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. Vehicles can be tested up to 28 days before the expiry of their current test certificate without affecting the expiry date for the following year.
MOT test centres
MOT test centres in Northern Ireland are currently undergoing an equipment refresh programme. This means that it might be best to book your MOT test in good time, as some lanes might not be available at your local centre. You can get more information at the following link:
Booking a test
All test categories can be applied for in person or by post. If booking a vehicle test for a private car, motorcycle or light goods vehicle (up to 3,500kg) you also have the option of our online booking service or the telephone booking line.
When making an appointment 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.
If you book the test online or by telephone, you now have the option of choosing to receive your appointment notice by email instead of waiting for the letter to arrive in the post
You can apply for a test using one of the following options:
- online service – 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
- telephone booking line - 0845 247 2471 - you may 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
- 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
- by post – you will need to complete an application form and send it with the appropriate fee to the vehicle test centre where you would like the test conducted
- Book an MOT test on the DVA website
- VT3 application form (PDF 103KB)
- Help with PDF files
- Where are the test centres?
There are 15 DVA test centres throughout Northern Ireland. Once you have made an appointment for the test centre of your choice, you can take your vehicle to the centre and have it tested by qualified examiners.
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. This happens more commonly during periods of higher demand for testing services, specifically between mid-January and end of March each year. As waiting times vary between centres it is often the case that tests can be secured more quickly at an alternative centre close to the one you normally use. 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. However, DVA recommends that you book your vehicle test as soon as you receive your reminder letter. DVA can not accept payment by cheque for appointments that fall within a 10 day cheque clearance time. 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.
You can check what dates are available by contacting the telephone booking line on
- 0845 247 2471
If I cannot get a suitable appointment, what will I do?
DVA advises that you submit your application in good time, ideally as soon as the reminder is received, but appreciates that 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 phoning the booking line on 0845 247 2471 or by contacting any of the DVA test centres.
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.
Student finance
Get help with rates
Passports
