In Northern Ireland the Driver and Vehicle Agency runs MOT tests, and cars and motorcycles are generally first tested at four years old. A car test costs £38.00 and a retest £29.50. A failed vehicle needs a retest within 21 days to avoid paying the full fee again.
Checked 23 October 2026 against the DVSA MOT inspection manual
- Tests run by: DVA
- First test, cars: Generally 4 years
- Car test fee: £38.00
- Retest: £29.50 (apply within 21 days)
How the NI scheme works
The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is the body responsible for vehicle testing in Northern Ireland. It operates the test centres. Tests can be booked online or by phone, giving owners two routes to arrange an appointment at a centre of their choice. The DVA oversees the process from booking through to the issue of the test result, and it is the point of contact for queries about an individual vehicle's test.
In Northern Ireland, cars and motorcycles are generally due their first test from four years old. This differs from the position in Great Britain, where the first test is normally due at three years. The four year rule applies to these vehicle types as a starting point, after which testing continues on the usual schedule. Owners of newer vehicles therefore have an additional year before the first appointment becomes due.
Quads are tested at a smaller set of locations than other vehicles. The designated centres for quads in Northern Ireland are Coleraine, Craigavon, Mallusk, Newtownards and Omagh. Owners of quads should note that these are the only sites where the test is offered, which may affect the distance travelled to an appointment. Booking in advance is available through the same online and phone channels used for other vehicle types.
Fees and retests
The fee for an MOT test in Northern Ireland depends on the class of vehicle. A class 4 car test costs £38.00, and a class 3 light motor vehicle test also costs £38.00. For motorcycles in classes 1 and 2, the fee is £34.00. Where a vehicle fails and a retest is needed, the retest fee is £29.50.
After a fail, a retest must be applied for within 21 days, otherwise the full fee applies. The retest must also be completed within 60 days of the original test. These time limits apply alongside the retest fee of £29.50, and missing the 21 day application window means the full test fee is charged instead.
On driving after a fail, nidirect states that a failed vehicle should not be driven, even if its existing MOT still has time left to run. This applies regardless of the retest arrangements or the fee paid, and the guidance covers the period following a failed test until the vehicle is presented again.
Certificates and exemptions
A duplicate certificate costs £10.00 online and requires the registration and the last four digits of the VIN. It is only available for a valid MOT. This allows a replacement document to be obtained where the original has been lost or damaged, provided the underlying test remains current.
Some private cars may be issued a Temporary Exemption Certificate. This document extends the validity of the MOT, covering a defined period during which a test would otherwise be due. It applies to specific circumstances rather than as a general alternative to the standard test.
Cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicles up to 3,500kg first made or registered more than 40 years ago are exempt where the vehicle is no longer in production and has not been majorly changed in the last 30 years. All three conditions must be met for the exemption to apply.
Moving between NI and Great Britain
The GOV.UK MOT history service shows Northern Ireland results only from 2017. Northern Ireland certificates cannot be downloaded there. Drivers moving between Northern Ireland and Great Britain therefore see a limited record for any test carried out in Northern Ireland before 2017, and the certificate itself must be kept separately rather than retrieved online.
Where the last MOT was in Northern Ireland and the next is in Great Britain, the renewal date is based on the Great Britain test date. The earlier Northern Ireland test date does not set the renewal date in this situation, so the timing of the next test follows the Great Britain certificate.
The GOV.UK reminder service is not available in Northern Ireland. A postal reminder is sent 7 weeks before the MOT is due. Drivers who have moved from Great Britain and are used to the GOV.UK reminder service will not receive reminders by that route once the vehicle is tested in Northern Ireland.
Frequently asked questions
Who runs MOT testing in Northern Ireland and how can a test be booked?
The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) runs vehicle testing in Northern Ireland. Tests can be booked online or by phone.
When is a car or motorcycle in Northern Ireland first due an MOT?
In Northern Ireland, cars and motorcycles are generally due their first test from four years old.
What are the MOT fees in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland fees are £38.00 for a class 4 car test, £38.00 for a class 3 light motor vehicle and £34.00 for motorcycles (classes 1 and 2), with a £29.50 retest.
What are the time limits for a retest after an MOT fail in Northern Ireland?
After a fail, a retest must be applied for within 21 days or the full fee applies, and the retest must be completed within 60 days of the original test.
Where are quads tested in Northern Ireland?
Quads in Northern Ireland are tested at Coleraine, Craigavon, Mallusk, Newtownards and Omagh.
Part of the MOT guide series
MOT check: the full guide › MOT by vehicle type
