IGA voices strong opposition to Biennial MOT testing in Northern Ireland

Concerns raised over road safety, environmental impact, and inspection adequacy

IGA voices strong opposition to Biennial MOT testing in Northern Ireland
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The Independent Garage Association (IGA) has formally responded to the Driver and Vehicle Agency’s (DVA) 2025 consultation regarding the proposed introduction of biennial MOT testing (4-2-2) in Northern Ireland.

The IGA has registered its strong opposition to the suggested changes, citing significant concerns relating to road safety, environmental consequences, and the thoroughness of vehicle inspections under the proposed system.

The consultation suggests a move to a two-year MOT testing cycle, which the IGA argues could lead to a considerable increase in the number of unroadworthy and unsafe vehicles remaining in use on Northern Ireland’s roads.

Jonathan Douglass, Director of the IGA, stated that reducing the frequency of MOT testing presents a public safety risk. He asserted that data indicates tens of thousands of vehicles would bypass essential annual inspections under the proposed system, including high-mileage company vehicles and electric cars, which he noted have a higher initial MOT failure rate. The IGA contends that a biennial MOT system would fail to identify safety-critical issues in a timely manner, potentially endangering lives and undermining environmental objectives.

The IGA’s response highlights several key concerns, including the potential for over 56,000 vehicles that would have failed an annual MOT to remain on the road. They also argue that biennial testing could significantly delay the detection and repair of emissions system faults, conflicting with the Climate Change Act (Northern Ireland) 2022. Furthermore, the IGA points to data from countries with biennial testing showing higher rates of dangerous defects and fatalities. Finally, they emphasise that advancements in vehicle technology, particularly in EVs and hybrids, necessitate diligent and proactive governance.

Mr Douglass concluded by urging the DVA to maintain Northern Ireland’s strong road safety record and environmental commitments by rejecting the proposed move to biennial testing, stating that a reduction in MOT frequency risks undermining progress in removing unsafe and environmentally harmful vehicles from the road. The IGA is advocating for the DVA to prioritise public safety and environmental responsibility by retaining the current annual MOT testing regime.

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