Northern Ireland MOT exemption certs extended by one year
A one-year extension has been granted for Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) to address MOT waiting times in Northern Ireland.
The Department for Infrastructure said the 2026/27 measure applies to eligible five- and seven-year-old private cars, allowing them to remain on the road provided they are taxed, insured, and roadworthy.
Vehicle licensing data shows that around 88,000 cars in Northern Ireland may be eligible for a TEC under the extension.
“TECs have helped to significantly reduce waiting times for MOTs,” said Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins.
“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.”