Major MOT test changes could impact millions of motorists in the UK with a new consultation weighing up possible updates.
Cars currently require an MOT test every 12 months but road users in Northern Ireland may soon be able to push this to once every two years.
The Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure (DfI) is considering changing the rule for some private cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks between 22 January 2025 and 16 April 2025 with motorists able to have their say online.
Minister John O’Dowd stressed modern vehicles were “more reliable” and “safer” making biennial tests a serious consideration.
The new rules could impact owners of the roughly 1.27 million licences vehicles currently on the roads in Northern Ireland.
He explained: “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.”
It is believed the new rules will help Northern Ireland’s DVA to meet the increased demand for vehicle testing.
It comes as officials stress that the number of new vehicles registered by the DVLA for use in the country has “continued to increase over recent years”.
Mr O’Dowd said the introduction of Temporary Exemption Certificates for five and seven-year-old cars within specified date ranges had helped reduce average MOT test waiting times.
Estimates have predicted that biennial testing for cars between 4 and 10 years old and light goods vehicles between 3 and 10 years old could have a major impact.
Under this update around 253,000 vehicles would be removed from the testing pool each year.
However, the updates would retain the current guidelines which require the first mandatory vehicle test for private cars and motorcycles to be held after four years.
The DFI has confirmed that first assessments will also remain at three years for light goods vehicles.
The consultation and possible rule changes only apply to motorists in Northern Ireland with DVLA MOT checks in Great Britain to remain at every year.
Mr O’Dowd added: “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.”
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