Consultation launched on driving and vehicle test fees

A consultation on changes to fees for driving tests and vehicle test fees has been launched by the Department for Infrastructure.

These tests are carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), which must cover the costs of services through the income it generates from fees. The rising cost of providing services means the DVA is facing a shortfall in its income.

This eight-week public consultation proposes the first increase in most vehicle test fees since 2005 and in most practical driving test fees since 2009. The proposed new fees would help the DVA to cover the costs of providing services and contribute towards future investment to improve services, including a new test centre at Hydebank in Belfast, which is due to open later in 2023.

Following the consultation, all responses will be analysed before recommendations are made to the Minister for Infrastructure. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers, the next steps will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time.

The public consultation is available here: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/driver-and-vehicle-agency-dva-consultation-changing-cost-driving-tests-and-vehicle-tests

Notes to editors: 

1. Changes to fees included as part of the eight-week consultation include:

• Vehicles test fee for cars and light goods vehicles increasing from £30.50 to £38, motorcycles rising from £22 to £34 and taxis from £138.50 to £147. Full details are available in the public consultation document.
• Practical driving test fees for cars rising from £45.50 to £65, motorcycles increasing from £58 to £80 and lorry and bus (driving ability) increasing from £66 to £87. Full details are available in the public consultation document.

2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra, on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure and on Linked In at Department for Infrastructure.

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