LKQ Euro Car Parts has called on technicians to ensure they have completed the 2024/25 MOT CPD training before the end of March, ahead of changes to the testing process designed to prevent fraud.
Lee Chapman, Head of Support and LKQ Academy, said: “As recently as February, the DVSA reported more than 28,000 testers were yet to take their annual CPD assessment representing a huge chunk of the aftermarket’s workforce.
“Those who miss the deadline will be suspended and are then required to demonstrate in person to a DVSA representative that they can carry out an MOT test on a vehicle. It can often take weeks to reverse a disqualification, costing valuable time, customers and money.”
New rules implemented last month reportedly aim to crack down on fraud, in particular ‘ghost MOTs’ – the term used for when a pass certificate is created for a vehicle that has never been tested – currently said to account for nearly 80% of all fraudulent MOTs.
Under the updated measures, all MOT technicians will be required to take a photo of the vehicle they are servicing in a testing bay after entering its number plate or VIN. Once this is saved on the record, technicians can then carry on with the rest of the MOT as normal.
Lee added: “This year brings more stringent requirements for testers, meaning that it’s more important than ever that they’re on top of their training. Many independent workshops have just the one tester, without whom they risk loyal customers having to take their vehicles elsewhere, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
“And when 1st April arrives and the new CPD year begins, our advice is not to wait until this time next year before completing it again. The training is updated every year for good reason, and undertaking it as early as possible can help you to improve your testing accuracy and thus ensure the safety of the vehicles you service.”
LKQ Euro Car Parts collaborates with the IMI and the DVSA on the approved MOT CPD training it offers through the LKQ Academy, with a range of options to suit testers. Testers are advised to book their training by March 27th to allow enough time to complete it by the 31st of March deadline.
- Light vehicle CPD – online assessment only – from £29 + VAT per candidate
- Light vehicle CPD – online training and assessment – from £54 + VAT per candidate
All CPD courses from the LKQ Academy come with free IMI affiliate membership, worth £47.
