MOT tests in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, new vehicles need to go through their first MOT test after four years.

This approach differs from the three-year requirement that is found in the rest of the United Kingdom.

This extended period before the initial test reflects a regional variation in vehicle testing legislation.

Booking MOT Test in Northern Ireland

MOT testing in Northern Ireland is managed exclusively by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).

Unlike in Great Britain, where authorised private garages can perform MOT tests, all vehicle inspections in Northern Ireland must take place at an official DVA-operated test centre.

This centralised approach means motorists must schedule their tests through DVA facilities only.

The MOT Test Process in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the MOT test is a detailed inspection over several stages. This is designed to ensure vehicles meet essential safety and environmental standards.

1. Emissions and Initial Checks

The MOT begins with verification of vehicle details and an exhaust emissions test.

Diesel vehicles are checked for smoke density using a smoke meter, with specific limits depending on engine type and age.

Petrol vehicles are assessed for visible smoke and gas levels.

Key reasons for failure include:

• Excessive smoke or emissions
• Damaged exhaust system
• Engine defects

An inspection under the bonnet is also carried out at this stage. Covering items like steering, brakes, fuel system, and vehicle structure.

2. Lights, Interior, and Body Condition

This part of the inspection includes a headlamp alignment test, followed by checks on lights, seatbelts, mirrors, windows, horn, and more.

The fuel cap and boot are also inspected.

Vehicles must meet strict beam alignment criteria and have clear underbody access for inspection.

3. Brakes and Interior Controls

Brakes are tested using rollers to assess performance, balance, and efficiency.

The driver's compartment is examined for the condition of controls, warning lights, and safety features such as ABS and airbag indicators.

4. Under-Body Inspection

Vehicles are raised on a jack to allow the inspectors access to check the steering, suspension, tyres, and exhaust system.

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is also checked at this point. An absence of a DPF, if one was fitted as OE, will lead to an automatic MOT fail.

After inspection, the examiner will issue an MOT certificate if the vehicle passes.

Minor defects are listed – these are not enough to cause the vehicle to fail the MOT inspection. However, you should look to have anything marked here fixed in the near future. Before it becomes a bigger and more dangerous issue.

If your vehicle fails the MOT, you will be provided with a full fault report. Highlighting which components failed and why. Before you can drive your vehicle, you will need to have these fixed and the vehicle retested.

Retests can be booked at a reduced fee within 21 days (and completed within 60 days) of the original test.

How long does the MOT test take in Northern Ireland?

On average, an MOT test takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

However, timing can vary based on car make and model, condition, and if repairs are needed after the car MOT check has been completed.

Additional time may be required if your car fails the initial test and requires retesting after necessary adjustments.

Which cars are exempt from MOT in Northern Ireland?

In Northern Ireland, vehicles that are defined as 'of Historical Interest' are exempt from MOT inspections.

These are vehicles which were manufactured (or first registered) more than 40 years ago. They also need to be no longer in production.

These vehicles must not have been changed in any major way within the last 30 years. Major changes are noted on the V112 form.

Despite the fact these vehicles are exempt, the owner must still ensure that it is maintained to a roadworthy condition.

If you have an exempt vehicle, you are still able to choose to test the vehicle on a voluntary basis.

Different rules apply to heavy goods vehicles and buses.

Is there still an MOT backlog in Northern Ireland?

As of April 2025, the MOT backlog in Northern Ireland has significantly improved.

The current average waiting time has been reduced from over 100 days in mid-2024 to approximately 30 days.

This has been attributed to the work put in to introduce the Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs), the recruitment of additional vehicle inspectors, and the expansion of testing capacity.

This includes new test centres at Hydebank and Mallusk, near Belfast.