December/January 2018

idea in some quarters, but it does bring attention to the test. This kind of discussion can help to bring the public on board with the test. For example Autoglass performed a survey on 1,000 motorists recently, and they found that 48% of those surveyed were in favour of updating the MOT to cover increasingly common driver assistance technologies such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It’s an encouraging sign that drivers are thinking this way, even if they are being prompted. As the MOT is mandatory, for Neil Atherton, sales and marketing director at Autoglass, amending the test to include a check on this kind of tech would also educate drivers as to its use: “Including a calibration as part of a regular MOT test, or for that matter, a regular vehicle service would be a great way of boosting general awareness. We do not want to reach a situation where a large proportion of drivers on the roads don’t know how to use and maintain the technology in their own vehicles and are putting their safety at risk as a result.” Widespread misunderstanding Let’s not get completely lost debating the benefits of debate for its own sake. This is a serious subject, and one survey does not reshape the world. After all, the MOT is the only universal roadworthiness check all S ometimes you need to change the way you look at a particular topic. Take the MOT. Since the government suggested it was going to take another look at the frequency of the test, the industry has been more or less united in its opposition to rolling back the first MOT test for a vehicle from when it is three years old to when it turns four. Quite rightly, we have pointed out the potential damage this could do to the UK’s generally excellent road safety record, and how this might put many motorists in more danger. After all, with average mileage higher than it was in the past, does it make sense to check vehicle safety at a later point going forward? Of course not. Are we missing something though? The industry is quite invested in the MOT, both financially and intellectually, so it may not see that if those with less involvement might look at it differently. Perhaps we should look at how ‘we,’ present the test to the public. Take MOT discounting; this has been a reality for many years. Does this give motorists the wrong idea about the test? While it’s understandable that motorists don’t want to spend more than they have to, there is an argument to suggest that if the trade doesn’t value the test, why should its customers. On this basis, perhaps the 4-1-1 debate has actually been good for the reputation of the test, in that it has provoked debate on what the test if for, and what might happen if it was undermined? Put positively, The 4-1-1 consultation has thrown light on the MOT. 4-1-1 might not be a popular 8 AFTERMARKET DEC/JAN 2018 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net RETHINK THE UNTHINKABLE Does the 4-1-1 stand-off have an upside if it means we all learn to properly appreciate the trusty old MOT again? Above: The MOT is a legal requirement