Driver and Vehicle Agency facts for kids
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| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 2007 |
| Preceding agencies |
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| Jurisdiction | Northern Ireland |
| Headquarters | Coleraine, Northern Ireland |
| Agency executive |
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| Parent department | Department for Infrastructure |
| Website | https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/driver-vehicle-agency-dva-northern-ireland |
The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) is a special government office in Northern Ireland. It is part of the Department for Infrastructure.
The DVA helps people get their driving licences. It also makes sure cars and other vehicles are safe. This means they handle vehicle tests and driver tests. The DVA started in 2007. It was formed when two older agencies, DVLNI and DVTA, joined together.
Contents
Driver and Vehicle Agency: What It Does
The DVA has important jobs to keep roads safe in Northern Ireland. It helps people learn to drive and makes sure vehicles are in good condition.
Getting Your Driving Licence
If you want to drive in Northern Ireland, the DVA helps you get your licence. They are in charge of the practical driving test. This is the test where you drive a car with an examiner. They also handle the theory test. This test checks your knowledge of road rules.
The theory test is the same across the whole United Kingdom. It is set by another agency called the DVSA. The practical driving test in Northern Ireland is similar to other parts of the UK. However, the DVA can make small changes to it.
Vehicle Checks (MOT)
The DVA also checks vehicles to make sure they are safe. This check is called an MOT test. In Northern Ireland, all vehicles needing an MOT must go to a DVA test centre. This is different from Great Britain. The DVA has 15 test centres across Northern Ireland.
Your Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
The DVA is responsible for giving out driving licences in Northern Ireland. This is because Northern Ireland has its own powers to manage these things. This is known as a devolved matter. The DVA issues both provisional and full driving licences.
A provisional licence lets you learn to drive. A full licence means you can drive on your own. Any licence from the DVA is a UK driving licence. It works exactly like a licence from Great Britain. The DVA still gives out a paper part with your driving licence.
What Changed Over Time
Before 2014, the DVA had more jobs. It used to handle vehicle registration. This is like signing up your car. It also managed vehicle tax. This is a tax you pay for your vehicle.
These jobs were moved to another agency called the DVLA. Now, if you want a special number plate for your car, you buy it from the DVLA. People are also encouraged to pay their vehicle tax online. You can still pay your vehicle tax in person at a Post Office in Northern Ireland.
See also
- United Kingdom driving test
- Driving licence in the United Kingdom
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency
- Department for Infrastructure (Northern Ireland)
