308,658 Vehicle tests conducted in Northern Ireland
Date published:
New accredited official statistics published 30/05/2025 by NISRA statisticians in the Department for Infrastructure reveal that a total of 308,658 vehicle tests were conducted in Northern Ireland within the quarter ranging from January to March 2025.
Of the 308,658 vehicle tests conducted, 262,415 (85%) were full tests and 46,243 (15%) were retests.
Key Findings:
- 14,928 vehicles failed to attend a booked vehicle test this quarter, 27.0% (3,178) more than the same quarter the previous year (11,750). This is the second most recorded in the time series, second only to that of the 15,501 reported between January and March 2023.
- There were 310,016 vehicle test applications this quarter, a decrease of 8.4% (28,597) compared to the same period in 2023/24 (338,613).
- For all vehicle test applications made this quarter, 96.1% were booked using the DVA online booking system, relative to 95.1% and 94.5% for the same quarter the previous two years respectively.
- The DVA conducted 16,048 driving tests, which is 6.9% (1,039) more than for the equivalent quarter in 2023/24 with 83.4% (13,379) of these being for private cars.
- There were 17,904 applications for a driving test this quarter, relative to 17,878 for the same quarter last year, an increase of 0.1% (26).
- This quarter 539 candidates failed to attend a booked driving test, 16 less than the 555 who failed to attend for the same period in 2023/24.
- At the end of March 2025, there were 1,187,429 full and eligible licence holders with private car/light vans entitlement, which is the highest on record.
- DVA were active across the full range of enforcement activities this quarter having checked 483 vehicles, issued 189 fixed penalties notices totalling £26,700 in fines, completed 17 joint operations with the PSNI and 5 cross border operations with An Garda Síochána, and 18 spot checks on school buses.
About the Publication:
This publication contains summary statistical, performance, and trend information relating to the main functions of the DFI's Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) and other vehicle licensing activity. This covers the period from 1 January 2025 to 31 March 2025.
This release presents statistical information for the volumes of activities under the following business areas:
- Vehicle testing
- Vehicle licensing and registration
- Driver theory testing
- Driver practical testing
- Road transport licensing (i.e buses, heavy good vehicles and taxis)
- Enforcement and compliance
- DVA target monitoring, and
- Driving and Motorcycle Instructors.
Further Information:
For the full PDF report please visit: DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics
For the publication page and associated documents and tables please visit: DfI Driver, Vehicle, Operator, and Enforcement Statistics - 2024-25 - Quarter Four | Department for Infrastructure