How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain may seem daunting, but it can be much simpler than you think. Understanding eligibility, the unique benefits and choosing an appropriate insurer is the key to success.
Licences issued by the NI are laminated plastic cards that are similar to European licences. Buy Northern Ireland Driving Licence display the bearer's picture, name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts) and home address, allowed categories and signature.
How to apply for a NI driving license
A NI driving licence consists of two components, the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver may obtain a photocard licence up until the day before their 17th birthday. However, they cannot drive until the date of their birth. A new driver must also pass a test of theory and practical driving test to get their full license.
You can submit your application online or by mailing a form to NDLS. You must include an up-to-date passport-style photo in your application. You will receive your new licence within about a week if you apply online. If you send in your application via mail it could take up to 3 weeks.
NDLS offers a variety of information and guidance on its website to assist drivers with their driving, including forms and guidelines. You can download a report about your eyesight (DL3 form) medical fit-ness guidelines and forms and health and driving information leaflets. Patients with epilepsy need to fill out an FEP1 form to inform NDLS of their condition.
It is a legal requirement to carry your driving license whenever you are driving. Driving without a valid license is illegal, and An Garda S could arrest you and charge you with a fine. ochana. If you are a border worker and regularly travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for work, you may be exempt from having to exchange your EU/ EEA driving license. If you are working on an employment contract for temporary duration and are planning to return to your home country for the duration of the contract, then you might not have to exchange your driving licence.
If you're over 70, you will be contacted about renewing your license by the driving agency about two months prior to when your current one expires, and then every three years from then on. In the meantime, until you receive this notification, you should continue renewing your license in the UK/NI region by filling out the DL1R renewal application form and sending it to NDLS together with your current photocard.
Licence holders who are from outside of the EEA and the UK must change their licences when they relocate to the Republic of Ireland. If you have codes on your UK/NI driving licence that identify a minibus minibus, trailer, or bus (category d1 and d1e) or that indicate it is not a reward or hire, these codes cannot be transferred to an Irish licence.
The theory test
The test is a theory one and consists of 50 questions pertaining to road signs and markings. The answers are displayed on the screen, and you have to tick one of the choices that is most appropriate to the question. It is possible to alter your answer during the test but you must be sure that you select the correct answer before you submit your answers. Based on your answers, you could be awarded a certain amount of points. You can practice your theory test by using the online DVSA mock tests. These are available on the DVSA website, and some public libraries also stock these. Bring both your photocard and paper equivalent to the test center. You should arrive 15 minutes early.
The fastest and most convenient way to book your test is to apply online. You can also download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or pick up the form from an NDLS centre. You can also contact the NDLS Customer Service team to schedule an appointment by phone or via mail. You must cancel or change the date of your test at least 5 days before the scheduled appointment. Otherwise, you will lose the test fee.
You must bring an ID with a valid photo on the day of your test, such as an EU passport or a UK passport that has an active NI address. You may also bring an electronic identity proof, such as the bank statement or a utility bill with your name and address on it.
To increase your chances of success, it is recommended that you use the official RSA revision material. You can purchase the RSA learning portal subscription as well as books or borrow them from your local library. Take a look at the latest version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
If you have any particular needs, you can ask for an interpreter or a person to help you take your theory test. This is done by checking the appropriate box on your theory test application form (pdf). You can also request an interpreter who speaks sign language by calling the 0818 606106.
The test in the real world
If you have a UK provisional licence and wish to take a car, motorbike or bus/lorry theory or practical test in Northern Ireland, you will need to be normally resident in the province. To prove this, you must fill out a residency declaration form to the DVA before booking your test. You can see the way in which any personal information you send to the DVA will be handled by visiting their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window / tab).
The first step in the process is to pass the test in theory. It is divided into two sections, an multiple-choice section as well as a section on the perception of hazards. Candidates must complete at least 43 of the 50 questions correctly to pass the test and get an official certificate of passing. Passing candidates can book their practical driving test.
The driving test can be conducted in a vehicle used by a representative or the candidate's own. If a candidate chooses to take their own vehicle, it must be roadworthy, have L-plates on the front and back, have valid insurance and the original NCT disk (if applicable). The test will be cancelled if the examiner finds any defects such as non-functioning tyres and lights.
Once the practical driving test is passed, the driver receives a certificate of pass that serves as temporary category B license for two years. This allows them to get full insurance, drive and even buy vehicles before they receive their permanent license in the mail.
The driver is allowed to only have a provisional license for two years. The applicant can attend professional driving lessons with a certified instructor and learn how to drive on motorways. This will enable them to get a full licence sooner than they otherwise would be allowed.
The driving test may be cancelled if the applicant gives at least three full working days of notice to cancel their appointment. If they do not give the required notice and they are denied a refund.
The cost of the driving test
A driving licence is legally valid document that permits the holder to drive a motor vehicle on public roads. In the United Kingdom this document is managed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. In Northern Ireland, it is issued by the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS).
You'll need to submit a form of identification when applying for a NI license. This could be a passport, or a UK Birth Certificate. You will also need to take a picture and sign your application. These requirements are designed to ensure that only those who meet the minimum requirements for driving in NI are granted a licence.
Candidates may be required to take a medical examination, depending on their health and age. If you're not sure if you'll require medical records, the NDLS has more information.
The NDLS also provides a number of exemptions from these requirements. In order to apply for an exemption you must submit a medical note from your physician.
After you have submitted all of the necessary documents, you can go to an NDLS centre to complete your application in person. Your documents will be used by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also need to present a digital signature and your photo taken. You will receive a copy of your photograph to keep in your vehicle for reference if you are stopped by the police.
Buy UK driving licence online will need to provide a representative vehicle to use to conduct your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy, have an active front and rear NCT disc and insurance cover, as well as original motor tax disks.
It is recommended that you book your driving test well in advance. There is an application waiting list for some of the tests, so it is crucial to book your appointment as soon as you can. The NDLS also provides a phone booking service that can be helpful for those who do not want to travel long distances to the testing center. This service can be contacted at 028 902 0410. The fee for a driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for moped, car or motorcycle; PS80 for taxis; and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.