A further three vehicle lifts are now operational at the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) test centres as work continues to restore normal operations.
The announcement comes after issues with lifts caused chaos in centres across Northern Ireland resulting in the cancellation of the majority of vehicle tests.
Chief Executive of the DVA Paul Duffy has confirmed that three more vehicle lifts are now available for use to try and ease the backlog of vehicles waiting to process through the test.
Nine test centres will also open on Sunday to get priority customers tested and roadworthy as soon as possible.
Mr Duffy said: "Today three vehicle lifts, two in Lisburn and one in Belfast, where no faults were previously identified have now been independently re-inspected and cleared for use.
"These lifts are now operational and provide much needed additional capacity for prioritising four year old cars, taxis and car dealerships.
"In addition, earlier this week Minister Mallon announced that two new lifts are being installed to provide additional capacity - one in Balmoral Road, Belfast and one in Newbuildings, Derry.
"It is anticipated that the new lift in Belfast will become operational over the weekend, with the new lift in Newbuildings, Derry, operational from Monday. These lifts will be independently inspected and checked before becoming operational.”
He continued: “Since the disruption to services began last week, we have conducted over 19,000 vehicle tests and continue to issue temporary exemption certificates on a daily basis, allowing those drivers to keep driving and tax their vehicle.
"We are endeavouring to work to notify in advance anyone who is affected and to reschedule their appointment as soon as possible. Those with MOT expiry dates in the coming days are being prioritised.”
This Sunday, the following test centres will be open, Ballymena, Belfast, Coleraine, Craigavon, Larne, Lisburn, Omagh, Newry and Newtownards allowing DVA to increase capacity to get priority customers tested and back on the road as soon as possible.
The DVA is working with Trade Union representatives on how best to extend the opening hours of MOT centres during the week.
Testing of heavy goods vehicles, buses and motorcycles remains unaffected by the current disruption.
The DVA is reminding customers to continue to book an MOT when they get their reminder letter, to allow the DVA to cancel the test and issue a temporary exemption certificate.
The public can get more information at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/mot-latest.
