Members of the international testing organisation, Comite International de L'Inspection Technique Automobile (CITA), of which DVA is a member, gathered in Ballymena testing centre to share best practice and learn about the Agency's specific model for delivering a comprehensive range of vehicle tests.
CITA is an international association of public and private sector organisations which are involved in the delivery of statutory roadworthiness inspections or with responsibility for authorising and supervising inspection organisations.
DVA Chief Executive Brendan Magee said: "The Driver and Vehicle Agency is delighted to host this meeting and welcomes our distinguished international counterparts in the field of vehicle testing.
"DVA prides itself with delivering a quality service and as such enjoys the opportunity to share best practice of our unique and highly regarded model for delivering a comprehensive range of vehicle tests and to further pursue new and evolving principles in this field."
Mr Magee also noted earlier this year DVA retained its accreditation to ISO9001:2000 which is an internationally accepted Quality Management Systems standard.
He said: "DVA is the only driver and vehicle testing organisation in the UK and one of only a few in the EU to hold ISO 9001:2000. This award recognises and underpins the importance of providing quality public services."
Notes To Editors:
1. CITA is an international not for profit association, based in Brussels, Belgium. It represents all types of organisations and stakeholders (government, private sector, dedicated inspection centres, garage-based test centres and test equipment manufacturers) who share a common interest in exchanging information, developing best practices and draft international standards in the field of road vehicle inspection. Its work focusses on improving transport sustainability with particular emphasis on road safety and environmental protection.
2. CITA is recognised by the Commission of the European Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe for its expertise in relation to roadworthiness inspections. In 2008 CITA has about 110 members worldwide, representing over 50 countries and covering more than 250 million inspections a year.
3. The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) was established on 1 April 2007 as part of the Review of Public Administration. The Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) merged to form the new Agency.
4. In the year 2007/08 DVA tested 667,000 vehicles and 75,000 drivers.
5. DVA are represented on several CITA working groups covering areas such as training, vehicular braking systems etc. as well as Working Group 3 which primarily focuses on quality within the testing regime.
6. DVA achieved reaccreditation to ISO 9001:2011 (an internationally recognised standard in quality management systems) in March 2008. This extends DVA's accreditation to March 2011.
7. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office on 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
