10 tips to keep your MOT business running on full power

Mechanic image

Help make sure your MOT testing station or garage is running efficiently by taking on this simple advice

The stresses of running any business can mean that it’s difficult to stay on top of things and make sure you’re as efficient as possible. Nowhere is this felt more acutely than in MOT businesses.

Things are only going to become more hectic as motorists are being urged to book their MOT early this winter to avoid garages and MOT testing stations being overwhelmed.

There’s little doubt that these automotive businesses are already feeling the pressure. Garage and MOT testing station owners have worked through unprecedented times as a result of the pandemic, and business peaks have taken on a new pattern.

So it’s vital that a garage or MOT testing station is run as efficiently as possible, and owners need to adopt good quality processes. It’ll mean businesses have the capacity to manage demand, keep paperwork to a minimum, maintain a good RAG rating, and ensure smooth VTS visits from the DVSA.

Implementing good quality processes will also ensure that potential sales and profits are maximised. And everyone will be in favour of that.

Autotech Training has drawn up a list of tips to help garages and MOT testing stations stay at the top of their game and keep your VTS compliant:

  1. Ensure that MOT tests are being quality controlled and at the correct intervals
  2. Consider utilising a third party to help monitor your testing facility and testing station
  3. Make sure your testers are aware of where to find and how to interpret their own MOT data
  4. Carry out checks of completed MOT paperwork to ensure that the certificate details and vehicle details match, including the VIN Registration and mileage
  5. Ensure all MOT related equipment is calibrated at the correct intervals and maintained according to manufacturer’s instructions
  6. Know your failure rates and average test times and understand why they are what they are
  7. Don’t test outside of your MOT testing hours – this is either before the start time or after the finish time
  8. If a tester is going to be away from the business for longer than three weeks remove them as a tester registered to your authorisation
  9. Make sure you have a qualified MOT Manager on site or a member of your team that works at the testing location, and if not train someone to take on the role
  10. Always ensure that whilst testing is taking place that either the named Site Manager, Authorised Examiner Principal, or Authorised Examiner Designated Manager is on site.

“These are simple, yet effective tips for the owner of a garage or MOT testing station to follow,” said Mandla Ndhlovu, Training Delivery Director for Autotech Training. “Not only does it enable you to run efficiently and profitably, but it demonstrates to consumers that you have committed to the highest quality standards of work and service, giving them the all-important peace of mind.”

Keep your testers compliant and encourage them to book their MOT annual training and assessment today with the IMI