April 2019

APRIL 2019 AFTERMARKET 5 www.aftermarketonline.net More than 40% of MOT testers face being suspended from testing if they don’t complete their Annual Training and assessment by 31 March. As Aftermarket’s April issue went to press, there were still a few days left for testers to undergo their training prior to the 31 March deadline. DVSA figures show that as of 4 March 2019, 24,694 testers still needed to complete the training and assessment. Last year, 5,538 were suspended for failing to do so. Every year, all 63,000 MOT testers have to carry out training and assessment on set topics to make sure they are competent and safe to carry out MOTs. Testers need to do at least three hours of training each year and a total of 16 hours over five years. The pass mark for the assessment is 70%. If suspended from testing, testers will need to complete all next year’s topics and take a demonstration test to be able to return to testing. This will lead to a delay while they are waiting to take a demonstration test. DVSA MOT Product Manager Simon Smith said: “Testers shouldn’t wait until the last minute to record their training and assessment results but do it well before 31 March. If they don’t carry out their training and assessment in time, they will be suspended and face losing money.” To see 2018 to 2019 training topics go to www.gov.uk/mot-tester-training- IMI publishes new strategy The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has published a new strategy document. Launched at the IMI Annual Dinner in London on 6 March, ‘Campaigns for Change’ is based on broad industry feedback from IMI members and from employers generally about the key challenges they face which they believe the Institute can help with. Broken down into four chapters, the document looks at where the IMI can help with attracting and retaining talent, ensuring the industry has effective management, working with government to ensure the continued success of the sector, and helping to raise standards and public confidence in the automotive sector. Steve Nash, Chief Executive at the IMI, said: “Our industry is well served and supported by many highly effective trade and industry bodies and it is not our job to duplicate their efforts. Our role as the industry’s professional body is distinct and 'Campaigns for Change' aims to help clarify where we can bring our specific expertise to bear in supporting individuals and businesses. Steve added: “2019 is already proving to be a year of change and challenge, both on a global scale with Brexit and at a more individual business level. Some businesses are struggling to adapt to the apprenticeship reforms; others are working out how they can integrate new technology into the way their workplaces operate. These factors will require attention from all areas of the industry, and the IMI is determined to drive change while providing solutions, supporting individuals and businesses, and supporting the sector with appropriate skills solutions.” MOT Annual Training deadline looms Absolute Alignment has tripled stock levels over the last three months – in preparation for the UK’s pending Brexit. The company has ensured that all wheel alignment equipment featured on the Absolute Alignment website will still be available for next day delivery throughout the spring and not subject to any delays in reaching customers. Chris Dear, Absolute Alignment’s Technical Director, said: "It’s of great importance to us that our speed of service is not in any way impacted by Brexit and the uncertainties that may bring. He continued: “We have tripled our stock levels across our entire range, but it has been particularly essential for us to feel comfortable with the quantity of Bluetooth Pro wheel aligners we have readily available for delivery – as this remains our most popular and fastest selling product in the UK.” Absolutely stocked for Brexit