MOT - address

[sauluk]

Do test centres always ask for your address? Not been asked before but was on the phone at the time so just wrote it down for them. Not the nicest of garages so wanted to check it was a legitimate ask and not a means of finding out where my car is kept!

[Tomor]

Never been asked myself..

[Pricey12]

Only thing I can think of is it may go on the MOT database along with all the other info. Does seem a bit odd though.

[Red Herring]

We are becoming a far to suspicious society!

It could be that they are kind and considerate souls that want your address so they can send you an MOT reminder a month or so before the one they are doing runs out.

On the other hand of course it could well be because they are thieving scum in which case make sure you don't leave them with the keys otherwise they might get a spare set cut.......

Did you consider asking them which they were?

[sauluk]

Yep, apparently for the invoice. If keep my keys if I could but they need them to do the MOT!

Probably nothing but best to trust no one!

[NTECUK]

Not a mot requierment.
You can pay the fee before the test is done if they dont trust you either.

[markc123]

Just data so they can market things to you, expect a letter next year round MOT time and another around service time as well if their IT is clever enough.

[jambo]

One other possibility:
The only time you can ride a bike without valid Tax & MOT certificate is on the way to a pre-booked MOT appointment. When I've done this the garage has always noted down my name, registration & address so if they are called by the police if I'm unlucky enough to be stopped on route they can confirm my pre-booked appointment.

Of course, it's far more likely they're dodgy. Sleep next to the bike with a sword for the next 2 months just to be safe.

Jambo

[sauluk]

Think it's fine, they printed the address on my invoice and the bloke said it's something their boss forced on them a while back to look 'professional'. I shall nonetheless be keeping a close eye out!!

[flymo]

Totally acceptable to question why that information is needed. There is no requirement to supply an address either for an MOT or to pre-book one.

It isn't just a point of being suspicious either, imagine how useful that list of customer details would be to a thief, or to the purchaser of that computer when the MOT firm replaces it and sells it on eBay. If it isn't required, don't provide it.

Often small firms like this are not aware of the implications or of their obligations under the data protection act.