My own picture..
Annual MOT test
While in Hungary the MOT was valid for two years, so we never actually had to do a new one as we left within the two years after buying the car, here in Spain, our car needs it yearly. I think the newer cars don't need to come in every year, but ours does.
I was not too nervous about the car not passing this time because we know it's been a good purchase and besides a light that needed replacement, we were both confident it would pass the test without any issues. I made an appointment and double checked if it was indeed the yearly ITV test (MOT) and definitely not the PRE ITV test as they call it here. In English he confirmed this is the case and with this approval you can drive another year. Great!
D-date
Earlier this week, it was d-date and even though we planned it slightly different (I was supposed to go alone), after reading a few confusing things online, my boyfriend decided to join me. Off we all went feeling prepared, arriving at the place of appointment we were greeted by a friendly guy. Within 30 seconds it turned out this was NOT the ITV but PRE ITV, sigh, and he explained in Spain this can only be done at a few locations but not where they repair your car as well. Alright, makes sense, I felt stupid for trusting the guy without double checking (the one on the phone, not the desk guy) and decided to switch to solution mode rather than feeling annoyed.
Extremely friendly and helpful
I was super happy that this guy was not annoyed by us having a wrong appointment and I asked him to at least fix the screw that's in the tire so he would not have reserved time for nothing and we'd not worry about that thing causing more damage at some point. While we waited for that to be repaired, I asked him where we need to go for the ITV. While asking I was already fully expecting to be send to another flaw full (yes, full!) appointment system but at least he could guide me through it while I was there, lol.
I hate being right
Seriously with these things, I rather be wrong but it was even worse this time. The whole system didn't show the nearest town for the ITV and only had a list of 15 places maybe while the guy said it's a huge list of locations. I showed him, he double checked on his computer and was surprised by what he saw. The internet also decided to quit (their internet) while he was trying to help, lol. It was a curse!
Not giving up
As my boyfriend already moved his appointments for the day, we decided to just drive there in person and ask for an appointment in person and hope for the best. We had a week left so I refused to stress about it. Thankfully, the address showed up in maps so at least he could pin point the location for me and wished us luck.
Here we go
At the desk, we were greeted instantly and even though it seemed to be starting with a struggle and not so cooperative attitude, within 2 minutes the lady at the desk melted and was cooperative. She asked if we wanted it today so we said yes. We didn't expect to be called in within minutes and be out of there within 15 minutes total, lol.
Extremely grateful
For those two people who ended up being very helpful rather than making a fuzz that we need an appointment, while we explained the site wasn't working and we were there to make an appointment in person. It seems none of these people seem to know how bad these systems work in general, as she clearly didn't know. But I was very grateful for her to change behaviour quickly and get to a solution.
Approved for another year
Off we went with a new sticker and still surprised by the fact that this was the smoothest technical check we both experienced in our lives. How funny is it that something starting off with some struggles ends up going this smooth eventually. I love it!
We're still very happy with our car and it really enriched our lives here, so I'm very glad we didn't face any hidden issues in the first year. Even though it's a Diesel car and in some cities already forbidden to drive, we hope to at least keep this one until we are ready to change for one that's more environmental friendly.
Have a good weekend!