From 1st June 2024, vehicles that were first registered between 1st June 2017 and 31st May 2018 or between 1st June 2019 and 31st May 2020 will be given a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC) if they currently have a valid Northern Ireland MOT certificate.
So, what does this mean for you?
If your private car was first registered between the above-listed dates and has a current valid Northern Ireland MOT certificate, then your vehicle won’t need to be tested again for 12 months from the current expiry date.
Why were Temporary Exemption Certificates introduced?
The Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd introduced Temporary Exemption Certificates in an effort to reduce MOT waiting times.
How to check when your vehicle was first registered.
You can easily check your vehicle’s first registration date at www.gov.uk/check-mot-status all you need is your vehicle registration number. You can also check your vehicle’s first registration date in the vehicle logbook.
What to do if your vehicle is eligible for a Temporary Exemption Certificate.
If your vehicle was registered between the above-listed dates and you have a current valid Northern Ireland MOT certificate (not expired) then you do not need to do anything.
If your vehicle falls into this bracket for a Temporary Exemption Certificate then it is still legal to drive the vehicle as long as it is kept in a roadworthy condition, taxed and insured. But remember, it is always best to still do regular safety checks on your vehicle for your safety and the safety of other road users.
Will you receive a copy of the Temporary Exemption Certificate?
No. Temporary Exemption Certificates will be allocated automatically so you won’t receive a paper or digital copy.
What to do if you have already booked your MOT test.
If your current MOT test certificate has not yet expired but you have already booked a MOT test, you do not need to do anything, the DVA will cancel your appointment, refund the test fee and send you an email with the new expiry date along with the cancellation confirmation and refund receipt.
What to do if your current MOT certificate has already expired.
If your MOT test certificate has already expired, then you will need to proceed with your MOT test. We advise you to get your car checked over by a fully qualified mechanic before your MOT test.
What to do if your car was not registered between the listed dates.
If your car was not first registered between the above-listed dates, then you must book your MOT test as normal.
A vehicle will not receive a Temporary Vehicle Certificate if:
- The vehicle was not registered between 1st June 2017 and 21st May 2018 or between 1st June 2019 and 31st May 2020
- The vehicle was registered between the above dates, but the MOT has expired
- The vehicle has a valid MOT but was last tested outside of Northern Ireland
These vehicles will still need to be tested; you can book MOT tests by clicking here.
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