The NI Executive has agreed to extend the current series of Covid-19 restrictions introduced on December 26, 2020 until 1 April 2021. They will be reviewed on 18 March 2021.
Practical driving tests booked for the period 8 February to 3 April 2021 inclusive can be rescheduled at:
Motorcycle tests are not affected by these new restrictions and will continue to take place as normal.
The DVA will not cancel and refund these tests now, to allow customers the option to reschedule. Those practical driving tests which are not rescheduled will be cancelled and refunded automatically by the DVA.
The DVA will contact all customers directly affected.
When driving tests are able to begin again the booking service will open for new bookings in three phases. Phases one and two will prioritise groups of customers, for a limited period, whose theory tests will expire by 31 October 2021 and 31 March 2022 respectively. Before the booking service is opened for all customers in Phase 3.
The DVA will contact Phase one and Phase two customers directly to tell them when they can access the booking system. The DVA will release more slots in May, June and July to provide the capacity needed.
The DVA apologises for the inconvenience that this will cause to customers and will try to introduce solutions to accommodate all remaining customers as quickly and as fairly as possible.
Booking online
The online booking system is still available for those customers who have booked a test falling outside the period of the restrictions. Customers who previously had a test cancelled by the DVA can also access the online booking system.
You can book/cancel/change your driving test if:
- you’re a critical worker with previously cancelled tests
- you’ve had a test cancelled more than once
- your test was booked between 17 October and 10 December 2020 but was cancelled
- your test was booked between 28 December 2020 and 6 March 2021 but was cancelled
- have a test booked for the period from 8 February to 6 March 2021 and want to reschedule it.
More 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.
For appointments made at short notice, you may not receive an appointment letter before the date of your test.
You must bring and wear a face covering for the duration of the driving test.
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.
Northern Ireland residency
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
- View your practical driving test appointment
- Cancel your practical driving test appointment online
- Change your practical driving test appointment online