The Department for Infrastructure has launched a consultation seeking views on reducing the frequency of MOT tests to every two years.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has said the latest consultation will build on a previous consultation carried out in 2021.
In 2021, the then SDLP infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon issued a call for evidence on the proposal while in government. But the move was never implemented.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks from January 22 until April 16, and Mr O’Dowd said he encourages “everyone with an interest in this issue” to respond.
A consultation is taking place on whether to reduce required MOT testing for vehicles in Northern Ireland from every year to every two years (Liam McBurney/PA)
Currently, cars which are over four years old are tested every year in Northern Ireland.
But a number of issues, including cracks in vehicle lifts, the Covid pandemic and increased demand have led to long waits for MOT tests.
As of March 2024, the average wait time for an MOT test in Northern Ireland was 72 days.
The first mandatory vehicle test is set to remain at four years for private cars and motorcycles and three years for light goods vehicles.
Minister John O’Dowd said: “This consultation presents options for MOT test frequency as well as considering road safety, environmental impact, insurance premiums, and the potential impact on the local automotive industry.
“I am conscious that modern vehicles are built to high standards, and that this in turn should mean they are more reliable and also safer on our roads, and so consideration of biennial MOT testing is timely.
“I introduced Temporary Exemption Certificates for five and seven year-old cars within specified date ranges.
“This measure, along with the recruitment of new staff and the use of overtime on Sundays and Bank Holidays, when vehicle testing is not normally conducted, means that the DVA has been able to reduce average waiting times for an MOT to 30 days on 13 January 2025.”
The Minister added: “I want to encourage everyone with an interest in this issue to respond to the consultation.
“I very much want to hear from the public, and those involved in our local automotive industry, particularly those involved in servicing vehicles.
“I also want to hear from road safety and environmental organisations. Feedback from all these groups will factor into my consideration of the way forward.”
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News Catch Up – Tuesday 21 January