O’Dowd welcomes record number of vehicle tests conducted by DVA staff in October

Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the highest number of vehicle tests conducted by DVA staff.

Statistics published today show that there were 109,941 tests carried out in October. This is the highest number of monthly vehicle tests ever recorded.

Minister O'Dowd introduced Temporary Exemption Certificates (TECs) in June to reduce vehicle test waiting times.

He said:

"I am pleased that the introduction of TECs is beginning to have a positive impact on the waiting times for MOTs. This measure along with the recruitment of new staff and the allocation of additional resources including Sunday and Bank Holiday appointments means that the DVA is on target to achieve an average waiting time of six weeks or less for private cars by 31 March 2025. My gratitude goes to staff across the DVA who have been working tirelessly to test as many cars as possible at a time when the demand for vehicle testing has never been higher."

DVA also delivered 6,385 practical driving tests in October, which is a 4.9% increase on the October 2023 figures, and is the highest number recorded since November 2022.

The average waiting time for Category B (private car) driving test appointments has also dropped considerably and is well within the Agency's waiting time target of six weeks or less by 31 March 2025.

Notes to editors:

1. DVA Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics - October 2024' is published here: Driver and Vehicle Agency Monthly Tests Conducted Statistics - October 2024
2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: [email protected].
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.
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