Drivers could see MOT testing frequency changed as part of new measures being introduced to tackle huge shortages.
The changes would see vehicles in Northern Ireland be subject to biennial MOT checks for private cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles.
The move by Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure has sparked a 12-week consultation on changing the MOT rules with drivers urged to share feedback.
The consultation, which runs until April 16, will examine potential changes to testing requirements for vehicles after their initial test at four years for cars and motorcycles, and three years for light goods vehicles.
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Drivers in Northern Ireland have been facing long waiting times for MOT tests with the plans hoping to address this
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But Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd confirmed that MOT testing will remain within the public sector and not be transferred to private garages.
Under current projections, the total number of MOT tests required will rise to around 1.2 million for light vehicles and 65,000 for heavy vehicles by 2030.
The proposed shift to biennial testing for cars between four and 10 years old and light goods vehicles between three and 10 years old would remove approximately 253,000 vehicles from the annual testing regime and therefore helping tackle the shortages currently being experienced in the state.
This represents a 26 per cent reduction from the current annual total of around one million vehicles. For motorcycles, the change would reduce annual MOT tests by approximately 3,300.
O’Dowd said: “I am conscious that modern vehicles are built to high standards, and that this in turn should mean they are more reliable and also safer on our roads, and so consideration of biennial MOT testing is timely.
“I want to encourage everyone with an interest in this issue to respond to the consultation. I very much want to hear from the public, and those involved in our local automotive industry, particularly those involved in servicing vehicles.”
He added that feedback from road safety and environmental organisations would factor into his decision-making.
Statistics show that vehicle defects were responsible for only one per cent of road traffic casualties in 2023, with just 103 casualties attributed to vehicle-related issues.
But insurance bodies have warned that biennial testing could lead to increased premiums due to heightened risk assessments.
The local automotive industry has also expressed concerns about potential negative economic impacts, particularly for smaller and rural garages.
Meanwhile environmental organisations have warned that reduced testing frequency could lead to more vehicles with unchecked high emissions on roads. Any changes to MOT testing frequency would require an Act of the Northern Ireland Assembly and the introduction of primary legislation.
A review of MOT fee costs may also be required to ensure full cost recovery for DVA services. Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association which represents car and commercial retailers across the UK welcomed the consultation on biennial MOT testing.
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She said: “The consultation comes amid the ongoing MOT testing crisis in the region, which remains critical and continues to negatively impact consumers and dealers in equal measure.
“The consultation offers an opportunity for the industry to contribute further insight into the current MOT regime. NFDA-NI will be preparing its response over the next few weeks on behalf of its members.”
