brexit. So, MOT testing will remain the same for the time being. Going forward again none of us can foresee what these crazy politicians could come up with. Consequently at the moment we are trying to tackle the “Corvid 19 virus” causing a world pandemic.

The Government are wanting to stretch this to four years?

Source: BBC airs aftermarket’s fears over gov’s 4-1-1 MOT proposals

DVSA Reflects on 2022 MOT changes

4th January 2023/0 Comments/in All MOT Matters/by Eric Roberts

DVSA Reflects on 2022 MOT changes

6 Reasons to have your car tested on time

It is a legal requirement to have an MOT test done on your vehicle if it is more than 3 years old.
An MOT test checks that your vehicle is safe to drive on the road, so it is important to make sure that it is done on time to ensure the safety of you and other road users.
If you do not have a valid MOT certificate, you could be fined up to £1,000 and your insurance may not be valid.
An MOT test can identify any issues with your vehicle that need to be fixed, so it is a good opportunity to get any necessary repairs done before they become more serious and expensive.
Having an MOT test done on time can help to extend the lifespan of your vehicle by ensuring that it is well maintained.

If you are planning to sell your vehicle, a valid MOT certificate can increase its value.

DVSA Reflects on 2022 MOT changes

The DVSA evaluated “changes and enhancements” it made to the MOT during the course of the previous 12 months.

A new status page for MOT digital services, including MTS and MOT reminders, was introduced at the start of 2022.

The new page displays information on the services in real-time, including whether any of them are down for maintenance or other reasons.

In order to make the AEDM’s responsibilities more apparent, the role was reviewed in march.

More than 97% of MOT testers completed their annual training and assessment in April, which was a record-high completion percentage for the DVSA.

To enable AEs to verify that their testers had finished their evaluation, changes were made to the MTS.

Basic disclosure checks for some MOT testers

Of course, including all newly trained MOT testers, were also implemented by the DVSA in the same month.

Prior to conducting a demonstration test, a basic disclosure certificate, often known as a DBS check, must be presented.Additionally, it implemented new off-site inspections and conducted connected equipment research with MOT shops.

The DVSA upgraded and made it simpler to book MOT demonstration tests online in September.

In order to inform drivers of the additional features added to the MOT reminders and MOT history services, the agency launched a new campaign in October.

It is now simpler for drivers to access and print their MOT certificates as well as monitor and modify their MOT reminders.”We couldn’t have accomplished these improvements without your cooperation and support, so thank you from everyone at DVSA,” a DVSA spokeswoman said.

“We anticipate expanding on this effort in the coming year.”

The DVSA has reflected on “changes and improvements” that it made to the MOT in the past 12 months. The beginning of 2022 saw a new status page for MOT digital services, including MTS and MOT

Source: DVSA celebrates 2022 MOT changes