28/01/2020

MOT Crisis: Taxis & Four Year-Old Cars Prioritised

Taxis and four year-old cars will be prioritised amid the ongoing MOT chaos, the Department for Infrastructure has said.

It comes as all tests for cars and light vehicles are suspended until further notice.

Motorists with an expired MOT certificate have been automatically issued with an exemption certificate, however taxis and four year-old cars in need of their first test are not eligible.

Heavy goods vehicles and buses will continue to be processed and opening hours have been extended to increase capacity and facilitate the prioritisation of vehicles with imminent expiry dates.

A spokesperson for the Department said: "The DVA is working to urgently contact all owners of taxis and four year old cars to book them for MOT tests in the coming days. Priority is being given to those with MOTs that have expired or expire today, so motorists can tax their vehicles."

Car owners whose appointments have been cancelled by the DVA can continue to drive, however they are advised to make their insurance provider aware.

The DVA also wishes to advise that the exemption certificate will allow customers to tax their vehicles as normal. The exemption will be recorded in the DVA system and this work is being done urgently so it is on the system and owners can tax their vehicles. A hard copy exemption certificate will arrive by post in the coming days.

The chaos comes after faulty vehicle lifts were identified, sparking a full inspection process and subsequent suspension of vehicle testing.



(JG/CM)

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