AROUND 500 drivers miss their MOT appointments every week in Northern Ireland, it has been revealed.
Unlike in mainland UK, drivers in Northern Ireland are required to have their vehicles tested at official DVA run centres, rather than sanctioned independent garages.
And with an extra 15,000 vehicles awaiting tests because of staff summer holidays and rising demand, wasted slots are adding to the workload at centres.
Assembly environment committee chairman Patsy McGlone blamed workers failing to allow enough leeway for those running late.
A Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) spokesman confirmed: "It is disappointing 500 customers a week are not turning up for appointments.
"Hundreds of valuable and very necessary appointments are being wasted each week by customers failing to show up for their appointment."
Motorists are supposed to receive a test date within four weeks. Yet some are having to wait until the middle of next month for appointments.
The DVA spokesman added: "Although some people have understandable reasons for missing appointments, that is not always the case.
"As a result missed appointments are adding to the pressure on MOT centres because tests have to be rescheduled."
The DVA has experienced an 11% increase in demand and delivered almost 14% more tests.
Environment minister Sammy Wilson has decided all 15 test centres will open on the August bank holiday, providing an extra 1,800 tests.
Recruitment for casual and permanent workers is under way and Sunday opening will begin at six centres for a temporary period from early autumn, as a last resort, voluntarily for staff.
There are priority waiting lists for people with MOT certificates soon to expire.
Stormont environment committee chairman Patsy McGlone demanded more flexibility for people running late for appointments.
"There should be a bit of commonsense in this. I can't see 500 people paying for the MOT and not turning up," he added.
A full car test costs £30.50.
The DVA is understood to be considering the problem posed by those delayed.
