DVA Stakeholder Update - September 2025
Updates for DVA Stakeholders
Hydebank House celebrates its one year anniversary
Hydebank celebrated the anniversary of the first driving test out of Hydebank test centre. The first driving tests to go out of the Hydebank took place on 3 April 2024 and it was a PASS for Aoife, pictured below with the test centre manager and driving examiner. No doubt Aoife is enjoying being on the road and all the freedom being able to drive allows, 'R' plate free.
Since the first test there have been over 7,000 driving tests and over 60 motorcycle tests taken in Hydebank House.
Hydebank House test centre opening hours are 08:00 - 17:00.
Approved Instructors System (AIS) goes live
The Approved Instructors System (AIS) went live in March 2023 making it quick and easy for customers to apply to become an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or an Approved Motorcycle Instructor (AMI).
AIS allows ADIs and AMIs to manage and update their applications and registrations online. It’s available 24/7, so instructors can manage their ADI or AMI registration outside office hours at a time which suits them. Instructors can track their business easily and use the online message service facility to contact staff in the Business Support Unit (BSU).
With the replacement of the paper-based application process, this is another step in supporting DVA’s transition to fully online digital services.
Find out more about the new system on:
A guide on logging in and renewing your licence is available for your convenience.
AIS quick link
You can also create an AIS quick link on a mobile phone. For this, follow the procedure outlined below:
- Enter https://ais.nidirect.gov.uk/Customer into the phone search engine. This will take you to the AIS home page.
- Set up an account, or log into an existing account.
- To add the AIS home page to your home screen, click on the three vertical dots on the right-hand side of the screen and chose the ‘Add to home screen’ option.
- Select ‘install’ or ‘add shortcut’
- The icon will appear on your home screen and automatically name itself ‘Approved Instructor System’.
Please note that this process will differ depending on device. Should you have any queries about signing up to, or navigating AIS, please contact the team at ADIOnlineCorrespondence@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
Update your instructor details online
All instructors who have signed up to AIS can now update their details on our online publicity list. This list is held on nidirect and is used by members of the public to find an instructor near them (https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/driving-instructors#:~:text=Enter%20your%20postcode%20to%20find%20instructors).
You can use the link on the AIS customer portal to edit your details, which the Business Support Unit will review and approve, after which the details will be updated online.
Working with residents along test routes
We have been in discussions with test route residents and with their elected representatives to address issues regarding the overuse of residential areas and designated test routes for instruction purposes.
We appreciate the difficulty ADIs and AMIs face in finding suitable locations to teach pupils manoeuvres. However, we also recognise the inconvenience that consistent use of some areas for the purposes of instruction can cause to residents and candidates taking a test. DVA would ask that you are mindful of this whilst instructing, giving space and time required to other road users and test candidates.
ADI Trainee Licence Scheme
To get practical experience before taking the instructional ability test (Part three), you can apply for an ADI trainee licence. If granted, you will be allowed to instruct for payment under the supervision and guidance of an ADI, although you will not be fully qualified, and therefore not yet be registered, as an ADI.
ADI trainee licences are valid for six months and apart from very exceptional circumstances you can only be granted two ADI trainee licences in a lifetime.
You do not need to hold an ADI trainee licence before you take the instructional ability test or become registered, and it cannot be used as a substitution for registration.
You must always clearly display your ADI trainee licence, either on your person or in the vehicle you are using for paid instruction. If you do not display your ADI trainee licence, it can be revoked.
An ADI trainee licence does not allow you to set up your own business. You must not advertise yourself, your telephone number or brand which is unique to you, which might imply that you are an ADI and included on the ADI register.
ADI Part 3 Instructional Ability tests moved from Dill Road to Ladas Drive
Following the closure of Dill Road Test Centre at the end of May 2024, all ADI Part 3 tests for Belfast will be carried out from the following location:
HSENI
83 Ladas Drive
Belfast
BT6 9FR
Parking is to the rear of the main building and can be accessed off Ladas Drive. There are no specific parking spaces allocated on site, so test candidates can park in any suitable / vacant parking bay.
