Yahoo News MOT Northern Ireland: Details as one-year temporary exemption certificates announced to reduce waiting times
The latest steps by Stormont's Infrastructure Minister to address significant MOT test waiting times across Northern Ireland have been welcomed but there are also calls to find a more permanent solution.
Earlier this week, John O’Dowd announced the introduction of one-year temporary exemption certificates (TECs) for some private cars to help reduce MOT waiting times.
One-year temporary exemption certificates (TECSs) will be implemented for private cars first registered between 1 June 2019 and 31 May 2020 or between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2018, with an existing valid MOT certificate issued by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).
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Around 115,000 cars may be eligible for a TEC. They will come into effect from 1st June 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 certificates were previously issued when MOTs were cancelled after cracks were found in vehicle lifts in testing centres in January 2020.
It comes as motorists across Northern Ireland have been left frustrated around significant delays in MOT test appointments and a current waiting time of 72 days.
How will it work and what do you need to do if eligible?
From 1st June 2024, vehicles that were first registered between 1 June 2019 and 31 May 2020 or between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2018, and have a valid Northern Ireland MOT will be given a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC).
This means they will not need a vehicle test (MOT) for 12 months from the date their current certificate expires.
You can check your vehicle’s date of first registration in the vehicle logbook (V5C).
This will allow motorists to continue to drive the vehicle legally, if it is kept in a roadworthy condition, is taxed and insured.
If the vehicle was first registered within the dates above and currently has a valid MOT certificate in Northern Ireland (not expired), you do not need to do anything.
If you have a vehicle test appointment already booked, and the current MOT certificate has not yet expired, you do not need to do anything.
The DVA will cancel your appointment, refund the vehicle test fee, and send an additional supplementary email with the new expiry date, along with the cancellation and refund receipt emails.
TECs will be given automatically. You will not receive a paper or digital copy.
A vehicle will not get a TEC if:
the vehicle was not registered within the dates above
the vehicle was registered within the dates above, but the MOT has expired
the vehicle has a valid MOT, but was last tested outside Northern Ireland
These vehicles will still require an MOT and you should book an appointment.
If you are not sure if your vehicle will get a TEC or not, you can fill in this enquiry form.
Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott, has welcomed the introduction of Temporary Exemption Certificates to help address MOT waiting lists here.
Mr Elliott said: “I welcome the Minister’s announcement of Temporary Exemption Certificates, this I hope will help address MOT waiting lists temporarily. However, what we need is a permanent solution.
“This is only a temporary ‘quick fix’, with the outstanding issue not being resolved.
“I want to see a proactive approach and I’ve been calling on the minister to explore alternative measures, such as Biennial testing for some time now, when a vehicle is tested at four years old, that test could then suffice for two years.
“This could lead to a considerable reduction in waiting lists and see a more evenly distributed number of vehicle tests over time.”
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA added: “While the Minister's efforts are commendable, it's evident that a more permanent solution is needed.
“As Northern Ireland's population grows and road users increase, the urgency to address this issue becomes more pronounced. It's imperative that we act now to find a long-term solution.”
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