MOT test exemptions extended to manage waiting times

One-year temporary exemption certificates (TECs) are to be extended in Northern Ireland to help cut MOT waiting times.

The certificates were introduced last year, allowing some motorists to continue to legally drive their vehicles as long as they are roadworthy, taxed and insured.

Vehicle licensing information shows that about 107,000 five and seven-year-old private cars may be eligible for a TEC under the extension.

The intervention has reduced MOT waiting times from more than100 days at the end of May 2024 to bout 30 days in early February 2025, according to the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

The extension applies for another year and the TECs will be automatically processed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).

"This extension will allow the DVA to continue to manage the increased demand for MOTs until new testing facilities at Hydebank and Mallusk are open for vehicle testing," said Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins.

"Since the introduction of TECs, the DVA has continued to maximise its vehicle-testing capacity at its existing 15 test centres through a variety of measures, including recruitment and overtime," Kimmins added.

"TECs have helped improve service delivery while minimising any risk to road safety."

There has been a backlog in the MOT system since testing was suspended several times due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Motorists have since faced lengthy delays trying to book a test.

Last month, the DfI launched a consultation on whether MOT tests for some private cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles should be changed to every two years.

The consultation is running for 12 weeks, from Monday 22 January until Wednesday 16 April.