Book your practical driving test online

The DVA is currently delivering driving tests for motorcycles (Category AM, A1, A2 and A). All other practical driving tests have been suspended for a period of six weeks from 28 December.

Before you start

As a result, the DVA has cancelled all driving tests (except motorcycle tests) for the period 28 December to 6 February inclusive.

The DVA will refund payments for tests booked during this period and will contact those customers directly early in the new year to advise how they can reschedule their appointments. 

Information on plans to re-open the booking system for those candidates affected by the latest restrictions will be published as soon as possible.

Motorcycle tests are not affected by these new restrictions and will continue to take place as normal.

The DVA apologises for the inconvenience that this will cause to customers and will endeavour to introduce solutions to accommodate all remaining customers as quickly and as fairly as possible.

Booking online

The online booking system remains available for those customers who have booked a test falling outside the period of the six week 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 but was cancelled
• have a test booked for the period outside the six weeks covered by the latest restrictions and want to reschedule it

Additional slots are now available for the coming months but, depending on demand, it may take a while before you can have your test appointment.

You may also need to look at availability at other 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.

Book your practical driving 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.

If your application was 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.  You will not have been notified due to the numbers of applications involved.

Applications received after 5 October were not assessed, however, you will have received an automated response to say 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, call 0300 200 7862 to book a suitable appointment.

When you book your test, let the operator know that you're calling about a ‘Driving test for a candidate with a disability’, and tell them 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

All other practical tests (with the exception of motorcycles and private cars)  can be booked by email: dva.customerservices@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

Give your name, telephone number and preferred test centre so that a booking can be arranged.

Information pack

• Resumption of Driving Tests Stakeholder Information Pack

Northern Ireland residency

If you want to take a theory or practical driving test in Northern Ireland (NI), 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 in NI, before booking your test you'll need to complete a residency declaration form and send it to DVA with proof you're resident in Northern Ireland.

Residency Declaration Form

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