Publication of ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics – April to June 2026
Date published:
The ‘DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics Quarter One: April to June 2026’ report, detailing statistics for April to June 2026 is now available.
The report contains summary statistical, performance, and trend information relating to the main business functions of the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), and other licensing activity.
It is produced and published by NISRA Statisticians working in the DVA.
The publication is available on the DfI website at: DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics - 2026-27 - Quarter One
Key points
The key points in the report are:
During April to June 2026, the DVA delivered approximately 276,011 vehicle tests, maintaining a high level of operational output.
Of all vehicle tests conducted during April to June 2026, 84.6% (233,576) were full tests and 15.4% (42,435) were retests, reflecting the continued delivery of core statutory testing services.
Over the same period, 10,551 vehicles failed to attend their test appointment, a reduction of 22.4% (3,039 fewer) compared with April to June 2025 (13,590). This reduced the 'failed to attend' rate from 4.5% to 3.7%, indicating improved attendance and better utilisation of available appointments.
Vehicle testing demand remained robust during April to June 2026, with 305,412 applications, an increase of 4.9% (14,162) compared with April to June 2025 (291,250). Online applications accounted for 97.0% (296,369) of all applications, providing customers with efficient access to services.
In April to June 2026, the DVA conducted 18,092 driving tests, an increase of 5.4% (928) compared with April to June 2025 (17,164), continuing the upward trend in testing activity.
Demand for driving tests remained strong during April to June 2026, with 22,090 applications, up 12.1% (2,385) in April to June 2025 (19,705), representing the highest quarterly level in recent years.
Over the quarter, 571 candidates failed to attend a driving test, representing 3.2% of all scheduled tests (18,092 conducted plus 571 failed to attend). This was 3.4% higher (19 more FTAs) than in April to June 2025 (552), although attendance rates remained high overall.
During April to June 2026, the DVA delivered 26,567 theory tests, an increase of 15.2% (3,497) compared with April to June 2025 (23,070), highlighting continued growth in demand for theory testing services.
Theory test demand remained elevated during April to June 2026, with 32,225 applications, an increase of 17.8% (4,864) compared with April to June 2025 (27,361), representing one of the highest quarterly totals on record.
During the quarter, 4,197 customers failed to attend a theory test, representing 13.6% of all scheduled tests (26,567 conducted plus 4,197 failed to attend). This was 33.2% higher (1,047 more) than in April to June 2025 (3,150) but remained broadly in line with recent attendance patterns.
Driver licensing services continued to perform strongly, with 99.5% of online applications processed within target times (target 95%) and 99.4% of paper applications within target (target 90%). In addition, 81.2% of all driver licensing transactions were completed online, supporting efficient and accessible service delivery.
Also, during April to June 2026, DVA compliance and enforcement teams carried out 428 roadside enforcement checks, issued 234 fixed penalty notices totalling £33,030, secured 53 convictions, participated in 4 cross border operations plus 14 joint operations with the PSNI, and carried out safety and licensing checks on 20 buses. This activity demonstrates a targeted compliance approach aimed at promoting safer road use across Northern Ireland.
Notes to editors:
Background to Driver & Vehicle Agency ‘DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics’
- This is the forty-seventh edition of the quarterly report ‘DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics’, relating to April to June 2026.
- The release covers the main DVA business areas: vehicle testing, theory testing, driver testing, driver licensing, road transport and taxi licensing, enforcement, goods operator licensing and advanced driving and motorcycle instructors.
- The most recent vehicle licensing statistics covered in the report are for January to March 2026.
- We derive the majority of statistics from administrative data sources held within the DVA, the DfI’s Transport Regulation Unit, and the Department for Transport.
- The report is written and issued by NISRA statisticians posted to the DVA.
- ‘DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator and Enforcement Statistics’ is published every quarter at pre-announced release dates, which are available from the GOV.UK website at: Research and statistics - GOV.UK
- Electronic copies of the ‘DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics Quarter One: April to June 2026’ can be downloaded from our website.
- A detailed User Guidance document is also available on our website at: Driver & Vehicle Agency Activity Statistics | Department for Infrastructure
- This is an Official Statistics report and therefore follows the Code of Practice for Official Statistics. You can find further information about the Code on the Statistics Authority’s website.
- For further information, please contact: DVA Statistics, Driver and Vehicle Agency, Hydebank House, 4a Hospital Road, Ballydollaghan, Belfast,BT8 8JL
Tel (public enquiries): 02890 547911 (Text relay prefix 18001)
E-mail: dva.statistics@nisra.gov.uk
Website: Driver and Vehicle Agency Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics - All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office.
- 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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