A number of leading breakdown firms have confirmed they will continue to provide roadside assistance to members in Northern Ireland when their MOT has expired.
The AA and RAC normally require members' vehicle's to hold a valid test certificate, but many motorists are struggling to book an MOT due to a testing centre backlog.
Both vehicle recovery confirms confirmed that drivers would not be stranded by the roadside - so long as they have an MOT test booked.
Read more: PSNI outlines officers' approach if driver is unable to book MOT test
An RAC spokesman told BBC News NI it was "fully aware of issues with delayed MOTs in Northern Ireland and earlier this year adjusted our policy accordingly."
The spokesman said there was "scope for flexibility where customers have booked their MOT."
"Be assured we are monitoring the situation and we are always prepared to change policy if needed where a significant number of members are experiencing delays for essential MOTs through no fault of their own," he added.
The AA advised it would continue to provide roadside assistance as long as:
- The vehicle is in a roadworthy and safe condition
- The vehicle is properly insured
- The driver can provide proof that a test is booked for the vehicle
This will remain the process for as long as delays to testing persist, the AA added.
MOT tests were suspended numerous times over the past two years, due to safety concerns about equipment being used and as a result of the pandemic.
Testing resumed fully in July 2021 but a significant backlog had developed, creating delays in the booking system.
Between September last year and the end of February, 414,700 tests were carried out, which is a 10% rise on the average number of tests during the same months over the last five years, according to Department for Infrastructure figures.
Last week, the PSNI said they are taking a "sensible approach" for those struggling to book an MOT test.
Chief Inspector Graham Dodds, head of the PSNI's Road Policing for Northern Ireland, said: "Essentially what we are asking people to do it to remain calm. Wait for the letter to come out saying you need an MOT, don't book one before that. That will only further gum up the system.
"Once the letter comes out, we advise to book the earliest appointment. It might be a case of going somewhere you don't normally go but make that effort and book it.
"That will show that you have responded to the letter, you have tried to book it, and even if then you can't get a date before your MOT lapses, we will take that in good faith.
"As long as it shows you have made that effort to go on to book it, we in the PSNI are not there to try and catch people out - our interest is road safety, public safety and people's wellbeing."
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