Bus (for hire or reward) vehicle test
Due to COVID-19, the DVA is no longer accepting hard copy applications.
Applications for a bus licence can be made by completing a BL1 application form and submitting the application electronically to:
PTLD.BusClearance@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
When the application is processed and cleared, the customer will be contacted via telephone by the vehicle test centre staff to process payment and arrange a vehicle test appointment.
Application forms are available at:
Information on fees is available on:
If you have any queries, you should contact the Bus Licensing section at email address:
Email: PTLD.BusClearance@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
Covid-19 Screens/Partitions Fitted to Buses or Taxis
To protect drivers and the public fitting, some form of partition or screen may be being considered by drivers/operators.
Any such alteration must satisfy certain requirements in order for the vehicle to pass its annual inspection.
Screens will also be checked in other areas, such as how they affect the driver’s view of the road, condition, security, and whether there are any sharp edges or protrusions likely to injure a passenger.
Requirements
Screen/Partition Material
- the partition/screen must be made of safety glass or safety glazing and should display an appropriate approval marking
- in the absence of an appropriate approval marking, documentary evidence from the glazing manufacture/supplier that confirms the material used is suitable for use in motor vehicles, must be produced
- this evidence must confirm that the glazing complies with the Construction and Use Regulations or UNECE Regulation 43 (which refers to the acceptable type approval standards for glazing and safety glazing, including rigid and flexible plastic glazing used in motor vehicles)
Additional Requirements for Taxis fitted with an air bag system
- where the vehicle is fitted with an air bag system (may be identified via markings or labels on the steering wheel, front dash board, B-posts, seats, head rests, trim panels, roof etc.) the presenter must produce documentary evidence from the original vehicle manufacturer, Type Approval Test House, authorised Dealership, authorised distributor, or professional vehicle converter that confirms the screen or partition is suitable for fitment in the vehicle and will not adversely impact on vehicle’s safety systems, such as the airbag deployment
- this documentation must be vehicle specific and include make, model and registration number
Foldable Plastic Screens
- there should be no rigid framing or supporting structure surrounding the screen
- the partition/screen must be appropriately secured for use in normal driving conditions (it is acceptable for these screens to be fixed with Velcro and/or quick release push buttons)
- the material must not pose a fire risk
- the partition/screen must be transparent and not adversely affect the driver’s view of the road or distort or impair the view from interior or exterior mirrors
Authorised Seating Capacity
- If the fitment of any screen affects the original seating capacity this will be taken into consideration during annual inspection and, where affected, the maximum seating capacity authorised for the vehicle may be reduced.
Other heavy goods and large passenger carrying vehicles
The DVA is also testing vehicles in this category that did not qualify for a TEC:
• buses (not hire and reward) due a first time test
• vehicles not registered in Northern Ireland and due a test
• vehicles with MOT expired more than 12 months
Applying for a test
Due to COVID-19, counter services are closed. Appointments for the categories above can be made by telephone only using the Booking Line on 0345 247 2471.
- Telephone booking line - you may book by calling from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Thursday and from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm on a Friday (note, calls are recorded for quality assurance purposes)
During the telephone booking, you will be provided with a reference number. The DVA will contact you to complete the booking process and provide a date and time for your appointment. During the booking processes, customers must select a test centre where their vehicle will be placed onto a pending list.
- Book an MOT/vehicle test appointment
- Test centre locations
- Vehicle test certificate for a large passenger carrying vehicle and minibus application form (LPCV1)
- Goods vehicle test certificate (LGV and HGV tests) application form (GV2)
DVA Enforcement Section is responsible for enforcing a wide range of legislation related to goods vehicles, buses and taxis. It also checks private cars and agricultural vehicles.
Further information can be found at:
Further information about drivers' hours and tachographs can be found on at:
HGVs - when extra mirrors must be fitted
European Directive 2007/38/EC requires trucks over 3.5 tonnes and first registered on or after 1 January 2000, to be fitted with a wide angle mirror and a close proximity mirror - both mirrors are to be fitted on the nearside of the vehicle.
These additional mirrors are required to help drivers detect other road users in the areas immediately around their vehicles, to reduce the potential for collisions.
Check if you vehicle complies
In order to check if your vehicle meets the 2007/38 Directive, or needs to be retrofitted, you will be required to carry out a field of view check.
With visible markers placed in the locations shown in the diagram (numbers 1-4) and (letters A-D) and your mirrors adjusted as required, when positioned in the driver's seat. Check if you can see the ground enclosed by the base of the markers. If you can, your field of view is compliant.
Remember the field of vision is important
If you do not have the required field of view, you should contact your vehicle manufacturer or supplier for advice. Certain exemptions apply, for example, where it is not practicable to fit the close proximity mirror above the required two meters from the ground.