Due to the impact of Covid-19, the DVA has limited capacity to answer customer queries and there is currently no counter or phone service available. Should you need to get in touch with the DVA on an urgent matter, use the e-mail provided below. This e-mail address will be monitored but due to ongoing pressures on services and staff, it may take longer than usual for a response to be provided. The DVA apologises for any inconvenience caused and will endeavour to reply to your query as soon as possible. Email: dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. For the most up to date position on DVA service availability, please visit the Coronavirus (Covid 19) and motoring page.
Ways to book a practical driving test
Motorcycles and cars
All practical driving tests within Category A (motorcycle) and Category B (car) can be booked online, by phone, by post or at any test centre, except for the car and trailer test
- Book Category A (motorcycle) and Category B (car) driving tests online
- Book Category A (motorcycle) and Category B (car) driving tests by phone
- Book Category A (motorcycle) and Category B (car) driving tests by post
- Book Category A (motorcycle) and Category B (car) driving tests at test centres
Lorries and buses
- Book Category C (lorry) and Category D (bus) driving test by post
- Book Category C (lorry) and Category D (bus) driving test at any test centre
Taxi drivers
- Book taxi driving test online
- Book taxi driving test by post
- Get application form for taxi driving test from any test centre
NI residency
If you want to take a theory or practical driving test in Northern Ireland (NI), it is a legal requirement that you must be normally resident in Northern Ireland. If you have a GB provisional licence and want to take a motorcycle, car, bus or lorry theory test here, before booking your test you will need to complete a residency declaration form and send it to DVA with proof you are resident in Northern Ireland.
Online services
Book
This page allows you to book your practical driving test appointment online:
View
This page allows you to view your practical driving test appointment online:
Change
You can also change and rebook your practical driving test appointment online if your circumstances change. If you change your practical driving test appointment date to another date the payment you've already made is carried over to the new date.
Cancel
You can also cancel and refund your practical driving test appointment.
You can reschedule or cancel a practical test provided you give three clear days notice which does not include the date you contact DVA or the date of the test. These clear days do not include Saturdays, Sundays and public or bank holidays.
For example, if you want to cancel an appointment for Tuesday you must tell DVA by the previous Wednesday. Your appointment notice will advise you of the last day you can cancel your appointment. Your fee will only be refunded if you give enough notice of the cancellation.
You can cancel most appointments online, by phone or at any test centre provided you have the booking reference issued to you at the time of booking.
The online service is available 24 hours a day, every day.
Book by phone
You can book the practical driving test for a private car or motorcycle by phone. Lines are open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.00 am to 1.00 pm on Friday. Calls are charged at local rate.
If you are booking for any other category of test, you will need to make an application by post or at any test centre.
If you hold a GB driving licence and want to take a theory or practical test in Northern Ireland, before booking your test you will need to complete a residency declaration form and send it to DVA with proof you are resident in Northern Ireland.
You don't need an application form but it is advisable to have your provisional driving licence, your theory test certificate and credit or debit card details handy when making the call.
Book in person
You may book any category of test in person. You will need to complete an application form and take it with the appropriate fee to any DVA test centre.
If you hold a GB driving licence and want to take a theory or practical test in Northern Ireland, before booking your test you will need to fill in a residency declaration form and send it to DVA with proof showing that you are resident in Northern Ireland.
All centres are open from 8.45 am to 12.30 pm, and from 1.15 pm to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday.
You can download an application form for cars, motorcycles and light vehicles not weighing more than 3.5 tonnes or get one at any DVA test centre or by contacting:
- phone: 028 9068 1831
- Test centre locations
The practical driving test for cars
DVA offers tests outside the normal test times at a number of test centres.
Tests are generally available at all permanent test centres between 8.50 am and 3.50 pm Monday to Friday. Saturday and weekday evening tests (May to September only), if resources are available, are offered at a premium rate.
Special needs
DVA provides facilities for candidates with special needs or physical disabilities. For any special requirements you have, you must speak to a member of staff, so book your test by phone or in person.
When you book your test, you should let DVA know if you:
- are deaf or have severe hearing difficulties
- are in any way restricted in your movements
- have any physical disability
No matter how serious your disability might be, you will still take the same driving test as every other test candidate. However, more time may be allowed for the test. This is to allow the examiner to talk to you about your disability and any adaptations fitted to your vehicle.
Vehicle adaptations
Information about vehicle adaptations for motorists with disabilities and the elderly can be obtained from Disability Action.
Using an interpreter
You may bring your own interpreter for your practical test as long as they are over 16 years of age. Your approved driving instructor can be your interpreter.
You will be responsible for arranging your interpreter and for any necessary fees.