I've now phoned a couple of vehicle testing centres in my attempt to book an MOT without having to use the 0845 247 2471 number.
Each would not take my booking when I called the testing centres, telling me only the call centre could do this and their number is 0845 247 2471!
When I asked why, if I was already through to the test centre where my vehicle would be tested, could they not book a MOT for my car, I was told that because their phone lines are not secure, they couldn't take my credit card details and I had to phone the call centre.
Are 0845 numbers more "secure" phone lines?
I also asked where the call centre is and have been given two separate answers :-
i) the site of the old gasworks in Newtownabbey
ii) close to the Valley Leisure Centre in Newtownabbey.
Now it just so happens I drive past this leisure centre occasionally when the M2 is closed so I know it's on Church Road, Newtownabbey.
I've tried googling combinations of DVA. Driver & Vehicle Agency, call centre, Church Road, Newtownabbey etc. but all without any success.
Does this 0845 number really have no geographic alternative???