Booking advice – book as early as possible
As the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is experiencing high demand for its testing services, you may not be able to get an appointment before your existing MOT expires.
If this is the case, you must book the earliest available test appointment for your vehicle. DVA have consulted with the PSNI and the Association of British Insurers (ABI) to make them aware of the current situation.
The PSNI has agreed not to penalise the driver of a vehicle whose MOT has expired so long as:
- the vehicle is in a roadworthy and safe condition
- the vehicle is properly insured
- the driver can provide proof (by showing an MOT appointment notification/ reminder, either in electronic or paper form) that a test appointment has been booked for the vehicle
All other offences relating to vehicle roadworthiness and insurance will be dealt with in the usual way.
The ABI has confirmed that the lack of a valid MOT certificate would not necessarily invalidate a motor insurance policy. However they say that if customers can’t get a test appointment until after the current certificate expires, they should check their policy documents or speak to their insurer.
Taxing your vehicle
If you need to tax your vehicle and cannot secure a date before your MOT expires or you have been told by your insurer that you won’t be covered in that in-between period after your MOT expires, you should:
- book the earliest available appointment
- keep checking the booking system for an appointment before your MOT expires
If you get to within five days of your MOT expiry date, contact [email protected] and DVA will do their best to get an urgent appointment for your vehicle.
You can tax your vehicle as long as the MOT is still valid.
- Check the date of MOT expiry
Booking your MOT/ vehicle test by telephone
You can book a vehicle test by calling the booking line (with the exception of multiple vehicle bookings).
Call: 0300 200 7862
Lines are open 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
Online services
You can book your MOT/ vehicle test online.
Through the online service, you can also book a test for heavy goods vehicles (HGV) and trailers.
If there is an issue with your online booking, you can email: B&[email protected]
Selection of dates and times
Waiting times vary between centres and you may find you can get a test more quickly at another MOT test centre.
Checking the MOT status of a vehicle
You may check the status of your MOT and details of the new expiry date online at:
- Check the MOT status of a vehicle
Due to legislative requirements Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) were applied by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) on a phased basis, for different durations based on vehicle type. So when you check online, it will show the date your MOT expires based on the initial TEC period that was applied. However, where applicable, the DVA automatically applied further exemptions to make sure the full 12 months are covered.
If the online check shows your MOT has expired then contact the DVA customer services team at [email protected] for help.
If you own a trailer you will be unable to check online and should contact the DVA at [email protected] with any queries.
Vehicle roadworthiness
You should bear in mind that it is your responsibility to make sure your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition to be used on a public road. The PSNI and insurers expect motorists to meet their legal obligation to keep their vehicle in a roadworthy condition if they are using it on the road.
You should look out for brake wear, make sure that all lights are working and regularly check tyre pressure and tread depth.
If you miss the test
If you don’t cancel your appointment and miss your test, you will lose your fee. You will then have to pay the full fee for another appointment.
You can select a test centre, and the date and time of your test.
More useful links
- MOT and vehicle testing
