MOTs in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has its own MOT system, run by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA). Tests are done at DVA test centres rather than garages, and cars are first tested at four years old.
When a test is due
- As a general rule, cars and motorcycles are tested from four years old.nidirect
- Light goods vehicles up to 3,500kg have their first test before the end of the month, three years after first registration, then once a year.nidirect
- Buses and taxis are tested from when they're first used.nidirect
- If your next MOT is in Northern Ireland, you can't keep any credit from a test done elsewhere in the UK. You get a new 12-month certificate from the test date.nidirect
Booking, changing or cancelling
- Book online on nidirect or by phone. Book as early as possible: the DVA says demand is high and you may not get a test before your MOT expires.nidirect
- If you can't get a test in time, book the earliest one available. The PSNI has agreed not to penalise drivers whose MOT has expired if the vehicle is roadworthy, insured, not SORN, and you can show a test is booked. This only applies in Northern Ireland.nidirect
- Waiting times vary between centres, so you may get a test sooner at another centre.nidirect
- To change or cancel, use nidirect's online service. You must give at least one clear day's notice or you lose your fee.nidirect
- If you're within 10 days of your tax expiring and can't get a test, nidirect has a short notice appointment request form.nidirect
Temporary Exemption Certificates
- Private cars first registered between 1 June 2019 and 31 May 2020, or between 1 June 2021 and 31 May 2022, with a valid Northern Ireland MOT get a Temporary Exemption Certificate: no test needed for 12 months from when the current certificate expires.nidirect
- TECs are given automatically. There's no paper or digital copy, and you don't need to do anything.nidirect
- A car doesn't get a TEC if its MOT has expired, or if it was last tested outside Northern Ireland.nidirect
Common questions
When does a car need its first MOT in Northern Ireland?
As a general rule, cars and motorcycles are tested from four years old, and light goods vehicles from three.
How do I change my MOT test in Northern Ireland?
Online on nidirect, using the change, cancel or view service. Give at least one clear day's notice or you lose the fee.
What if I can't get a test before my MOT runs out?
Book the earliest available appointment. The PSNI has agreed not to penalise drivers whose MOT has expired as long as the vehicle is roadworthy, insured, not SORN, and you can show that a test is booked. This only applies in Northern Ireland.
Can I see the MOT history of a car tested in Northern Ireland?
Yes, for tests since December 2017. Enter the registration at the top of our home page. DVA doesn't publish defect details for NI tests, but the results, dates and mileage are shown.
How much is an MOT in Northern Ireland?
£38 for a car (£29.50 for a retest) and £34 for a motorcycle. All fees
Check a vehicle
Mileage check
Every MOT reading on a chart, and a warning if it ever went down.
When is my MOT due?
Your due date, the earliest day to test, and a calendar reminder.
How much is an MOT?
The official maximum fees in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
MOT results explained
Dangerous, major, minor and advisory, and what each means for you.
What the MOT checks
The nine areas of the test, from brakes to emissions.
MOT test centres
Every approved test centre in Great Britain, by postcode and town.
Sources
- nidirect: How the MOT scheme works
- nidirect: A guide to booking your MOT/vehicle test
- nidirect: Vehicle test fees
- nidirect: Change, cancel or view your MOT/vehicle test appointment online
- DVSA: MOT history API documentation
Checked 14 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@motmileage.co.uk.