The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland (NI) launched a consultation on biennial MOT testing on 22 January.
This consultation will run for 12 weeks, closing on 16 April at 11:59pm.
Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), said: “NFDA-NI welcomes the Department for Infrastructure’s launch of a consultation on biennial MOT testing.
“The consultation comes amid the ongoing MOT testing crisis in the region, which remains critical and continues to negatively impact consumers and dealers in equal measure.
“The consultation offers an opportunity for the industry to contribute further insight into the current MOT regime. NFDA-NI will be preparing its response over the next few weeks on behalf of its members. NFDA-NI remains steadfast in its belief that Northern Ireland deserves an MOT regime that is fit for purpose.”
The feedback will be analysed, and a report will be presented to the Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd, for his consideration.
Currently, private cars and motorcycles in NI are first MOT tested at 4 years old and light goods vehicles under 3,500kg are first tested at 3 years old. These requirements will remain unchanged.
All of those vehicles are tested annually but the consultation will consider the possibility of testing once every two years instead.
There is an MOT crisis in the region, following long-term disruptions caused by COVID-19 lockdowns. A backlog already existed, partly caused by defective vehicle lift equipment found in almost all MOT testing centres across the region in 2019.
In addition, the MOT crisis compromises road safety and impacts businesses such as the region’s car dealer network.
