MoT centres open

MoT centres open

22 July 2020

DRIVERS across the district are heading back to Downpatrick’s MoT centre this month.

The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) has begun a phased return of MoT tests, with driving tests also set to resume.

MoT tests for what are being described as “priority vehicle groups” began on Monday and testing for other vehicles is due to recommence in August.

There are also plans to reinstate some driver testing services in July, but these will only be allowed to proceed if they can be done safely and social distancing requirements can be met.

Stormont infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon said “officials have been working hard to find solutions to help customers”.

Ms Mallon said the DVA has carried out “a full review of risk assessments and developed new MoT processes that comply with all the published government public health advice and guidance”.

The minister continued: “A number of measures have been put in place including a range of exemptions and extensions so that, as far as possible, vehicles can be kept on the road safely and most people can keep driving.

“Covid-19 has caused unprecedented difficulties for all of us and I thank our customers for their patience at this very challenging time.”

Ms Mallon also confirmed that new lifts have been installed at 10 of the province’s test centres. MoT tests were suspended in January after faults were detected in some of the lifts.

The minister also said that she “recognises frustrations” that many people have been unable to take driving tests and the inconvenience this has caused.

She confirmed that consultation is ongoing with trade unions with a view for the phased return of driving tests.