Candidates should report to reception where the Supervising Examiner (SE) conducting the test will meet and greet the ADI in the foyer.
WC facilities for test candidates are available in the main reception area.
Rules on the use of dash cams
Breaches of this policy by an ADI or AMI or any complaints received from third parties, will be viewed seriously and will be dealt with by our Registrar. They may result in the termination of registration. This reminder is being re-issued as guidance from the DVA Registrar, as defined in the Motor Vehicles (Driving Instruction) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010, as amended.
The use of dash cams and cameras during the practical driving test is allowed, subject to the following policy and conditions listed below:
1. The dash cam or camera is external facing only and doesn’t film the inside of the vehicle.
2. The dash cam or camera doesn’t record audio from inside the vehicle.
3. DVA will under no circumstances accept, comment on, or review audio or video footage provided by a test candidate or third party to facilitate a challenge to the conduct of any driving test or its result.
4. Any footage received by DVA in connection with an allegation of criminal activity or intent will be referred to the police.
5. Video or audio footage of a driving test must not be shared with any third party or published by any means. That includes (but isn’t exclusive to) social media, broadcast media, internet or as an article in any journal, newspaper or book.
6. Where a vehicle is fitted with a dash cam or camera, you’ll be asked by the Examiner to confirm that the equipment is in use and that it’s recording only external footage. You’ll also be asked to confirm that any audio element to the equipment is switched off. If this isn’t possible the test may be abandoned.
7. You should ensure that if fitted, dash cams or cameras are positioned so they don’t affect the Examiner’s ability to clearly observe the road ahead or to the rear. If an Examiner’s view is affected, you’ll be asked to either reposition or remove the dash cam or camera. If this isn’t possible the test may not proceed.
8. If you have a dash cam or camera fitted you should be aware that when recording video or audio that captures personal information, you must follow the law in the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018).
9. Images of people are covered by the DPA 2018, as is information about people which is derived from images for example, vehicle registration numbers. You must follow the law in the DPA 2018.
It’s important that you follow the conditions about using dash cams during a driving test. You must also note that DVA’s general policy on not allowing the recording or filming of theory or other practical driving tests, or filming on any DVA premises, remains. That includes recording inside or outside the test vehicle for example, during a motorcycle test.
Use of DVA premises for instruction
DVA test centres are used for several purposes, including vehicle tests, driving tests and visitor & staff car parking. Therefore, approved instructors should note that test centre grounds should not be used for any type of driving instruction, including bay parking and manoeuvres.
Doing so can disrupt driving tests and the natural flow of test centre traffic and can lead to a breach in health and safety procedures.
Smoking is also banned throughout all our premises and all government buildings. This includes any area within the perimeter fence, and we would ask for your continued support in this matter.
If you are approached regarding this issue by a member of DVA staff, please remember that this is a workplace and any threatening or abusive behaviour towards staff will not be tolerated.
Check test
Check tests are conducted to ensure that acceptable standards of instruction are being maintained. They also provide a great opportunity for the supervising examiner (SE) to offer guidance, advice, feedback and discuss with you the areas where your instruction can be improved. The SE is there to help and support you in your standard of instruction and continued professional development.
Your Check test is normally due around the mid-way point of your Approved Instructors licence, however all invitations to book your test using the Approved Instructor System (AIS) are at the request of the Registrar. When invited to complete a check test you will get a notification on AIS and you should then follow the system prompts to complete.
This Check test presentation will give you all the information you need to prepare and be ready on day of the test.
Unregistered instruction
It is illegal for a person to give driving or motorcycle instruction for pay or reward unless they are on the official DVA Approved Instructors Register.
In recent times DVA, in partnership with the PSNI, have been successful in identifying and taking action against several unregistered instructors who had been highlighted to us for investigation. If you suspect someone is offering unregistered instruction, you should take the following steps to allow investigations to begin:
• Contact the BSU team at ADIOnlineCorrespondence@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk outlining what you have witnessed.
