NFDA calls for MoT rethink in Northern Ireland

The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has urged authorities to allow dealers in Northern Ireland to conduct MoT tests following the closure of all test centres in the country, and the cancellation of 5,000 tests.

This follows the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) inspection of all vehicle lifts in Northern Ireland’s 15 MoT, which found ‘signs of cracking’ in 48 out of 55 lifts.

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has said drivers affected by MoT test cancellations would be automatically issued with temporary exemption certificates, valid for four months.

However, cars under four-year-old that are still due the first MOT will be dealt with first once the test centres reopen.

Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA, said: “Following the closure of all MoT test centres and the cancellation of 5,000 MoT tests in Northern Ireland, it is imperative that the NI MoT system is reformed to allow dealers to conduct the testing.

“MoT has repeatedly been an issue for both motorists and dealers in Northern Ireland, primarily due to long waiting times. NFDA has been made aware that to address the shortage of MoT appointments available, centres have had to open on Sundays and regularly add extra appointments. This may have put an additional strain on certain centres’ facilities, potentially causing some of the current issues.

“Recent problems have made it apparent that it is time to review how MoT tests are carried out in Northern Ireland. NFDA calls on the government to enable franchised dealers in Northern Ireland to conduct MoTs as in the rest of the UK.”