Friday, 25 November 2005

Tech

Catching on

Today's key task: get my car through the MOT which was due three days ago.

I'm late getting this done because I've come to rely on being notified when such things are needed. MOT has remained a quaintly hand-written affair.

But today's test brought a pleasant surprise: the Department of Transport has discovered electricity - and even better, communications networks. The test certificate is now computerised, and can be verified online. (Could it even be I'll get a reminder through the post this time next year?)

The surprises don't end there. Armed with a new-style MOT it's possible to apply for a tax disc online. Will wonders never cease?

Turns out the answer is "yes". They may have a fully automated tax system but it still takes five working days to ship the tax disc out, and it's against the law not to display one. Since mine runs out on Wednesday you'll find me queuing in the Post Office to do it the old way.

Posted by pab at 19:48 | Comments will be back later in the year. Please email me instead!