• State where and when you have witnessed these actions.
• Provide vehicle type, colour and registration number, if known.
• Include your contact details to allow us to follow up for further information.
• Add any other information that you feel is relevant.
Alternatively, you can forward the above information to this address: DVA Business Support Unit Hydebank House, 4a Hospital Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast, BT8 8JP.
We investigate every case of alleged unregistered driving or riding instruction and refer cases to the PSNI for further investigation where required.
Approved Instructors licence renewal
For anyone close to their ADI/AMI licence expiry date, you should be aware that, if you do not submit a full renewal application (to include payment and Access NI check documents) through AIS (https://ais.nidirect.gov.uk/Customer) before your ADI/AMI licence expiry date, your name will be removed from the Approved Instructors Register and you will no longer be able to instruct. This is in accordance with Regulation 5 (1) of the Motor Vehicles (Driving Instruction) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2010 and Article 55 (1) of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 2007.
Renewal applications should be submitted at least four weeks before your licence expires so that the application, including the Access NI check, can be checked and processed. This is also a legislative requirement under the 2010 Regulations.
All renewal applications require an Enhanced Access NI check before they can be processed. As such, a renewal application will only be considered as completed in full when all the relevant Access NI paperwork, to include correct ID documents, and the online renewal application and payment have been submitted to us.
Applications submitted with any information missing will not be considered as a full application. If we have not received a full application by the expiry date on your current ADI/AMI licence your name is removed from the Register of Approved Instructors and remains removed until a full application is submitted and approved, and your licence has been issued.
It should be noted that, it is an offence under Article 49 of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 to provide paid driving instruction until you are added back onto the Register of Approved Driving Instructors.
Please see the following checklist for reference, which must all be completed and submitted no later than four weeks before your ADI/AMI licence expiry date:
1. Application submitted via the Approved Instructor System (AIS) - Approved Instructor System | nidirect
2. Send all ID documents for your Access NI check to the Business Support Unit mailbox - ADIOnlineCorrespondence@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
3. Complete Access NI application using DVA pin and reference number supplied.
If you do not wish to renew your Approved Instructors licence, but wish to retain your qualification, you may, under the 2010 Regulations, apply to rejoin the register within the first 12 months after your licence expires. However, it should be noted that, when your Approved Instructors licence expires, your name is removed from, and remains off, the Approved Instructors Register until a full renewal application (to include payment and Access NI check documents) has been received and approved by the Registrar. During this time, and until such times as your name is added back onto the Approved Instructors Register, you will not be able to provide driving instruction for money or reward, as prescribed in the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 2007.
If you do not submit a full renewal application through AIS (https://ais.nidirect.gov.uk/Customer) before the end of the 12 month period following the expiry of your Approved Instructors licence, your ADI/AMI licence can no longer be renewed and you will be required to requalify, if you wish to return to being an ADI/AMI.
If you have any queries on any of the above information please either message the team through the messages portal on AIS or via email to ADIOnlineCorrespondence@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
Book your extended test online.
Extended tests can now be booked online: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/extended-practical-driving-test.
Disability Action grant available
Disability Action is currently offering driving schools the opportunity to apply for an adaptations grant for an automatic driving school vehicle. Contact Disability Action directly for more information:
Booking multiple driving tests
As part of the latest enhancements to the online booking portal, DVA have created the functionality for customers to be able to book up to six practical driving tests during one booking transaction. To do so you should follow the booking instructions and, once you get to the payment page, either choose the option to book another test or pay now.
We hope this makes booking more than one driving test a lot easier and smoother.
Online Driver Enquiry (ODE) service for professional bus and lorry drivers
Want to check your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) periodic training?
You are now able to check your CPC periodic training hours online via: Check your Driver CPC periodic training hours - GOV.UK.
Once registered, a temporary password will be posted to your home address within three working days, this password will be valid for 21 days.
Already signed up for the Online Driver Enquiry service?
Register your email address and password resets will be emailed to you directly, cutting out the time needed for a new password to be received by post.