MOT backlog to peak in October, DVSA data suggests

Tests to overtake pre-exemption demand from August as new seasonal testing calendar emerges

MOT backlog to peak in October, DVSA data suggests
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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 demand in August and is forecast to continue rising before reaching a peak around October/November when the volume of tests is expected to be 200 per cent above normal levels.

The data suggests testing won’t return to normal levels until around February 2021 before a significant drop in demand come March, marking one year since the six-month MOT exemption was announced.

Related: Six-month MOT exemption to end 1 August, here’s your questions answered

DVSA testing forecast.

Garage owners are being encouraged to prepare now ahead of a surge in demand.

Andy Hamilton, CEO at LKQ Euro Car Parts said: “As an industry, there are steps we will need to take to adapt for the new demand curve that will begin in October and prepare workshops for the high number of tests that will be required throughout the winter months.

“With this in mind, we’re encouraging garages to prepare now.

“This includes ensuring testers stay on top of their training to make sure they are ready not just to deal with, but to benefit from this increase in demand.

Related: Autotech Recruit MOT contractor demand up 1000 per cent

“Investments in increased capacity are likely to pay off, so we also suggest training up new testers, and considering whether there’s scope to add another testing bay in the workshop.”

The forecast follows an announcement by the Department for Transport (DfT) earlier this week, revealing that the six-month MOT exemption for cars, vans and motorcycles will end on 1 August.

The data will likely raise questions about why nothing is being done to ease new seasonal testing peaks.

The DVSA has issued guidance to all MOT testers about safely conducting tests in line with the latest government advice.

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Garage Wire · #3 Preparing your garage for a spike in MOT demand

Home Page Forums MOT backlog to peak in October, DVSA data suggests

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    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 n
    [See the full post at: MOT backlog to peak in October, DVSA data suggests]

    #198029 Reply
    Alastair Mayne
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    We’ve been expecting the demand spike to happen in October/November ever since the silly 6 month extension was first put into place. We have been encouraging out customers to retain their original test dates for a number of reasons. Firstly by explaining to them that it is their responsibility to ensure that their car is safe & road worthy (and how will they know without it being tested?). Also, as they are used to always having their MOT test at the same time of year it is easier for them to remember and keep to the same routine, and finally because it will be far more difficult to book an MOT test appointment in six months time because of the overwhelming demand due to the additional test that will be required. Of course the sensible customers have understood this reasoning and have followed our advice. The other customers who have just looked at this as an opportunity to not spend their test fee for a further six months are also the sort of customer who usually presents their cars for an MOT test on the day of expiry, to be told afterwards “didn’t you realise that you have four bald tyres and two broken springs?” (Or something similar). Who would usually reply “No I didn’t, but that might expect the knocking noise we’ve been hearing for the last couple of months!”.
    As far as our preparation for this is concerned, we have on full-time MOT tester (who does nothing else but tests), plus one of other technicians is also qualified, and we are thinking of getting another one trained up in time for the spike too. We are lucky that we have a total of three testing lanes so if necessary, testing can be done on these ramps instead of servicing, but we will also need the ability to deal with the inevitable spike in necessary repairs in order for these vehicles be become road-worthy again.
    Fortunately we do love a challenge!

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