1. I keep hearing about MOT non-compliance, what does this mean?
   
   

This means that road users operate their vehicles illegally by not having a valid MOT Certificate in force.

[top]

2. What difference will it make if my vehicle has a valid MOT Vehicle Test Certificate in force?
   
   

Ensuring that your vehicle is MOT compliant and properly maintained will greatly contribute to improving road safety. During 2004 some 148 people died on Northern Irelands roads; statistically 6 of these deaths may have been attributable to vehicle defects.

[top]

3. What is being done to stop non-compliance?
   
   

The Agency has developed a compliance strategy from which a number of initiatives have already been implemented. More detailed information can be viewed by downloading the following leaflet MOT & The Impact on Road Safety (pdf 334KB, opens in new window)

[top]

4. My car was recently inspected at the side of the road, will this be a regular occurrence?
   
   

Yes, in an effort to detect and reduce non-compliance caused by unroadworthy vehicles the Agency has recently stepped up the number of roadside vehicle checks its enforcement officer's carryout. Results from recent checks revealed that 33% of vehicles inspected had at least one defect.

[top]

5. I was issued with a defect notice at a recent roadside vehicle check what should I do?
   
   

A defect notice (Form VT5) is a legal document issued by a Vehicle Examiner, which lists any defects identified on your vehicle at the time it was inspected. The document requires you to have the listed defects remedied, and the vehicle presented for inspection at a DVTA Vehicle Testing Centre within 14 days for further inspection. This will necessitate booking a special test appointment and paying the appropriate fee.

[top]

6. I was issued with a prohibition notice at a recent roadside vehicle check what should I do?
   
   

A Vehicle Examiner issues a prohibition notice (Form V1/V2) when the severity of one or more defects discovered on a vehicle is considered to be a significant road safety concern. You must comply immediately with all specified conditions set out on the notice regarding continued use of your vehicle and the rectification of any stated defects.

[top]

7. What will happen if I ignore a defect notice or prohibition notice issued by a Vehicle Examiner?
   
   

It is an offence to fail to comply with the requirements of these documents for which you may be liable to prosecution. Continued use of your vehicle is also likely to place you and other road users at risk

[top]

8. Can I be prosecuted if I am detected driving without a valid MOT Vehicle Test Certificate?
   
   

Yes, driving your vehicle without a valid MOT Test Certificate in force is an offence, which carries a maximum penalty upon conviction of £1000.

[top]

9. Why is DVTA carrying out roadside vehicle checks if vehicles are annually MOT tested?
   
   

An MOT Vehicle Test Certificate does not mean that your vehicle is roadworthy for a year. Studies have shown that most vehicles develop defects shortly after an MOT Test Certificate is issued. By carrying out roadside vehicle checks, DVTA are seeking to encourage vehicle owners to carry out regular maintenance on their vehicles to ensure that they are roadworthy every time they are used on the road.

[top]

10. Can I have my private car tested outside Northern Ireland?
    
    

Yes, any official MOT Vehicle Test Certificate issued within the United Kingdom is also valid in Northern Ireland.

[top]

11. Who Needs to display the MOT disc
    
    

Only vehicles tested in Northern Ireland under the motor vehicle testing regulations are required to display the disc provided when they pass their MOT.

Vehicles tested in Great Britain are not required to display a disc

[top]