Private owners of small vans do not require either an National Car Test (NCT) certificate or a certificate of roadworthiness, required for light commercial vehicles, due to a loophole in the law.
The anomaly permits motorists who privately tax vehicles such as the Ford Fiesta van or a Peugeot 206 van to avoid paying for either the tests or the maintenance necessary to pass them.
According to a spokesperson from the Department of Transport: "We are aware of the loophole in the law and are working to close it."
At present the NCT costs €48.40 to complete and cars over four years of age must be tested every two years.
A similar test is carried out on commercial vans and trucks in order to gain a certificate of roadworthiness, or DOE as it is commonly known.
It is expected that the loophole will be closed this autumn by the Minister of State for Transport, Dr Jim McDaid, though it's unlikely to require new legislation.
The issue came to light after Motors was contacted by several owners who were told by their local tax offices that neither NCT or DOE documentation was necessary.
Meanwhile the Minister of State has announced that all Light Good Vehicles (LGVs) - or vans - will be tested on an annual basis. Currently they are only tested like cars - every two years once they are four years old. From September 1st all vans and LGVs are liable for an annual test.
