Changes to driving and vehicle test fees

The cost of driving and vehicle tests will change for tests being booked from 1st October 2023. Tests booked before 1st October will not be affected by the fee increases, regardless of the actual date of the test.

This will be the first increase for most vehicle test fees since 2005 and for most practical driving test fees since 2009.

Driving and vehicle tests are carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), which must cover the cost of delivering services through the income it generates from fees. The rising cost of delivering services means the DVA is facing a shortfall in its income.

A consultation on changes to the fees was carried out and a summary of the consultation responses is available here: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/consultation-report-changing-cost-driving-tests-and-vehicle-tests

In the absence of a functioning Legislative Assembly, the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Infrastructure agreed, in accordance with the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc) Act 2022 (as amended), that the proposed fee increases can be progressed. 

The relevant legislation has been amended and the new fees will be published on nidirect.gov.uk on 7 September 2023.

Notes to editors: 

1. Changes to fees include:

• Vehicle test fees for cars and light goods vehicles increasing from £30.50 to £38, motorcycles rising from £22 to £34 and taxis from £138.50 to £147. Full details of fees are available on nidirect.gov.uk.
• Practical driving test fees for cars rising from £45.50 to £65, motorcycles increasing from £58 to £80 and lorry and bus (driving ability) increasing from £66 to £87. Full details of fees are available on nidirect.gov.uk.

2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
4. Follow the Department on Twitter on @deptinfra Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure and on LinkedIn at DfILinkedIn.

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