Minister Mallon publishes report on support for move to biennial MOT Testing

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has today published a summary of the findings from a Call for Evidence seeking views on the potential introduction of biennial (every two years) MOT testing for cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles.

Currently private cars and motorcycles are first MOT tested at 4 years old and light goods vehicles under 3,500kg are first tested at 3 years old. Each of those vehicle categories are tested annually thereafter.

A  total of 1,224 responses from a wide range of individuals, groups, and those representing the industry were received.

Thanking all those who responded to the Call for Evidence the Minister said:  

“As anticipated, a variety of views were expressed through this consultation exercise and there is clear support for biennial testing for younger private cars.  Given the high volume of interest and the support for biennial MOT testing, I believe there is sufficient evidence to explore the next steps on a move to a biennial testing regime.

I have now asked my officials to engage with the main Civil Service Trade Unions and staff and with key stakeholders, including the PSNI, automotive industry and the insurance industry and to commence  work for a public consultation. Any move to biennial testing will require new legislation in the new mandate."

The summary of findings is available at:  Biennial MOT Testing - Summary Responses

Notes to editors: 

1. In Northern Ireland (NI) the current roadworthiness test, more commonly referred to as the “MOT test”, is a devolved matter and is the responsibility of the Minister for Infrastructure.
2. The Department for Infrastructure’s Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) are responsible in Northern Ireland for conducting roadworthiness testing of all vehicles which use our public roads through vehicle inspection at its 15 test centres.
3. The key legislation which governs MOT testing in Northern Ireland is Part 3 of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, the Motor Vehicle Testing Regulations (NI) 2003, the Goods Vehicles (Testing) Regulations (NI) 2003 and the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations (NI) 1999.
4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk . 
5. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
6. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

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