To ask the Minister for Infrastructure (i) whether she is considering extending MOT Test Exemption Certificates (TECs) for those who cannot secure a test prior to their expiry date; (ii) to detail the number of MOT tests that will be required when the current TEC period ends; and (iii) whether the testing system has the capacity to meet this demand.

On 11 February 2021, I announced that existing Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) for qualifying vehicles will be extended by a further four months. This applies to private cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles aged 4-9 years old, with TECs which will expire between 26 March 2021 and 25 March 2022. Four year old cars and motorcycles and three year old light goods vehicles due a first time test between the above dates will also have a four month TEC applied.

The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is delivering vehicle testing at all 15 of its test centres. However, in line with PHA advice and guidance, it has introduced additional control measures at its test centres to mitigate against the risk of Covid-19 transmission. The DVA is, therefore, operating at a reduced vehicle testing capacity and will continue to issue TECs to all eligible vehicles until normal vehicle testing services resume.

While there is sufficient capacity for customers to book a vehicle test appointment, it may not always be possible to book a test at the preferred test centre, and customers may have to travel to an alternative centre to secure a test before their current test pass certificate expires. Additional vehicle test slots are available daily at most centres and further slots also become available due to cancellations.

The DVA encourages customers who urgently require an appointment to check the booking system daily as vehicle slots become available at short notice. For those customers who are unable to secure a test date and whose MOT is due to expire within five days or has already expired, they should contact the DVA customer services team at customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk and they will seek to secure an urgent appointment prior to the expiry date, so the customer can continue to use the vehicle legally on the road.

The DVA has steadily increased its vehicle testing capacity by adopting a range of measures including the recruitment of additional vehicle examiners, the use of overtime to provide cover for leave and sick absence and a reduction of the vehicle test appointment time. The DVA is also offering vehicle test appointments on a Sunday and bank holidays, at most test centres. Following conversion of an adjoining building at the Newbuildings test centre, additional testing capacity is now available to meet demand in the north-west.

As restrictions ease, the DVA will continue to adapt its services to enable full resumption of vehicle testing, when it is safe to do so. This will require the reinstatement of the normal vehicle testing procedures to ensure there is adequate vehicle testing capacity to meet the demand.

I remain committed to minimising disruption and ensuring our plan for the restoration of services is in hand, and most importantly remain committed to protecting the lives of staff and customers during this pandemic.