Extra Derry examiners planned as driving test bids surge ahead of new regime for young drivers
A surge in practical driving test applications has been reported ahead of the introduction of a new Graduated Driver Licensing regime for young drivers next month.
Jeremy Logan, Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Agency, said it is recruiting additional examiners who will be allocated to test centres, including Altnagelvin, in the autumn.
SDLP Opposition MLA Mark H Durkan called for an increase in driving test capacity in the Derry area, amid continued high demand for appointments and lengthy waits for learner drivers.
Mr. Durkan wrote to Mr. Logan to raise concerns about the availability of practical driving test appointments, particularly at the Altnagelvin test centre.
The DVA boss confirmed demand for practical driving tests has risen significantly following the announcement of GDL.
Between April and June 2026, the DVA delivered 18,092 practical driving tests an increase of 5.4 per cent on the same period last year. However, demand has risen substantially, with 7,622 practical test applications received in June alone.
Mr. Durkan said: “Over the course of the summer I’ve been inundated with calls and messages from both learner drivers and driver instructors alike, about the lack of driving tests.
“At the moment appointments are released three months in advance but learners have voiced their frustrations that these slots are often snapped up within minutes of their release.
"These delays are having a profound impact on people’s independence, their ability to take up employment and education opportunities, while also placing an added financial burden on learners paying for driving lessons while they wait for an available test.”
In reply to the Foyle MP Mr. Logan wrote: “To increase capacity for practical driving test appointments, we have adopted a range of measures including the recruitment of additional driving examiners who, on successful completion of their training, will be allocated to test centres in autumn 2026 including Altnagelvin.
"We also make use of overtime by rostering off-shift dual role examiners to provide additional capacity and cover for leave. In addition, we offer driving test appointments on Sundays and bank holidays, where it is suitable to do so without compromising the integrity of the test.”
The GDL system is a phased approach to driver licensing designed to improve road safety for new drivers, particularly young drivers aged 17-23 who, the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) points out, are disproportionately represented in fatal road traffic collisions.
It introduces a longer protection period of two years and requirements such as a supervised mandatory minimum learning period of 6 months, limits on night-time driving, and passenger numbers.
Mr. Durkan said learner drivers whose provisional licences start before October 1, 2026, will have until March 31, 2027 to book and pass their practical driving test under the current system.
However if they fail their practical test and retake it on or after April 1, 2027, they will have to enrol in the GDL scheme.
“That distinction is important and I fear, it makes the current pressure on appointments even more concerning. I welcome the fact that the DVA is increasing the number of tests being delivered and that additional examiners are being recruited, including for Altnagelvin this autumn. But recruitment alone will not resolve the problem if demand continues to outstrip available capacity,” said the SDLP MLA.