Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd 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).

Mr. O'Dowd also stated that the DVA were "developing proposals" for a new test centre in Enniskillen. 

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.

“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.”

Chair of the Assembly’s Infrastructure Committee Deborah Erskine has welcomed the introduction of one-year temporary exemption certificates to help cut MOT waiting times. 

The Fermanagh & South Tyrone MLA said: “The introduction of the temporary exemption certificates is a necessary step to see some reductions in the unacceptable delays facing motorists who require an MOT. The DUP has highlighted these problems over several years now, and I raised it with the Minister most recently just two weeks ago. It was only after our DUP motion was tabled on tackling MOT backlogs, that the Minister tasked officials to act.

"Ultimately the measures announced today are a short-term solution and it is a long-term fix that is required. I look forward to the public consultation on biennial testing although that does seem to be a re-run of the call for evidence announced by his predecessor little more than two years ago."