THOUSANDS of extra MOT appointments will be created to deal with the lengthy test backlog, the Department for Infrastructure has said.
Motorists have faced delays of up to six weeks in booking a test, with some complaining the backlog has effectively kept them off the roads.
The department has said it has recruited 30 extra vehicle examiners to allow it to schedule more appointments.
An extra 1,000 tests will be introduced every day across Northern Ireland's 17 test centres.
Motorists have complained they cannot book an appointment until after their MOT has expired.
Over the summer, some MOT centres have opened on Sundays to deal with the backlog.
A spokeswoman for the Department for Infrastructure said it had scheduled an extra 16,000 appointments on bank holidays and Sundays over recent months.
"A further 9,000 appointments on Sundays and bank holidays in August will also be made available, along with 1,000 additional tests per day from September following the recruitment of 30 new vehicle examiners," she said.
"Short notice appointments released on a daily basis as we receive cancellations also continue to be available."
The spokeswoman said the testing backlog was exacerbated by customers who did not turn up for their test.
In June 2,300 motorists failed to turn up for their tests.
The backlog may be exacerbated by a a dispute over pay.
NIPSA members in the Northern Ireland Civil Service are due to walk out on Friday.
The department has advised people to attend their scheduled MOT appointments.
"We will be monitoring the situation very closely and if things change, we will contact customers with further advice," a spokeswoman said.
Bookings, cancellations and change of dates can be made at www.nidirect.gov.uk/mot-change or by calling 0345 247 2471
