Consultation on holding MoT tests every other year in NI

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is launching a consultation on whether MoT tests for some private cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles should be changed to every two years.

The consultation is running for 12 weeks, from Monday 22 January until Wednesday 16 April.

It will build on the 2021 Call for Evidence on the same issue.

The first mandatory vehicle test will remain at four years for private cars and motorcycles, and three years for light goods vehicles.

Infrastructure 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."

It comes as drivers have faced long delays for booking an MOT test.

"I introduced Temporary Exemption Certificates for five and seven-year-old cars within specified date ranges.," O'Dowd said.

It is hoped that this, along with the recruitment of new staff and the use of overtime on Sundays and Bank Holidays, when vehicle testing is not normally conducted, will be able to reduce average waiting times for an MOT to 30 days.

The minister added: "I want to encourage everyone with an interest in this issue to respond to the consultation."