Further extension of Temporary Exemption Certificates to tackle MOT waiting times across Northern Ireland
A further extension of Temporary Exemption Certificates in 2026-27 has been announced by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to tackle MOT waiting times.
Minister Liz Kimmins has extended their use for certain five- and seven-year-old private cars for another year. This will allow motorists with eligible cars to continue to drive them legally, provided they are roadworthy, taxed and insured.
Over the past two years, TECs have played an important role in easing pressure on the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), according to DfI. This measure, together with record levels of testing, have reduced the average waiting time from over 100 days in May 2024 to around 32 days currently.
Vehicle licensing data shows around 88,000 cars may be eligible under the extension. The DVA will process all TECs automatically.
In a statement on Thursday (March 12), Minister Kimmins said: “TECs have helped to significantly reduce waiting times for MOTs. This extension will allow the DVA to continue to manage the increased demand for MOTs until new testing facilities at Hydebank and Mallusk are open for vehicle testing, which is expected within the next year.
"Each centre will be capable of testing more than 100,000 vehicles annually, significantly strengthening the Agency’s long term testing capacity.
“Since the introduction of TECs, the DVA has continued to maximise its vehicle testing capacity at its existing 15 test centres through a variety of measures, including recruitment and overtime.
“As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe and, regardless of TECs, it remains our responsibility to ensure our cars are maintained in a roadworthy condition.”