Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is an Executive Agency of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). Their aim is to deliver improved road safety and better regulation of the transport sector. Responsibilities include driver licensing, vehicle and driver testing, responsibility for those who drive for a living and roadside enforcement.
What do DVA do?
The majority of information about DVA's functions can be found on nidirect, the government services website for people living in Northern Ireland.
Driver licensing
If you need a new or updated licence, need to tell DVA about a medical condition, or to find out information about endorsements, disqualifications, what vehicles you can drive or driving on a foreign licence.
Vehicle testing
To book, check or change your MOT appointment or to find out more specific information about the MOT test:
Driver testing
This includes both the theory test and the practical driving test, book, check or change these tests here:
Driving for a living
If you drive for a living you may need information about tachographs, graduated fixed penalty and deposit scheme, roadside compliance, driver certificate of professional competence or professional conduct. For this and more information:
Roadside enforcement
Promoting compliance with licensing, roadworthiness and other legal requirements in respect of goods and passenger carrying operators and vehicles. More information can be found on the nidirect website:
Road Service Licence and Regulated Service Applications
When DVA receive an application (whether this is for a first licence, for the 'renewal' of a licence or for the addition of regulated services), it is required to take account of:
- the interests of passengers likely to use the service
- the interests of other operators who hold licences and who are already providing similar services
- the need to ensure fair competition
- any representations made by the Consumer Council, District Councils and the NI Tourist Board
In order to facilitate this, a notice outlining every application received will be posted for 14 days and the Agency will take account of any representations made by the relevant bodies during that period or while the application is still under consideration.