Infrastructure Minister has announced the introduction
of one-year temporary exemption certificates (TECs) for some
private cars to help reduce MOT waiting times.
The temporary exemptions 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 Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).
Vehicle licensing information shows that around 115,000 cars may
be eligible for a TEC. The TECs will come into effect from 1 June
2024 and will be automatically processed by the DVA.
This allows motorists to continue to legally drive their vehicles
as long as they are roadworthy and are taxed and insured.
The Minister has also confirmed he will consider launching a
public consultation on Biennial MOT testing (testing every two
years for private cars, light goods vehicles under 3,500kg and
motorcycles), subject to resources being available across the
Department.
Mr O'Dowd said:
“DVA staff have been working around the clock to tackle an
increasingly high demand for MOT tests due to a growing
population, a higher proportion of households with access to a
vehicle and more older cars on the road.
“In each of the last two years, the DVA conducted more than 1.1
million vehicle tests- the highest numbers ever recorded. Indeed,
there were just seven days in 2023 when the DVA did not offer MOT
appointments.
“A recruitment process is under way to help fill vacancies across
DVA's network of test centres and efforts have been made to
reduce the number of no shows - approximately 50,000 customers
failed to attend a booked appointment in each of the last two
years, which places additional demand on this service.
“Unfortunately, despite these best efforts, waiting times remain
high. 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.
“DVA is also developing proposals for two new test centres at
Campsie and Enniskillen.
“By introducing TECs, I have sought to strike the best balance
between improving service delivery and 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.”
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(external
link opens in a new window / tab)
- The DVA has consulted with the PSNI and the Association of
British Insurers who both understand the need to introduce
measures to reduce waiting times and will continue to apply the
current mitigations that are in place for customers who cannot
secure an MOT appointment before their current certificate
expires.
