Consultation on Biennial MOT Testing

Overview

Testing of all vehicles which use the public roads in NI is the responsibility of the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) through vehicle inspection at its 15 test centres. Currently private cars and motorcycles are first MOT tested at 4 years old and light goods vehicles under 3,500kg are first tested at 3 years old. All of those vehicle categories are tested annually thereafter. 

The number of new vehicles registered by the DVLA for use here has continued to increase over recent years, which presents logistical challenges for the DVA to meet the demand for vehicle testing. As a result, the Minister has indicated that he wishes to revisit the current testing regimes for private cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles to ensure they remain fit for purpose, both now and in the future.

This Consultation is being issued for a 12 week period. We are keen to hear from individuals, groups, organisations, the automotive industry (particularly those involved in vehicle servicing and MOT preparation) and those with a specific interest in road safety or the environment. The consultation presents a number of options to be considered including the current testing regime remaining.