Structure
DVA is structured into three Directorates:
- Operations testing
- Business transformation
- Compliance and roadside enforcement.
Operations testing
- driver licensing – issuing driver licences to drivers
- driver testing – ensuring effective systems are in place to check that learner drivers have the competence to drive safely
- vehicle testing – checking vehicles against statutory roadworthiness standards
- driving instructor registration – assessing the suitability of applicants and checking tuition standards
- technical training – delivering initial and periodic refresher training to ensure staff have the necessary skills required to carry out their duties
- standards – liaising with the Department to identify and deliver new developments from changes in policy or legislation at local, national or European level
Compliance and roadside enforcement
- passenger transport licensing – issuing licences to taxi drivers and bus operators
- roadside enforcement – promoting compliance with licensing, roadworthiness and other legal requirements in respect of goods and passenger carrying operators and vehicles
- quality control and assurance – the application and use of standards such as Customer Service Excellence and International Standards Organisation across the range of Agency activities
- customer services - dealing with enquiries, complaints, monitoring service standards, developing and delivering strategies for continuously improving customer service
- corporate governance
- health and safety management - responsibility for the development and maintenance of the Agency's health and safety management system
- property management - responsibility for the maintenance and refurbishment of the Agency's estate
Business transformation
- programme and project management - managing new developments and legislative requirements in a coordinated way, to ensure that specified benefits and outcomes are delivered
- business transformation programme – managing and communicating a complex change programme to ensure that DVA continues to deliver excellent services to the public, meets its statutory requirements in an efficient way and supports a multi-skilled, well trained workforce
- contract management and procurement – acquiring goods and services in accordance with NI Public Procurement Policy; and managing adequate and appropriate contractual arrangements to ensure value for money
Location
DVA headquarters are in Corporation Street, Belfast. There are also 15 driver and vehicle testing centres throughout the province, two satellite driving test centres and a licensing centre in Coleraine, where driver and passenger transport licensing is administered. In addition, there are 6 locations across Northern Ireland where customers can sit their driving theory tests.
Performance
The Corporate Plan, Business Plan and Annual Report and Accounts together give a wide range of facts, figures and other information about the work of the Agency. You can also view the latest minutes of the DVA Strategic Management Board meetings.
- DVA Annual Complaints Analysis 2021/22
- DVA Annual Complaints Analysis 2020/21
- Annual Reports and Accounts 2019/2020
- Business Plan 2020/21
- DVA Strategic Management Board Meetings - December 2011
- Annual Complaints Report 2015-2016
- DVA Customer complaints leaflet
- DVA Complaints procedure and form - Irish language version
- DVA Customer Compensation
- DVA Customer Compensation - Irish language version
- DVA Customer Charter
- DVA Customer Services Guide
- DVA Statistics
Responsibilities
Vehicle tax and registration is now provided by Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency in Swansea.
Driver licensing
If you need a new or updated licence, need to tell us about a medical condition, or to find out information about endorsements, disqualifications, what vehicles you can drive or driving on a foreign licence you can do so on nidirect.
Vehicle testing (MOT)
To book, check or change your MOT appointment or to find out more specific information about the MOT test, visit nidirect.
Driver testing
This includes both the theory test and the practical driving test, you can book, check or change these tests on nidirect.
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.
Operators compliance
Operators are required to comply with their statutory responsibilities as a transport undertaking, particularly with regard to vehicle maintenance, facilities, driver’s hours and any conditions attached to their Operator’s Licence. A range of guides have been developed by DVA highlighting industry best practice that operators and transport managers are encouraged to comply with.
- nidirect - compliance and enforcement
- Guide to maintaining roadworthiness
- Rules on Drivers Hours & Tachographs – Passenger Vehicles in Northern Ireland & Europe
- Rules on drivers' hours and tachographs - Goods Vehicles
- The Safe Operator's Guide
- The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act 2010
- Fair Processing Notice
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.