Given the NI Executive’s decision to introduce a two-week circuit breaker, practical driving tests which were booked from 27 November to 10 December inclusive will now be cancelled.
All practical driving tests booked between 21 and 26 November will take place as scheduled. Motorcycle testing is not affected by these restrictions.
For the latest position on Covid-19 restrictions please check the coronavirus-covid-19-and-motoring page.
You must bring and wear a face covering for the duration of the driving test.
DVA is re-opening the online booking system for practical driving tests.
This will take place in phases.
Phase 1 will cover critical workers with previously cancelled tests and anyone who has had a test cancelled more than once. These customers will be able to book a driving test from the 9 November.
Phase 2 will cover customers who had their tests cancelled from 17 October to 20 November. These customers will be able to book a driving test from 8am on Monday 23 November.
Further detail on additional phases will be published soon.
If you are in one of the two categories above, the DVA will contact you directly with further information.
In phase 3, both the online and telephone booking system will be available to the general public and there will no longer be priority booking.
Additional slots are now available for the coming months but please note that, depending on demand, it may take a while before you can have your test appointment. You may also need to look at availability across the full network of test centres, as slots may not be available at the test centre of your choice.
Please note that for appointments made at short notice, you may not receive an appointment letter before the date of you test.
Additional information
Critical workers
The application process for critical workers closed on 5 October 2020.
Where an application had been received on or before that date, and the DVA was able to assess it fully and approve it, successful applicants will have been notified.
Where an application had been received on or before that date, but the application was incomplete or the application did not meet the criteria for critical worker status, it will not have been approved. DVA will not have notified applicants in these cases due to the numbers of applications involved.
Any applications received after 5 October will not have been assessed, however, the applicant will have received an automated response informing them that the process was closed.
Special needs
The DVA provides facilities for candidates with special needs or physical disabilities.
If you are deaf, have severe hearing problems, are restricted in your movements, or have any disability that may affect your driving, please call 0300 200 7862 and we will do our best to book you a suitable appointment.
When you book your test, you should let the operator know that you are calling about a ‘Driving test for a candidate with a disability’, and inform them specifically 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.
Ways to book a practical driving test – other categories
Practical tests for the following categories only can now be booked by contacting the DVA Customer Services:
- bus driving
- lorry
- tractor
- Module 4 DCPC test for bus or lorry
If your practical test is in one of the categories above, you will need to email DVA Customer Services
Please provide your name, telephone number and preferred test centre so that a booking can be arranged.
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 the DVA with proof you are resident in Northern Ireland.
Vehicle adaptations
Information about vehicle adaptations for motorists with disabilities and the elderly can be obtained from Disability Action.
More useful links
Additional information