Did you ever forget to log off your MOT after you’ve completed it?
We’ve all been there…the phone rings, a customer comes to collect a car, or we’re rushing from job to job and it just slips our mind.
But hey, it’s not a major issue is it?!
The simple answer is YES – Not logging an MOT off can be a lot more serious than you might think!
What are potential consequences of not logging off an MOT?
Well, it’s possible that both the MOT tester and/or the MOT station could lose their testing licence!
It might sound dramatic but it’s laid out in the MOT Guide (appendix 8, Section 5f if you want to check!).
Just imagine the situation…
The tester (let’s call him Dave) has left work on Wednesday afternoon, gone home and come back to work the next morning, forgetting that the last MOT test remains on the MOT ramp, logged on.
The DVSA have spotted this situation and are sitting in the MOT station car park as Dave arrives at work. Luckily for the DVSA they have a great view straight into the MOT bay from where they are sitting – they can see the car and Dave as he gets himself ready for work. He turns the computer on, makes a cuppa, looks at his job cards and is ready to start the day. There’s a look of puzzlement as he spots a vehicle on the ramps, then he remembers that the vehicle in front of him is the one he tested last night. His shock turns to horror as he realises that he completely forgot to log the test off before he finished for the day.
In the vain hope that no one will ever know (all thoughts of his Site Manager checking the Test Log have flown out of the window), he logs off at the speed of light and starts to move the vehicle to get it out of the workshop.
In comes the DVSA officer who asks Dave “have you been with this vehicle the whole time it was logged on?” Of course, the answer is “no, I’ve been at home, sleeping, getting the kids ready for school etc”.
It’s also the answer that the DVSA officer expected. He can now refer to Appendix 8, Section 5f and start a disciplinary procedure, which could result in 100 points for Dave and 500 points for the station. Both of which can mean a short-term cessation of their licences.
What’s the impact now of a lapse in concentration?
- Loss of business
- Loss of earnings
- Loss of job
- Loss of reputation
What should you do if you ever find yourself in this situation?
Firstly, DON’T PANIC! Whilst it’s frustrating and causes you extra work, it is fixable but it’s essential that you follow the correct procedure.
The correct (and only) course of action is to abort the test and start it again.
You must carry out a full examination – that DVSA officer may still be out there and if he has seen you abort the test you can be sure that he will be watching to ensure you follow the correct procedure.
So remember:
- DON’T finish the test
- DO Abort the test
- DO start over – there is no other way around this situation.
We all make mistakes but by taking the time to redo the test thoroughly, you’ll ensure that you keep your MOT licence and your reputation. And when you’ve sorted the immediate issue, have a think about what created the situation and work out how to avoid it happening again in the future.
If you need further guidance, don’t hesitate to contact karena@themotgroup.co.uk