Drivers in Fermanagh have raised concerns regarding the booking of MOT tests.

There has been some confusion as to what the current rules are regarding MOT testing and if a car can be driven if it's MOT has expired.

The backlog has caused stress for drivers, one motorist received an MOT test notification letter last Wednesday and the earliest appointment available in Enniskillen for a full car test was December 24.

Other concerned drivers on The Impartial Reporter's Facebook page has said they cannot get a test booked until January, leaving many confused where they stand in regards to their MOT test, their insurance and the law.

A spokesperson from the Department of Infrastructure said: “The DVA has consulted with the PSNI and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to make them aware of the current position.

"The PSNI has agreed not to penalise the driver of a vehicle whose MOT has expired so long as the vehicle is in a roadworthy and safe condition; the vehicle is properly insured; and the driver can provide proof (by showing an MOT appointment notification, either in electronic or paper form) that a test appointment has been booked for the vehicle.

"The ABI view is that not having a valid MOT certificate would not necessarily invalidate your insurance, but if you are in that situation due to delays to vehicle testing in Northern Ireland then it is important to check your policy documents or speak to your insurer. However, it is a condition of insurance that owners maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition.

“Customers must therefore book a vehicle test appointment as soon as possible, even if it is after their current MOT expiry date. All other offences relating to vehicle roadworthiness and insurance will be dealt with by the PSNI and DVA enforcement officers in the usual manner."

“The DVA’s advice to customers who need to tax or insure their vehicle and cannot secure a MOT date before their MOT expires is to book the earliest available appointment and keep checking the booking system for an appointment before their MOT expires

“If they get to within five days of their MOT expiry date, contact dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and DVA will do their best to secure an urgent appointment for their vehicle."

The Impartial Reporter asked the Department of Infrastructure had any measures been put in place to tackle the backlog.

A Department of Infrastructure spokesperson said: "The DVA is delivering vehicle testing at all 15 of its test centres and has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity by adopting a range of measures including; the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and sick absence, making additional vehicle test slots available daily at most centres and offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday at most test centres and on Bank Holidays, when testing is not normally available"

Many have raised concerns about the availability of dates. Victoria Bailey said: "Got a letter for MOT last week first appointment available is in January."

Others are travelling to other test centres including Armagh and Omagh.

Mia Rover Clendinning said: "Tried Enniskillen in July for the end of August ended up going to Armagh for a MOT that was the only place available."

Vicky Latimer said: "No difficulty [booking] just three months after my MOT was due. Had to go to Omagh as they had a date closer."

Others took to social media to raise concerns regarding taxing vehicles and the reliability of the DVLA system to book tests and recieve confirmation of tests.