Amid worries over testing capacity, proposals have been put forward in a consultation by the Department for Infrastructure in Northern Ireland to move the current annual MOT test to once every other year . 

The move would reduce the number of cars and light goods vehicles tested on an annual basis by some 25%.  

Speaking of the proposal, Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon said, “Now is the right time to ask the public and those with a direct interest in MOT testing, road safety and environmental protection and others for their views”.

Currently any cars over 4 years old are required to take an annual test, while any light goods vehicles over 3 years old are also tested annually. 

The testing regime has experience problems in recent years with equipment issues and the COVID-19 pandemic placing a strain on capacity. However, moving to a bi-annual test will not please road safety campaigners. It will also be a major concern to the independent garage sector which relies on testing to be a major driver of service and repair work.   

The consultation is open for submissions until 19 October.