Green light given for NI driving tests

The Infrastructure Minister has announced the DVA system used for people wanting to book their driving test will be opened in three phases.

Nichola Mallon has said priority will be given to those who have been waiting the longest time for their driving test.

The SDLP member also said the DVA is working closely with theory test providers to ensure additional appointments are made available.

Between now and April 26, those customers affected by the Covid-19 restrictions and who have had their appointments cancelled and fee refunded will be advised by the DVA how they can book a new test.

The appointment phases are:

PHASE 1

The booking system for Phase 1 customers, whose theory test pass certificates will expire by October 31, 2021, will open from April 26.

PHASE 2

The booking system for Phase 2 customers, whose theory test pass certificates will expire between November 1 - March 31 2022, will then open from May 4, 2021.

PHASE 3

The DVA is set to reopen the booking service for all other customers in mid-May and they will issue further communications through nidirect and social media channels, and write to all approved Driving Instructors to confirm the process and the exact date.

Minister Mallon said: “My priority during this crisis continues to be to keep customers and staff safe while minimising disruption.

"These are challenging times for us all and I appreciate the frustrations felt by learner drivers who have been unable to take their practical driving tests during this time.

"As I announced in January, bookings for driving tests will be prioritised based on the expiry dates of theory test pass certificates.

"I can confirm that the booking service will open in three phases between now and the middle of May and it is right and fair that priority is given to those who have been waiting for the longest time.

“The DVA has, and continues, to work hard to maximise the availability of test slots and plans to release additional slots in May, June and July to provide further capacity.

“The DVA continues to increase its capacity by recruiting additional examiners and will be offering evening appointments as we move into spring and the brighter nights.

Ms Mallon confirmed the DVA will continue to offer driving test on Saturdays and driving tests for Heavy Goods Vehicles on Sundays if is suitable to do so.

She added: "Overtime will also be used to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide further capacity.

"The theory test provider has confirmed that theory tests will resume from 23 April 2021.

"Customers can book appointments through the online theory test booking system, with priority initially being given to customers whose tests have been affected by the suspension of theory test services due to Covid-19 restrictions.

"These customers have been contacted with details of how to reschedule their appointment.

"The DVA is working closely with the theory test provider to ensure that additional theory test appointments are made available, through a combination of extended opening hours at the six existing theory test centres here and the opening of an additional temporary centre in Ballymena."

Further information on driving tests is available here: nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-and-motoring

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