She announced that in addition to the Agency’s counter service, over one million customers have now booked an MOT test by telephone.
The Minister watched a vehicle being taken through its annual test and was then shown a demonstration on the methods that customers can use to book a vehicle or driving test.
She said, “The DVA has shown a strong lead to the public sector in Northern Ireland through its implementation of the modern methods for booking services. Customers now have the choice of booking in person, by post, over the telephone or on the internet.”
Arlene Foster also commented on improvements in testing performance and a reduction in MOT evasion. She said: “Driver and vehicle testing plays a key role in road safety. Enhancing access to DVA services makes it easier and more likely that customers will comply and will maintain their vehicles in a roadworthy condition.”
The Minister acknowledged the improvement in performance across a range of Agency activity and in particular the significant reduction in waiting times for MOT tests.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Driver & Vehicle Licensing Northern Ireland (DVLNI) and Driver & Vehicle Testing Agency (DVTA) merged on 1 April 2007 to form the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) – an Executive Agency within the Department of the Environment. DVA has two main areas of work – testing and licensing. The primary aim of testing is to promote road safety by operating fair and efficient systems of testing for both vehicles and drivers. The Agency also undertakes enforcement activities through vehicle roadside checks throughout Northern Ireland.
- The online service is available for the booking of vehicle tests for private cars, motorcycles and light goods vehicle (under 3,500 kg) and driving tests for private cars and motorcycles.
- The service was developed for the Agency by Northgate-IS. It represents a key milestone in the delivery of electronic services to the public and further improves the range of booking options available to customers.
- Electronic booking is still under consideration for heavy goods and public service vehicles.
- Online booking is available via the Agency’s website at www.dvani.gov.uk.
- For further media enquiries please contact the DOE Press Office on Tele 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
