MoT tests: Exemption certificates to help reduce delays

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

The certificates will allow motorists to continue to legally drive their vehicles as long as they are roadworthy, taxed and insured.

About 115,000 private cars are expected to be eligible.

They will come into effect from 1 June and will be automatically processed by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).

Stormont's Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd said the change would be "for a limited period to relieve the pressure on the system and help reduce the waiting times".

It comes amid delays in opening new test centres at Hydebank in south Belfast and Mallusk in County Antrim.

The ceritifcates will apply to private cars first registered between 1 June 2019 and 31 May 2020 or between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2018 which have a valid MOT certificate issued by the DVA.

Mr O'Dowd said more than 1.1m vehicle tests have been conducted by the DVA in each of the last two years.

"Unfortunately, despite these best efforts, waiting times remain high," he said.

"TECs will give the DVA time to relieve exceptional pressure on the system by completing the recruitment process and progressing new MOT centres at Hydebank and Mallusk, which will provide the capacity to test more than 200,000 additional vehicles annually."

Mr O'Dowd said the DVA is also developing proposals for two new test centres at Campsie in County Londonderry and Enniskillen in County Fermanagh.

"By introducing TECs, I have sought to strike the best balance between improving service delivery and minimising any risk to road safety," he said.

"As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe and, regardless of TECs, it remains our responsibility to ensure our cars are in a roadworthy condition."

Mr O'Dowd also confirmed he would consider launching a public consultation on making MOT testing every two years for private cars, light goods vehicles under 3,500kg and motorcycles.

The TECs will be automatically applied to eligible vehicles from the date of expiry of their current MOT certificate.

The certificates were previously issued when MOTs were cancelled after cracks were found in vehicle lifts in testing centres in January 2020.