Major MOT test change that could affect thousands of drivers called ‘safety risk’

A major MOT test update being considered by officials has been described as a “safety risk” by garage specialists. The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has called out plans for the introduction of biennial MOT testing in Northern Ireland.

It comes after the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) opened up a consultation regarding the new scheme. If approved it would see MOT testing rules updated with cars only required to receive a check once every two years instead of once every 12 months. The IGA said the move could lead to a “significant increase” in unroadworthy and unsafe vehicles.

Analysis from the group shows as many as 56,000 vehicles that may have previously failed their check will stay on the roads.

Jonathan Douglass, director of the IGA, said: “Reducing the frequency of MOT testing is not just a policy decision, it’s a public safety risk.

“Data clearly shows that tens of thousands of vehicles would avoid essential inspections each year under the proposed system.

“That includes high-mileage company vehicles and electric cars, which are typically failing their first MOTs at a higher rate.

"A biennial MOT system would fail to catch these safety-critical issues in time, putting lives at risk and undermining environmental goals.”

The IGA has openly called for The Northern Ireland DVA to prioritise public safety and maintain the current MOT system in place.

Jonathan said: "A reduction in MOT frequency risks undermining decades of progress in keeping unsafe and environmentally harmful vehicles off the road."

The UK Government previously considered extending MOT tests for brand-new vehicles.

The proposal would have seen newly registered vehicles become exempt from MOT tests for their first four years on the road.

However, the idea was ditched last year after a one-year review.

Last January, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) praised the decision.

They said: “Government and the automotive industry have worked together to ensure the UK has some of the world’s safest roads. The decision to retain the existing MOT system is the right one.”