Publication of ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics– April 2021’

The ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics – April 2021’ report, containing statistics up to April 2021, is now available.

The publication is produced by the DVA Statistics Branch of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), and contains summary volumes on the vehicle, driver, and theory tests conducted by the DfI’s Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA).  

The publication is available on the DfI website at:

Driver and Vehicle Agency Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics

Key Points

The key points in the report are:

Vehicle Testing

Following the initial outbreak of COVID-19, the DVA suspended all vehicle testing from 24 March 2020, and resumed testing in stages during June (IVA), July (priority groups including taxis and buses), and September (four-year-old private cars and motorcycles, three-year-old light goods, and all heavy goods).  The DVA was able to continue testing throughout the winter 2020 lockdown, albeit with a reduced capacity due to social distancing measures.  Temporary Exemption Certificates (TEC) were issued to those eligible vehicles that the DVA was unable to test.

In April 2021, the DVA conducted approximately 47,700 full vehicle tests, a decrease of 6,900 compared to March, and 76% of the 5-year April average (i.e. 2016 to 2020).  Of these, 82% were private car tests, whilst the busiest centre was Newtownards (13% of the total).

Driving Practical Tests

Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, driver testing was able to resume from 23 April 2021 onwards.  Due to the nature of particular tests, off-road Motorcycle and certain LGV tests had been able continue prior to this period.

In April 2021, the DVA conducted over 1,200 driving tests, 32% of the 5-year April average.  Of these, 72% were private car tests, whilst the busiest test centre was Belfast (Balmoral) (13% of the total).

Driver Theory Tests

Following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, theory testing was able to resume from 23 April 2021 onwards.

In April 2021, the DVA conducted 1,644 theory tests, 34% of the 5-year April average.  Of these, 79.6% were private car tests.

Notes to editors: 

Background to ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics’

1. This is the eighth edition of the publication ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics’, relating to data up to April 2021.  The release is written, and issued by, the DVA Statistics Branch in the Department for Infrastructure. 
2. The release presents statistics on vehicle, driver, and theory tests conducted during April 2021, together with trend series over the previous five financial years. 
3. We source vehicle and driver data from administrative data sources within the DVA, whilst Pearson VUE supply the theory data.
4. ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics’ is published every month at pre-announced release dates, which are available from the GOV.UK website.
5. Electronic copies of ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics – April 2021’ can be downloaded from our website at:

• Driver and Vehicle Agency Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics

6. A detailed User Guidance document is also available on our website.
7. This report supplements the existing quarterly National Statistics publication ‘DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics’.  The quarter four edition of which is due to be released 26 May 2021 and is available on our website at:

• Driver & Vehicle Agency Activity Statistics

8. Official Statistics: This is an Official Statistics publication and therefore follows the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.  You can find further information about the Code of Practice at: Statistics Authority
9. For further information, please contact: 

• Tel (press enquiries): 028 9054 0007
• Tel (public enquiries): 028 9054 7911 (Text relay prefix 18001) 
• E-mail: DVA.Statistics@nisra.gov.uk
• Website: Driver and Vehicle Agency Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics

10. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
11. 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.

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