To ask the Minister for Infrastructure for his assessment of whether allowing people, whose vehicle has recently passed an MoT test, to book an appointment for approximately one year’s time, would reduce waiting lists and backlog issues and enable people to get an appointment at a reasonable date.

Annual vehicle roadworthiness inspections are conducted in accordance with The Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and the Motor Vehicle Testing Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003. The regulations do not permit an MOT to be booked more than three months before it is due.

Extending the window for customers to book a test in advance of their MOT expiry date would increase demand on the service reducing the availability of appointments for those customers who require one more urgently.

The latest information on MOTs is available on NI Direct at A guide to booking your MOT/ vehicle test | nidirect and is also included as an advice note with every MOT reminder letter issued to customers.