AQW 37884/22-27

Mr Eóin Tennyson
Alliance Party
Upper Bann

Tabled Date: 09/01/2026
Answered On Date: 20/02/2026
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, pursuant to AQW 36825/22-27, to detail (i) the rationale as to why the Driver and Vehicle Agency limits candidates to three attempts at this test, whereas Great Britain permits unlimited attempts within a two-year period; and (ii) whether consideration will be given to aligning Northern Ireland with Great Britain.

Answer:

As you will be aware, driver licensing is a transferred matter (NI Act 1998 [1998 c47 part 1 Section 4] and as such driver licensing policy differs between here and Britain.

The Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations (NI) 2004 consolidated with amendments the earlier Motor Cars (Driving Instruction) Regulations (NI) 1991. Regulation 9(3) of the 2004 Regulations introduced the restriction regarding number of attempts at the ADI theory test:

“Where a person has failed the theory test on his third attempt he shall not be eligible to take it again for a period of two years commencing on the date of the first attempt.”

The restrictions were introduced to maintain high professional standards, improve road safety and encourage preparedness in candidates.

This was following a public consultation in 2002 on the review of the ADI scheme here, wherein 91% of respondents expressed support for a three-attempt limit on the theory test.

Road safety continues to be of paramount importance for my Department, and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer for everyone. There are no current plans to change the three-limit attempt for ADI theory test.