Driver & Vehicle Agency facts for kids

The Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) is a special office in Northern Ireland that keeps official records of all drivers and vehicles. It's also known as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI). Think of it as the place where people get their driving licenses and where cars get their official papers to be on the road. The DVA's main office is located in a town called Coleraine in Northern Ireland. It works as an agency for the Northern Ireland government.

What Does the DVA Do?

The DVA has a very important job. It makes sure that everyone who drives a car in Northern Ireland is properly trained and has a valid driving license. It also makes sure that all vehicles, like cars, motorcycles, and trucks, are registered and have the right documents. This helps keep the roads safe for everyone.

Keeping Track of Drivers

One of the DVA's main tasks is to manage the register of drivers. This means they:

• Issue new driving licenses to people who pass their driving tests.
• Renew licenses when they expire.
• Keep records of drivers' details.
• Make sure drivers meet the legal requirements to be on the road.

Managing Vehicle Records

The DVA also looks after the register of vehicles. This involves:

• Registering new vehicles when they are bought.
• Issuing vehicle registration plates (number plates).
• Keeping track of who owns which vehicle.
• Making sure vehicles are taxed and have valid road safety checks.

DVA and the Government

The Driver & Vehicle Agency is an important part of the Northern Ireland government. It helps to put into action the rules and laws about driving and vehicles. This ensures that transport in Northern Ireland is organized and safe for everyone.

How DVA Compares to Other Agencies

The DVA works specifically for Northern Ireland. In Great Britain, which is the other part of the United Kingdom, there is a similar agency called the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Both agencies do similar jobs but for different parts of the UK.