The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has called on the UK government to introduce a licensing scheme for the automotive sector.

The industry body, which is also active in Ireland, is lobbying MP’s after its latest research found that over 70% of consumers think it’s already a requirement for technicians in the motor industry to hold a licence to practise.

The call follows news that the Government plans to have driverless cars on UK roads by 2015. The IMI believes the implications of this new technology represent the final straw in the need for legislation. They argue that modern vehicle technology has reached a level where regulation is necessary to ensure automotive technicians are competent for the safety of motorists.

The IMI has received the “in principle” support of several major companies and organisations for licensing. IMI CEO, Steve Nash explained, “The imminent prospect of autonomous vehicles on UK roads makes the issue of licensing extremely urgent. The proliferation of hybrid vehicles and complex driver assist systems has already increased the skills requirements for effective and safe working on modern vehicles. Service technicians without the proper training are increasingly putting themselves and motorists at risk.” He added, “Our parliamentary research suggests that MPs currently see the motor industry as low skilled, low paid and dirty. It is vital that they and the public come to a better understanding of the requirements necessary to work on modern vehicles, especially with a new wave of technology on the horizon.”

The IMI argue that the template for licensing already exists in its Professional Register and also points out that many skilled operators in the industry are already calling for licensing to stop rogue traders further damaging the reputation of the motor trade.  According to the charity Brake, in 2011, 2,125 crashes in Britain were caused by vehicle defects as a result of inadequate maintenance, 52 of them causing deaths.