Why have I been referred for a driving assessment?

You've been referred for a driving assessment by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). This could be because of a medical condition or a safety concern. The purpose is to help decide if you are safe to drive now and in the future. Our Mobility Centre is independent from the DVA.

What does the assessment involve?

The full assessment takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and has two parts:

  1. Off-Road Assessment
  2. On-Road Assessment

    1. Off-Road Assessment (Completed First)

    This takes place in a private room with our team. It Includes:

    • Explaining the process and possible outcomes
    • Talking about your medical condition and driving history
    • Physical checks (e.g grip strength, foot/hand control)
    • Memory or thinking tasks (if needed)
    • Vision and traffic sign checks (if needed)
    • Reading a number plate from 20 metres
    • Deciding if you'll drive your vehicle or our dual-control car

    📌 Important: If your eyesight does not meet legal driving standards, the on-road part cannot go ahead, and a report will be sent to DVA. Please check your eyesight before attending.

    We recommend bringing someone with you. You can also choose to have them stay with you during the assessments.

    2. On-Road Assessment (If Safe to Proceed)

    If your vehicle is used, we'll check:

    • Insurance, tax, MOT (if needed)

    If you're using our vehicle, we'll give you time to get used to it first.

    The on-road drive includes:

    • A 30-40 minute drive (about 10 miles)
    • Different road types: junctions, roundabouts, traffic lights
    • Following verbal directions (we can't share the route in advance)

    During the drive, we assess:

    • Braking, steering and reaction times
    • Awareness and thinking skills while driving

    📌 Have a Manual Licence?
    If you want to keep your manual licence, please let us know – a manual car can be arranged.

    What happens after my assessment?

    • We'll talk through the results with you
    • We may suggest vehicle adaptations if needed
    • If you're not fit to drive, we'll discuss next steps
    • You'll get information about how to appeal if you disagree
    • A report is sent to the DVA, where they'll make the final decision

    What do I need to bring?

    • Photographic ID to confirm your identity. If you don't have any, we'll ask you some questions instead
    • Glasses (if you need them to drive)

    Where are the assessments held?

    We'll try to book you into a centre near you, but we may need to bring you to our Belfast HQ which has a wider range of adapted vehicles.

    Assessment Centres:

    Location Full Address
    Belfast (HQ) Portside Business Park, 189 Airport Road West, Belfast, BT3 9ED
    Dungannon 11 Georges Street, Dungannon, BT70 1BP
    Derry/Londonderry 104 Spencer Road, Londonderry, BT47 6AG
    Omagh Omagh Community Centre, 18a Queens Parade, Hospital Road, Omagh, BT79 0DJ
    Ballymena North Business and Recreation Centre, 120 Cushendall Road, Ballymena, BT43 6HB
    Newry Altnaveigh House, 51 Downshire Road, Newry, BT34 1EE
    Downpatrick Down Business Centre, 46 Belfast Road, Downpatrick, BT30 9UP
    Enniskillen Fermanagh House, Broadmeadow Place, Enniskillen, BT74 7HR

    Before your appointment please confirm your attendance.

    Contact us on 028 9029 7877 or e-mail at [email protected]

    Please let us know if you require this information in an alternative format or any communication support for your assessment.

    What happens if I have to cancel my appointment (cancellation policy)?

    It is important to keep your appointment so that you can return to driving as soon as possible. If you do need to rearrange an appointment please give 3 working days notice as if not, a cancellation fee may apply.