VEHICLE testing services are to go back to normal from July 26 following the relaxation of Covid restrictions.
The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) will ramp up its MOT provision after several close contact services, including driving tests, were allowed to resume.
To help the transition, Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) for all qualifying vehicles will be extended by one further month.
New TECs or extensions to existing TECs will be applied automatically.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said MOTs will return to 20 minute slots rather than the current 25 minutes introduced as part of Covid measures.
She said MOTs will be kept under review depending on the course of the pandemic.
"The DVA is in the process of revising its risk assessments, which will include appropriate mitigation measures, and will engage on them with staff and Trade Union representatives," she said.
"Existing TECs applied to eligible private cars, light goods vehicles and motorcycles aged 4-9 years will be extended by a further month from the date the existing exemption ends.
"Four year old cars and motorcycles and three year old light goods vehicles due a first time test will have a five month TEC applied from the date their first MOT is due."
For all vehicles with TECs, the DVA will issue a reminder notice to the registered keeper of the vehicle before the TEC period ends.
Ms Mallon said owners and drivers are still responsible for keeping their vehicle roadworthy, including looking out for brake wear, ensuring that all lights are working and regularly checking their tyre pressure and tread depth.
