Yes the legal requirement is 1 clear working day: ie, Clear days exclude Saturday Sunday Public and Bank holidays. Easter Tuesday counts as a public holiday but Good Friday does not. These days also exclude the date on which you tell us you wish to cancel the date of the test. For Example, if you wish to cancel a Tuesday appointment you must tell us by the previous Friday.
A copy of our Complaints Procedure Leaflet can be obtained from any DVA test centre. You may wish in the first instance to discuss your complaint with the manager of the centre you visit, who will be happy to help you. Our Customer Services Manager will also be happy to talk to you if you wish.
In line with the services offered by the agency the full cost of the provision is met from the fees charged for the services. These will rise in line with the additional services offered.
These are a catalytic converter test for petrol engines, a metered smoke test for diesel engines and a headlamp beam test for all vehicles. All new tests are being introduced in line with EC requirements and will bring the test in NI into line with the rest of the EC.
No. The test continues to be based on the present legal requirements for Construction & Use of vehicles. Introduction of the revised test procedures will assist in ensuring standardisation across all testing centres and will provide enhanced information to customers on the condition of their vehicles.
Yes. The testing requirements remain the same as they were for the previous test and garages will continue to prepare vehicles to meet the legal requirements. In the case of the test items, garages will be advised of the testing requirements and how they are measured.
The new equipment puts DVA at the forefront of vehicle testing. It will be a quicker test for private cars, will help to ensure a standardised test throughout the 15 test centres and will increase the objective element in the test. Customers will also be able to obtain more detailed information on the performance of their cars in the test.
No. The vehicle test is now carried out without the need to drive over any pits. You simply take your car to the first stage and follow simple commands i.e. switching your lights on. The vehicle examiner carries out the second stage. You can take a seat in the viewing area or remain in the passenger seat. The third and final stage is when the car is raised up on scissor lifts and inspected underneath.
Yes. From 1 May 2008 any vehicle with a current MOT must display the disc.
Part two of the vehicle test certificate (the disc) should be displayed on the inside of the windscreen. It should be placed on the passenger's side and should be close to the edge of the windscreen, so as not to cause an obstruction to the driver's view of the road.
In the case of motorcycles the certificate should be displayed on the nearside of the motorcycle in a weatherproof container
Yes. You should preferably apply at least 4 weeks, but not more than three months, beforehand. We can issue a new test certificate up to 28 days before the current certificate expires. The certificate will be dated from the current certificate's expiry date, as long as you inform the examiner and produce the previous certificate at the start of the test.
You will get an inspection record sheet/notification of refusal listing the faults, and a retest application form. We charge reduced fees for retests, if we receive the application for re-test within 21 days of the original full test.
The vehicle will be re-examined and you will be asked about repairs, etc, since the test. You must produce the inspection record sheet/notification of refusal and registration book. If the examiner allows the appeal, we will issue a test certificate. If there are good reasons for the appeal, we may refund all or part of the fee.
Vehicle Test FAQs
