The Driver and Vehicle Agency is currently experiencing "significant demand" for vehicle testing services as MOT centres across Northern Ireland continue to tackle a backlog in appointments.
MOT tests have been suspended several times over the past two years, leaving many drivers facing long waits for appointments.
In some cases, drivers have been unable to get their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires.
Cars are due their first MOT after four years.
What has caused the MOT backlog?
MOT tests for cars and light vehicles were first suspended in January 2020 after concerns over lift equipment.
Cracks in vehicle lifts were first detected the previous November but the problem rapidly escalated in January when all Northern Ireland MOT tests - of which there are usually around 1,500 per day - were suspended after cracks were found in 52 of the 55 vehicle lifts in the 15 test centres across the region.
Testing of HGVs, buses and motorcycles were unaffected by the disruption while owners of cars and light vehicles that were five years old or more were eligible for a temporary exemption certificate.
Younger cars and taxis were prioritised for tests that were carried out in the heavy vehicle lanes in MOT test centres.
The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) later confirmed it was spending £1.8m on the installation of 52 new lifts for MoT centres, work which was completed in October 2020.
The arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 again put the brakes on tests.
MOT vehicle tests resumed three months later but with social distancing restrictions, which were only eased last July.
DfI has said the DVA is delivering vehicle testing at all 15 of its test centres and has steadily increased its 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 - further slots may also become available due to cancellations
• offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday at most test centres and on Bank Holidays, when testing is not normally available
What is the current waiting time?
The DVA has said it does not currently hold information to enable it to accurately report the average waiting times for vehicle tests, given that this position changes on a regular basis.
The DVA is currently experiencing significant demand for vehicle testing services and said that in some cases customers may not be able to have their vehicles tested before their current MOT certificate expires.
In such cases, customers must book the earliest available test appointment for their vehicle, which may mean travelling to another test centre instead of their preferred location.
How many tests are now being carried out?
Between September 1 and December 31 last year, the DVA conducted 264,540 full vehicle tests, which is 8% more than the five-year average for those months.
The DVA also implemented a new online booking system last September to replace the previous booking system, which was 20 years old.
How can I book a test?
The DVA releases vehicle test appointments on a daily basis and customers are encouraged to regularly check the booking system as they are able to change existing appointments to a different test centre and time if a slot becomes available.
The new system provides an improved experience for customers by simplifying the MOT and driving test application process through the introduction of easy to use screens, with clear guidance on how to complete the booking process. The DVA initially encountered a number of unforeseen performance issues when the system went live but these have now been addressed and the system is performing as expected.
Am I breaking the law without a valid MOT?
The DVA has consulted with the PSNI and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to make them aware of the current position.
In the event police encounter an untested vehicle, so long as they can ascertain that a vehicle is in a roadworthy and safe condition, is properly insured, has a forthcoming MOT test date (by showing an MOT appointment notification, either in electronic or paper form) and is not SORNED (Statutory Off Road Notification), then police will not take any further action.
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 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.
What is the current advice to vehicle owners?
Customers who need to tax or insure their vehicle and cannot secure a test date before their MOT expires must:
• book the earliest available appointment;
• 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.
To date, all customers who have used this process and contacted the DVA in these circumstances have been offered an earlier appointment.
Leaflets including this information are being issued by the DVA to customers with their MOT reminder notices and details are also available on the nidirect website at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-and-motoring.
Road safety remains a significant priority and DfI is reminding owners and drivers of all vehicles that they are responsible under the law for the roadworthiness of their vehicle at all times.
Motorists should continue to service their vehicle and carry out basic checks such as looking out for brake wear, ensuring that all lights are working and regularly checking their tyre pressure and tread depth.
