The MP confirmed that many of her constituents are experiencing difficulties at obtaining MOT test dates. She said: “Drivers are spending valuable time and repeatedly logging on to the NI Direct website in search of an appointment. The options are very limited, with many people having to accept test dates outside their local area.

Ms Lockhart said the situation was causing significant stress and inconvenience for motorists and businesses. She has questioned why additional testing capacity is not available, particularly following the completion of the new ten-lane MOT centre at Mallusk in County Antrim.

“This is a long running saga, with ongoing complaints from constituents about the significant delays in securing an MOT appointment. Drivers are travelling to test centres miles from home, and are being offered test dates more than two months beyond the expiry of their current certificate.

The MP said: “This is a huge concern. While Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) are available for eligible vehicles, they are not a solution to a broken MOT system that is struggling to provide timely appointments. The Department of Infrastructure needs to get its act together.

“There are obvious concerns around roadworthiness, particularly when it comes to older vehicles.

“The backlog is causing major inconvenience for private motorists and motorcyclists, but it is particularly challenging for those who depend on their vehicles to earn a living. Farmers, delivery drivers, hauliers and other businesses rely on vehicles every day.”

Carla Lockhart MP added: “It is completely unacceptable that drivers are having to travel significant distances across Northern Ireland to secure an MOT test when there is additional capacity sitting unused.”

Ms Lockhart has written to Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins seeking an explanation as to why the new MOT facility at Mallusk has not yet opened.

 “A brand new ten-lane facility, which cost tax payers £13.5 million to construct, was completed at the end of April 2026, but has remained idle since then. The centre is understood to have capacity to test around 100,000 vehicles a year, including light and heavy vehicles and motorcycles.”

She said: “That simply does not make sense when motorists are facing a significant backlog and struggling to obtain appointments within a reasonable timeframe.

“Earlier this year the Minister described Mallusk as “an important milestone in strengthening the future of vehicle testing in Northern Ireland”. If that is the case, the Department needs to explain why this important new capacity has not been brought into operation.”

Ms Lockhart confirmed she had written to the Minister seeking clarity on what is preventing the centre from opening, and crucially, when motorists can expect to see this additional vehicle testing capacity made available.

“The new facility should be helping to tackle the backlog, not sitting unused while drivers across Northern Ireland struggle to secure MOT appointments.”

The MP also highlighted continuing delays surrounding the proposed new MOT centre at Hydebank in South Belfast, which has encountered delays spanning a number of years.

“I appreciate the pressures facing the Driver and Vehicle Agency, and that Temporary Exemption Certificates are in place for eligible vehicles, but this cannot become the norm.

“Drivers deserve a convenient and functioning MOT system, with sufficient capacity to provide appointments when they are needed.



“The Department needs to swiftly rectify this situation, bring the Mallusk facility into service without further delay and provide motorists with a clear explanation of how it intends to address the wider backlog.”