Tractors that are used on public roads for hauling a load relating to agriculture are not included in plans to extend the MOT vehicle test to cover certain types of tractors from next year.

Initial plans outlined in a consultation document by the Department of Infrastructure included a requirement to MOT test agricultural tractors capable of speeds of 40km/hr that were “being used to draw trailers carrying goods.”

On enquiry, a department spokesperson confirmed that the plans would not include tractors that were hauling a load relating to any agricultural, horticultural or forestry operation. “The consultation could have been clearer,” the spokesperson acknowledged.

They said that under the proposals, a tractor will only require an MOT test if it can travel over 40km/hr, is used for commercial purposes (not relating to agriculture) and is used for hauling a load more than 15 miles from its operating base.

In a statement, the UFU welcomed the clarification from the department.

“The last thing farmers needed was the hassle, cost and time of having to get an MOT,” UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt said.