DVA has resumed driving tests for private cars (category B) and lorries (Category C).
As capacity is initially limited, the DVA will prioritise the following groups:
- priority workers who have requested an urgent driving test and are currently on a waiting list
- Customers who had driving tests booked (March-June) and whose tests were cancelled due to the measures imposed to prevent the spread of COVID 19.
The DVA is contacting these customers to arrange appointments.
A stakeholder information pack is available to download for ADIs, AMIs and candidates at the link below.
Given the reduced number of tests that will be conducted when testing resumes, it will take some time for DVA to deal with the initial priority tests before opening its booking system to the general public.
Once requests by customers in these priority groups have been processed, booking will then open for general customers to arrange a date for their driving test.
How do key workers apply?
Key workers (as defined by the Department for Health) should email ni.critical.worker.driving.test@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk setting out the reason why they meet the criteria and need an urgent test.
The DVA will assess the application and, if applicable, offer an appointment.
Applications which do not meet the criteria, will not be progressed and customers will need to wait until the booking system is opened to the general public.
Ways to book a practical driving test
From 6 July the DVA resumed off-road and on-road motorcycle tests.
Tests for drivers in the following additional categories: bus; tractor; and module 4 DCPC tests for lorry, bus and coach drivers, resumed from 20 July.
Practical tests for the following categories only can be booked from 1 July:
- off-road motorcycle
- on-road motorcycle
If your practical test is in one of the categories above, from 1 July you will need to ring the booking line on 0345 247 2471 to arrange an appointment.
Bookings will be available by phone only.
This number is only for booking driving test appointments in the categories listed above.
Practical tests for the following categories can be booked from 1 July, by contacting DVA Customer Services:
- bus driving
- tractor
- Module 4 DCPC test for bus or lorry
If your practical test is in one of the categories above, from 1 July you will need to e-mail dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
Please provide your name, telephone number and preferred test centre so that a booking can be arranged.
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.