MoT Update: Priority Contact Line Opens

A contact line has today opened for motorists impacted by the ongoing MoT backlog.

The priority service is primarily for drivers who own a four year-old car in need of its first MoT as well as taxis and car dealerships.

It comes as thousands of appointments were suspended last month after issues with vehicle lifting equipment were identified.

Motorists with an expired test certificate have been automatically issued with a temporary exemption, meaning they can continue to drive, however the priority groups were ineligible for this provision.

Two new vehicle lifts were put into operation at the Belfast and Newbuildings MoT centres in recent weeks and three existing lifts returned to use in Belfast and Lisburn, however the disruption continues for many motorists.

The Department for Infrastructure therefore moved to open a priority vehicle contact line.

This is available by calling 0300 2007 862 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

DVA Chief Executive Paul Duffy said: "DVA is continuing to work to contact priority vehicle owners as quickly as possible, however we do not have contact details for all of these customers.

"We are therefore asking anyone with a four year old car due its first MOT, taxis and local car dealerships with vehicles due a test within the next two weeks to contact us on 0300 2007 862, so we can move your appointment forward. Please state clearly when the vehicle test is due and have your booking reference to hand. This line will continue to be open to all relevant customers within the priority groups who need an urgent appointment within two weeks from the time of the call.

"DVA can only bring an appointment forward after a booking has been made on the system, so it is essential that customers continue to make a booking when they get a reminder letter."

Two independent reviews announced by the Minister for Infrastructure have also now begun and an initial report in relation to the status of existing vehicle lifts and any repair work necessary is due shortly.

DVA would like to remind owners of cars of five years and older whose tests have been cancelled by the DVA, that they will automatically receive a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC), thereby enabling them to continue to drive and tax their vehicle.

TECs are also being automatically issued to owners of three year old light goods vehicles.

Testing of heavy goods vehicles, buses, motorcycles and re-tests remains unaffected by the current disruption and those customers should continue to attend appointments.

Customers should continue to book their MoT upon receipt of their reminder letter. This can be done online or by calling 0345 2472 471.



(JG/CM)