Mot

[jennyjoan]

MOT is up on 17 September and there are absolutely no slots for any day of either August of September.

I actually drove over to the MOT place and got an examiner there who did say - oh try September which I hadn't really done.

Just after going the two months and no available slots. It means I won't be able to drive my car for God knows how long after 17 September.

I don't know what to do next. Thanks for any help.

[douglas9401]

Are there no other garages doing tests?

[jennyjoan]

I never knew that could happen Douglas. Wonder where I can look. Like these are MOT centres and I can only drive near the one where I live.

[jno]

is this still in force?

https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/news/mallon-announces-four-month-extension-mot-temporary-exemption-certificates

[jennyjoan]

jno - haven't read the link but I did think I would be ok as I actually received a letter via post last Saturday - that it was due on 17 September so I'll look at the link but dont think there are any more extensions.

Just asking - say if you were to drive without an MOT - are you covered by insurance?

[jennyjoan]

I am exhausted to tell you the truth looking 2 months of dates individually.

I do think the site ought to tell you what slots they have left.

[maggiebee]

Could you perhaps Google: MOT centres in ????? and see if there's one near you.

[douglas9401]

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/driving-and-vehicle-test-centres

[barry1010]

I booked my November MOT months ago as I knew there would be a huge backlog.

How many garages have you tried? You might be able to get a last minute cancellation if you tell them you will come in as soon as you are called, even tomorrow. Better to get it done too early.

[gingejbee]

^It's Northern Ireland..."garages" don't do MOTs do they?

[davebro]

You don't live on Mull or some such place do you JJ? LOL
I booked my MoT last Wednesday & had it done Friday - usual garage.

[jno]

JJ's in Belfast, I think?

[jennyjoan]

I have tried another centre and am getting nothing. I'm truly exhausted.

[jennyjoan]

dave did you book online

[jennyjoan]

Anyway how could I let them know I could take a cancellation - there is nothing on the site

[jennyjoan]

I am very tired so I will try later. thanks guys for your replies. I'm sure there is no point in ringing them. When I called over to the office - all POSITIONS WERE CLOSED.

[Mamyalynne]

The advice seems to be - take the earliest appointment you can,even if it's after your current MOT expires.

More details here.

They are well aware of the delays.

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-and-motoring

[davebro]

sorry JJ - seems NI is a bit different. Lots of garages do it in England.

[barry1010]

Ginge, I don't understand your post. My local garage that carries out car servicing and repairs is MOT certified. Where do you go for an MOT? Years ago I used to go the Ministry centre that MOTs HGVs but they got too busy.

[gingejbee]

^barry...I don't live in Northern Ireland but jj does...and garages don't do MOTs in NI.

[Mamyalynne]

As Doug's list of test centres show, JJ has very little choice in Belfast itself.