Publication of ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics – November 2020’

The new ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics – November 2020’ report, containing statistics up to November 2020, 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).  As a new addition this month, we have also included tables on the numbers of applications received.  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 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 incl. taxis and buses), and September (four-year-old private cars and motorcycles, three-year-old light goods, and all heavy goods).  Temporary Exemption Certificates (TEC) were issued to those eligible vehicles that the DVA was unable to test.

In November 2020, the DVA conducted over 22,600 full vehicle tests, an increase of 1,900 compared to October, although only 31% of the 5-year November average prior to the pandemic.  So far in 2020, the DVA has conducted approximately 196,000 full vehicle tests, which is 22% of the equivalent total in 2019 (905,000 tests).

Driving Practical Tests

Similarly, all driver testing was suspended from 20 March 2020, and resumed in stages throughout the summer, whilst the internet booking system re-opened to all customers on 5 October.  As a result of further restrictions in the autumn, all driving tests scheduled between 17 October and 20th November and also between 27 November and 10 December were cancelled.

In November 2020, the DVA conducted approximately 1,270 driving tests, a decrease of 1,070 compared to October.  This is 24% of the 5-year November average prior to the pandemic, albeit over a shorter period due to the cessation of testing.  So far in 2020, the DVA has conducted over 19,300 driving tests, which is 36% of the equivalent total in 2019 (53,300 tests).

Driver Theory Tests

The DVA suspended all theory testing from 20 March 2020, and resumed on 6 July.

During November 2020, the DVA conducted nearly 6,100 theory tests, a decrease of 11% compared to October, and 95% of the 5-year November average prior to the pandemic.  So far in 2020, the DVA has conducted approximately 42,600 theory tests, which is 63% of the equivalent total in 2019 (over 67,100 tests).

Notes to editors: 

Background to ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics’

1. This is the third edition of the publication ‘DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics’, relating to data to November 2020.  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 November 2020, 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’ will be 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 – November 2020’ 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 two edition of which was published 25 November and is available on our website at:

• Driver and Vehicle Agency Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics

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

Further Information

For further information, please contact:

• 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

8. All media enquiries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
9. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries 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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