5,532 Driving Tests Conducted In July 2021

The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) conducted 5,532 driving tests in July 2021, 53% higher than the five year July average, according to the latest 'DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics'.

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. The DVA driver testing booking system opened to all customers in the first week of May 2021.

The number of tests in July is the highest number of driving tests conducted for the month of July since the beginning of published statistics in April 2014.

Private cars accounted for 79% (4,336) of all driving tests conducted in July.

In July 2021, the DVA received 6,789 applications for a driving test appointment. This is just over 1,300 (24%) higher than for June (5,463), and 68% (2,737) above the five year July average (4,052).

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

During July 2021, the DVA conducted 10,134 theory tests, the second highest number recorded for a single month in our series, and 74% above the five year July average (5,822).

Private cars account for 89% (9,008) of all theory tests conducted in July (9,008).

In July, the DVA received 7,854 applications for a theory test appointment, which is almost 4% (276) above the five year average for July (7,578).

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 incl. 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 July 2021, the DVA conducted 42,261 full vehicle tests, 5% (2,436) fewer compared with June (44,697) and 72% of the five year July average (58,973). Since 2014, full tests conducted in July have always been lower than for June.

Private Cars accounted for almost 78% (32,960) of all full tests conducted in July.

The DVA received 57,393 applications for a full vehicle test, just over 5,300 (10%) more than for June (52,086).