Minister Kimmins announces extension of successful
initiative to reduce MOT waiting times
Infrastructure Minister has announced the extension of
temporary exemption certificates (TECs) in 2025-26 to help manage
MOT waiting times.
Minister Kimmins has extended the use of TECs for some five and
seven year-old private cars for a further year. This will allow
motorists with eligible cars to continue to drive them legally as
long as they are roadworthy and are taxed and insured.
Former DfI Minister approved the introduction of
TECs for five and seven-year-old cars in April 2024 due to
increased demands on vehicle testing and delays with the opening
of Hydebank test centre.
The intervention has successfully reduced MOT waiting times from
over 100 days at the end of May 2024 to around 30 days in early
February 2025.
Vehicle licensing information shows that around 107,000 cars may
be eligible for a TEC under the extension. The TECs will be
automatically processed by the DVA.
Minister Kimmins said: “TECS have helped to
significantly reduce waiting times for MOTs. 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. These centres will provide the capacity to
test more than 200,000 additional vehicles annually.
“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.
“From 1 April 2024 to 31 January 2025, the DVA conducted
956,759 vehicle tests, compared with 942,789 for the same period
in 2023-24. In 2024, there were only six days when the DVA
did not offer MOT appointments.
“TECs have helped improve service delivery while
minimising any risk to road safety.
“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 by getting them
serviced.”
Notes to editors:
- The TECs will be automatically applied to eligible vehicles
from the date of expiry of the current MOT certificate. For
full details see NI Direct: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/guide-booking-your-mot-vehicle-test
- The Department has launched a consultation on biennial MOT
testing (testing every two years for private cars, light goods
vehicles under 3,500kg and motorcycle), which is open until 16
April. Responses can be submitted here: https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dfi-1/consultation-on-biennial-mot-testing(external
link opens in a new window / tab) or alternatively
at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/biennial-mot-test-consultation
