09/06/2023

Driving Test And MOT Costs Could Rise

The cost of driving tests and MOT's could increase in Northern Ireland, as the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) launch a public consultation.

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

The eight-week public consultation proposes the first increase in most vehicle test fees since 2005 and in most practical driving test fees since 2009. The proposed new fees would help the DVA to cover the costs of providing services and contribute towards future investment to improve services, including a new test centre at Hydebank in Belfast, which is due to open later in 2023.

Following the consultation, all responses will be analysed before recommendations are made to the Minister for Infrastructure. Should there continue to be an absence of Ministers, the next steps will be considered taking into account the decision-making framework set out in the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2022 or relevant legislation in place at the time.

The public consultation is available here.

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