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How do I book an MOT/Vehicle Test Appointment?

You can apply for a test online, by telephone, in person or by post. You should book your vehicle test as soon as you receive your reminder letter, which is sent to you seven weeks before your test is due.

Book your MOT test

How to use this online service

You can:

Manage your MOT test online booking

You can also:

Data Protection

We recommend that you read the Data Protection Act 1998 - Fair Processing Notice for the Driver Vehicle Agency.

Selection of dates and times

Booking an MOT as early as possible will ensure you have a wider range of dates and times to choose from. Check for availability at the following link:

Vehicles can be tested up to 28 days before the expiry of the current test certificate without affecting the expiry date for the following year.

Booking an MOT test

All test categories can be applied for in person or by post. When booking a vehicle test for a private car, motorcycle or light goods vehicle (up to 3,500kg) you will need the vehicle registration number, the last four digits of the chassis number and, if using the online or telephone service, a debit or credit card. You also have the option of choosing to receive your appointment notice by email instead of waiting for the letter to arrive in the post when using the online or telephone service.

The DVA vehicle test booking service has been expanded to include online and telephone booking for HGVs, Trailers and Buses. When using this new service, you will be provided with a booking reference number, you will then have to contact your selected test centre to obtain your test date and time. Appointment notices will be issued when the booking has been confirmed with the test centre.

Applying online

You can normally book, cancel or change a vehicle test online 24 hours a day, every day - however, during periods of system maintenance the service may be unavailable for short periods of time.

Applying by telephone

You can book by calling from 8.00am to 7.00pm from Monday to Friday and from 9.00am to 1.00pm on a Saturday.  Please note, calls are recorded for quality assurance purposes.

  • the telephone booking line number is 0845 247 2471

Applying in person

You can apply in person by completing an application form (VT3) and returning it to one of the test centres which are open from 8.45am to 12.30pm and from 1.15pm to 4.00pm from Monday to Friday, except for the Belfast centre which is open from 9.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Lisburn and Londonderry are closed until 10.00am for staff training on the second Tuesday of each month.

Applying by post

You will need to complete an application form (VT3) and send it with the appropriate fee to the vehicle test centre where you would like the test conducted

How quickly can I get a test appointment?

A range of test appointments are often available, however the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) cannot always meet requests for specified times or locations.

Waiting times vary between centres and it is often the case that tests can be secured more quickly at an alternative centre. Tell DVA when booking which dates suit you and they will try to accommodate you as far as possible. It may be possible to give you a cancellation or short notice appointment.

You can check what dates are available by contacting the telephone booking line on

  • 0845 247 2471

Cheque payments for appointments that fall within a 10 day cheque clearance time cannot be accepted. These appointments can be paid by credit or debit card or by cash. Payment by cheque is acceptable for appointments that fall outside the 10 day clearance time.

If I cannot get a suitable appointment, what will I do?

You are advised to submit your application in good time, ideally as soon as the reminder is received, but this is not always possible. You can get advice on making a booking by contacting the booking line on:

  • 0845 247 2471

How much will the test cost?

The test fee will vary depending on the type of vehicle and the type of test required for the vehicle. If you have any queries regarding the type of test you wish to book, contact any of the DVA test centre’s who will advise you.

Can I cancel my test appointment?

Yes, provided you give one clear day's notice which does not include the date you contact DVA or the date of the test. These clear days do not include Saturdays, Sundays and public or bank holidays.

For example, if you want to cancel an appointment for Tuesday you must tell DVA by the previous Friday. Your appointment notice will advise you of the last day you can cancel your appointment. Your fee will only be refunded if you give enough notice of the cancellation.

You can cancel most appointments online provided you have the booking reference issued to you at the time of booking. You can also cancel your appointment by contacting any of the DVA test centres or by phoning the booking line on:

  • 0845 247 2471.

Alternatively you can complete the relevant details on your appointment notice and post to any of the DVA test centres, allowing enough time for it to reach the test centre.

What happens if I fail to attend for the test?

If you do not cancel your appointment and you fail to attend for your test, you will lose your fee, and you will have to pay the full fee for another appointment.

More useful links

Do it online

Contacts