DVTA Trade Bulletin Issue 2/05

WAITING TIMES

Waiting times have been an issue for the Agency ever since our services were disrupted by industrial action last year. At the height of industrial action many customers were waiting over 20 weeks for a vehicle test appointment. The difficulties created by industrial action have been compounded by continuing increases in demand with applications up since September by over 16%. Our priority is to be able to offer vehicle test appointments within an average waiting time target of 21 days, and to eliminate the need for Certificates of Temporary Exemption.

The Agency is currently focusing on the needs of the business community and is giving priority to the testing of buses, ambulances, taxis and heavy goods vehicles. Week ending 26 March 2005 almost 90% of vehicles in these categories were booked for test within 10 weeks of receipt of application (some 43% within 3 weeks of receipt of application). Turning to MOT category vehicles, cars, light goods and motorcycles, some 72% of customers received appointments for dates up to 10 weeks from application (27% within 3 weeks of receipt of application).

The year to date average waiting time for a vehicle test is now around 6 weeks. The average and maximum waiting time for vehicle tests booked week ending 26 March 2005 was 7 weeks and 14 weeks respectively.

A Certificate of Temporary Exemption will be issued when the Agency cannot offer a customer a test within 21 days of receipt of application. These allow vehicles to be driven on the road without a vehicle test certificate and enable motorists to get their vehicles taxed without vehicle test certificates.

Commercial operators, who are having difficulty getting a suitable appointment for public service vehicles (including omnibuses and hackney carriages) goods vehicles used on international journeys, and vehicles that require reduced pollution certification should contact the Agency by e-mail at commercialoperators.dvta@doeni.gov.uk for assistance.


MARTIN WOODS

Director of Operations (acting)

Telephone: 028 9054 7982



TELEPHONE BOOKING SERVICE

Book or re-book your test by telephone

(debit/credit card payments only)

0845 247 2471 Private Car, Motorcycles & Light Goods (up to 3500kgs)

0845 247 2472 Driving Test: Car & Motorcycle

All calls charged at local rate

Calls are recorded for quality assurance purposes



CUSTOMER INFORMATION LINE

0845 601 4094

All calls charged at local rate



Customer Services Team e-mail: dvta@nics.gov.uk

Martin Woods

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