MOT testing consultation begins in Northern Ireland

A consultation has begun in Northern Ireland with the view of changing the frequency of MOT testing from one year to two years (biennial) for some private cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles.

Launched by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), the consultation will run until 16th April 2025, building on the 2021 ‘Call for Evidence on Biennial MOT testing’.

The first mandatory vehicle test will remain at four years for private cars and motorcycles and three years for light goods vehicles.

Estimates suggest that moving to biennial testing for cars between four- and 10-years-old and light good vehicles between three- and 10-years-old would remove approximately 253,000 (26%) of one million vehicles from the testing regime each year.

Biennial motorcycle testing would further reduce annual motorcycle MOT testing by 3,300.

The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF), which represents the entire automotive aftermarket chain in the UK, said it will “actively challenge any plans to revise the Northern Ireland MOT test frequency”.

“With the increase of vehicle weights for hybrid and electric vehicles, the impact on tyre wear and suspension components indicates test frequencies should not be extended and may even benefit from starting at an earlier stage than four years in Northern Ireland,” IAAF chief executive Mark Field said.

Commenting on the consultation, Minister for Infrastructure of Northern Ireland John O’Dowd said: “This consultation presents options for MOT test frequency as well as considering road safety, environmental impact, insurance premiums, and the potential impact on the local automotive industry.

“I am conscious that modern vehicles are built to high standards, and that this in turn should mean they are more reliable and also safer on our roads, and so consideration of biennial MOT testing is timely.”

He added: “I want to encourage everyone with an interest in this issue to respond to the consultation. I very much want to hear from the public, and those involved in our local automotive industry, particularly those involved in servicing vehicles.

“I also want to hear from road safety and environmental organisations. Feedback from all these groups will factor into my consideration of the way forward.”