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10/05/2021
DVA Re-Opens Practical Driving Test Booking System
The DVA has re-opened its practical driving test booking system with more capacity.
A priority booking system has been in place since 26 April 2021. Those customers affected by the restrictions and who had their appointments cancelled were given first access to the booking system. The system then opened for customers with theory test certificates due to expire, prioritised according to expiry dates.
From today, all remaining customers who have passed their theory test and wish to book a driving test will have the opportunity to do so. Demand is expected to be high and an online queuing system will be in place. The DVA would ask customers for their patience when trying to access the system.
In addition, the DVA is increasing its capacity by recruiting additional examiners and is offering evening appointments. Slots will continue to be available on Saturdays and at certain centres on Sundays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. Overtime will also be used to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide further capacity.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "I know that this has been a frustrating time for learner drivers. To mitigate the impact on customers due to the cessation of practical driving tests on health grounds, I brought forward legislation to extend the validity of theory test pass certificates to minimise inconvenience to these customers. It was right and fair that those customers who had tests cancelled were given the first opportunity to book a test, and that those customers with theory test certificates due to expire were then prioritised."
A priority booking system has been in place since 26 April 2021. Those customers affected by the restrictions and who had their appointments cancelled were given first access to the booking system. The system then opened for customers with theory test certificates due to expire, prioritised according to expiry dates.
From today, all remaining customers who have passed their theory test and wish to book a driving test will have the opportunity to do so. Demand is expected to be high and an online queuing system will be in place. The DVA would ask customers for their patience when trying to access the system.
In addition, the DVA is increasing its capacity by recruiting additional examiners and is offering evening appointments. Slots will continue to be available on Saturdays and at certain centres on Sundays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test. Overtime will also be used to rota off-shift dual role driving examiners to provide further capacity.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said: "I know that this has been a frustrating time for learner drivers. To mitigate the impact on customers due to the cessation of practical driving tests on health grounds, I brought forward legislation to extend the validity of theory test pass certificates to minimise inconvenience to these customers. It was right and fair that those customers who had tests cancelled were given the first opportunity to book a test, and that those customers with theory test certificates due to expire were then prioritised."
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Becoming windy, westerly gales developing along the north coast. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
