How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain may seem difficult but it's a lot easier than you think. Understanding eligibility, unique advantages and selecting the right insurance is the most important factor to success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are laminated plastic cards like European licenses, that show the bearer’s photo as well as their name (in Latin or Cyrillic) as well as their address of residence, categories allowed and signature.
How to apply for an NI driving license
The NI driving licence is made up of two parts that are the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver can obtain an image card licence until the day before the day of his or her 17th birthday. However, they are not able to drive till their date of birth. A new driver must also pass a theory test and practical driving test to earn their full license.
You can apply online or send an application form to NDLS. Include a passport-style photo that is current with your application. If you submit your application online, it should take around one week to receive your new driving license. If you submit your application by mail it could take up three weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information, advice and forms on its website for drivers. You can download an eye report (DL3 form) along with medical fitness guidance and forms, health and driving information leaflets. Epilepsy sufferers are required to complete the FEP1 form in order to inform NDLS about their condition.
You must always have your driving license inside the vehicle. Driving without a valid driving licence is illegal and could lead to an arrest and a fine from An Garda S ochana. If you are a frontier worker who regularly travels between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to work, you could be exempt from having to exchange your EU/ EEA driving license. The exception applies for those who are employed on a temporary contract and return to your home country for the duration of your contract.
The driving authority will notify you regarding renewing your licence when you reach 70. This will happen about two months before the expiration date of your current license, and every three years after that. Until you receive this contact you should continue to renew your UK/NI license applying for DL1R on the renewal form. You should then send it to NDLS along with your current photocard and the paper counterpart.
License holders who aren't from the EEA or the UK will need to exchange their licences to move to Ireland. If you have codes on your UK/NI driving licence that indicate a bus minibus, trailer, or bus (category d1 and d1e) or indicate that it is not a hire or reward These codes cannot be transferred to an Irish licence.
The theory test
The theory test is a multiple choice exam which includes 50 questions about road signs and markings. Answers are displayed on the screen and you must choose the option that best matches the question. It is possible to change your answer during the test, however, you must ensure to select the correct option before you submit your answers. You could be awarded a certain number points based on your answers. You can take a test on your theory using the online DVSA mock tests. They are accessible on the DVSA website, and a few public libraries also have these. You must bring both parts of your driving license (photocard and the paper counterpart) to the theory test center, and be 15 minutes early.
Online application is the fastest and easiest way to schedule your theory test. You can download the application form (pdf) or download it from the NDLS website or from an NDLS center. You can also contact the NDLS Customer Service team to make an appointment for a test by phone or post. If you want to reschedule or cancel your test it must be done within 5 business days prior to the date of your appointment. You'll forfeit the fee for the test if you do not.
You'll need an acceptable photo ID on the day of your test, such as an EU passport or a UK passport that has a valid NI address. You can also bring electronic proof of identity, such a bank statement that includes your name and NI address.
It is advisable to make use of official RSA revision materials to improve your chances of passing the test. You can purchase the RSA learning portal subscription and books, or take them out of the local library. Also, make expressdrivinglicense.com to take a look at the most current edition of the RSA theory test questions.
If you have any specific requirements, you can ask for an interpreter or a helper to take your theory test. You can do this by selecting the appropriate box on the theory test application form. You can also request an interpreter who speaks sign language by calling the 0818 606106.
The test in the real world
If you are a holder of a UK provisional driving license and are looking to take a theory or a practical test for a car, motorcycle or bus/lorry in Northern Ireland, then you must be a resident of the province. You must submit an DVA residency declaration form before scheduling your test to prove that you are a resident of Northern Irish. You can view how any personal information you send to the DVA will be dealt with by reading their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window or tab).
The first step of the process is passing the test in theory. It is split into two parts, an multiple-choice section as well as a section on the perception of hazards. To pass the test, the applicant must be able to answer correctly 43 out of 50 questions. Those who pass can book their driving test in the practical format.
The driving test can be conducted in a car used by a representative or the candidate's vehicle. If a candidate chooses to use their vehicle, it must be roadworthy, have L-plates displayed on the back and front, valid insurance and the original NCT disk (if applicable). The test can be cancelled if the examiner discovers any flaws, such as malfunctioning tyres and lights.
After passing the driving test the driver receives the pass certificate, which serves as an interim Category B licence for a period of 2 years. This permits them to drive, purchase full insurance for their car and buy a car before they receive their permanent license in the mail.
The driver is only able to be granted a provisional license for two years. However, the applicant can also take professional lessons with a certified driving instructor and be certified to drive on a motorway which allows them to get a full licence earlier than they would have otherwise been allowed to.
The driving test may be cancelled if the applicant provides at least three working days in advance to cancel their appointment. If they fail to give the required notice and they are denied any refund.
The fee for the driving test is $120.
A driving license is a legal document that allows the holder to operate motor vehicles 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 NDLS (National Driving Licence Service).
You'll need to submit proof of identity to apply for a NI licence. 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 Northern Ireland are granted a licence.
Applicants may be required to take an examination to determine their medical condition, based on their medical condition and age. If you're unsure if you will require medical reports, the NDLS provides more details.
The NDLS also provides a number of exemptions from these requirements. In order to apply for an exemption, you will need to submit a medical report from your physician.
Once you've submitted all of the necessary documents, you are able to visit 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 an electronic signature and a photograph taken. You will be given a the photocopy to keep in your vehicle for reference if you are stopped by the police.
You must provide an appropriate vehicle to conduct your test. The vehicle must be roadworthy and possess an NCT disc that is valid front and rear, insurance cover and original motor tax discs.
The scheduling of your driving test in advance is highly advised. There is an application waiting list for some of the tests, so it is important to make your appointment as soon as you are able to. The NDLS offers a phone booking system for those who don't want to go to a testing center. Contact the service at 028 902 4410. The cost for a driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for moped, car or motorcycle Taxis are priced at PS80; and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.