Less Waiting at the TÜV: Four Weekends, 4,000 Extra Appointments — Is That Enough to Get Below 15 Days?

Less Waiting at the TÜV: Four Weekends, 4,000 Extra Appointments — Is That Enough to Get Below 15 Days?

The good news first: Starting this Saturday several TÜV stations in Mallorca will open for four consecutive weekends each from 8:00 to 14:00. In total this should create around 4,000 additional appointments — a visible move that will relieve commuters in Palma as well as people in Inca or Manacor, as reported in El tiempo de espera para el TÜV en Mallorca debería caer por debajo de los 15 días. But the crucial question remains: Is that enough to permanently push the average waiting time below 15 days?

Why the waiting lists became so long

The problem has several faces. Anyone who has tried to book an appointment in recent months knows the variation: at some stations you waited two weeks, at others up to six weeks — last year outliers of up to five months were possible. Causes are not only the shortage of inspection staff, but also technical bottlenecks, seasonal peaks due to the tourist season and a booking system that does not always distribute appointments evenly. In the early morning hours in Palma you can hear the diesel engines hum, people rush to work — for many a car is indispensable when the bus runs only sparsely.

How realistic is the goal — an analysis

Four weekends with additional slots are a good signal: visible opening hours, more availability at weekends for workers. In the short term waiting times are likely to fall noticeably. Whether the island administration sustainably achieves its goal of under 15 days, however, depends on several structural factors:

Staff capacity: Weekend openings require more staff or overtime. Without long-term hires the effect will evaporate after the campaign ends. It helps, but it does not cure the underlying problem.

Technology and facilities: Are the test bays, testing equipment and IT systems designed for increased throughput? If technology becomes the bottleneck, appointments cannot be scaled arbitrarily (see EU rules on vehicle roadworthiness checks).

Regional distribution: Palma attracts many requests; at the same time Manacor and Inca are traditionally faster. Smarter allocation of appointments (more slots where capacity is free) could help relieve the island as a whole.

Seasonal fluctuations: In summer vehicle numbers rise due to rental cars and seasonal workers. A measure in quiet months works differently than in high summer.

What is often too little considered

In the discussion about appointment numbers one question is too seldom asked: how can demand be controlled? Too many people only book when the TÜV appointment is officially due. Proactive communication — reminders, penalties for late inspections or incentives for earlier appointments — could spread the load. Also little considered: cooperation with independent workshops for pre-checks. If minor defects are fixed beforehand, inspections take less time and appointments are used more efficiently; see ADAC tips for preparing for a TÜV inspection.

Constructive proposals that could help quickly

A few solvable approaches that go beyond weekend shifts:

Mobile inspection units: Send mobile testing units to outlying areas to take pressure off fixed stations.

Flexible time windows: Offer evening shifts on weekdays when demand is high in the evenings — commuters could particularly benefit.

Pre-checks by partner workshops: A certified “pre-check” system reduces failures during the actual inspection.

Digital optimization: Intelligent booking algorithms that distribute free capacity across the island rather than blocking it locally.

What drivers can do now in practice

Until structural changes take effect, simple tricks help: book online through the DGT information on ITV inspections — weekend slots go quickly. Check lights, tyre tread (see TyreSafe tyre tread depth guide) and oil level in advance; many delays are caused by trivial defects. Arrive 10–15 minutes early and bring all documents (registration certificate, last inspection report, ID). Those living in Palma should keep an eye on the stations along the Vía de Cintura; in the east and north Manacor and Inca are often faster.

Looking ahead

The additional weekend shifts are a step in the right direction, but more of a band-aid than an operation. In the short term the action will reduce waiting times and spare some annoyance — especially on gray mornings when the wind blows from the sea over the test sites and a cup of coffee is handed through the door in the office. Whether the island government achieves the goal of permanently keeping waits under 15 days depends on whether it translates short-term measures into sustainable investments in staff, technology and digital organization. Without this foundation there is a risk that longer lists will reappear after the four weeks.

For the coming weeks: keep your eyes open, book early and go through the checklist before driving to the TÜV. And hope that the extra shifts are more than just a loud but short-lived gesture.