How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain may seem difficult but it's much simpler than you think. Understanding eligibility, unique benefits and choosing an appropriate insurer is the key to success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are laminated plastic cards similar to European licenses. They display the photo of the bearer, their name (in Latin or Cyrillic), their home address as well as the categories they are allowed to use and their signature.
How do I apply for a NI driving license
A NI driving licence is made up of two parts, the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver can get an electronic driving licence with a photocard at any time until the day before the 17th birthday of their child, however they are not able to drive until the birth date. To obtain a full driving license, a new driver must pass both a theoretical and practical test.
You can submit your application online or by sending a form to NDLS. It is essential to include a current passport-style photo along when you submit your application. If you apply online, it should take about one week to get your new driving license. If you apply via post it could take up three weeks.
NDLS provides a range of advice, information and forms on its website for drivers. You can download a report on your eyesight (DL3 form) medical fit-ness guidelines and forms along with health and driving information leaflets. Applicants with epilepsy must complete an FEP1 form in order to inform NDLS of their condition.
It is a legal requirement to carry your driver's licence at all times you are driving. Driving without a valid driving licence is illegal and could lead to an arrest and a fine from An Garda S ochana. It is not necessary to exchange your EU/EEA driving license if you are a border worker who regularly travels between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. If you are working on temporary employment and plan to return to your home country for the duration of the contract, then you will not have to exchange your driving license.
If you're over 70, you will be contacted regarding renewing your licence by the driving department about two months before your present licence expires. It will be renewed every three years from that point on. When this call is not made and you are able to renew your UK/NI license by using the DL1R renewal form and submitting it to NDLS along with your current photocard.
Licence holders who are not from the EEA or the UK will need to exchange their licences to move to Ireland. If, however, you have categories on your UK/NI licence which indicate a minibus or a bus with a trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code indicating that it is not intended for hire or reward, these codes are not transferable to an Irish driving licence.
The theory test
The test for the theory is a multiple choice exam that has 50 questions on road markings and signs. The answers are displayed on the screen and you must select one of the answers that best match the question. You can change your answer at any time during the test. However, you must make sure that you choose the correct answer. You could be awarded some points based on your answers. Online DVSA mock test will allow you to test your knowledge on the exam. 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 earlier.
The fastest and most convenient method to book your theory test is to apply online. You can download the application form (pdf), either via the NDLS website or from an NDLS center. You can also call the NDLS customer service team to book your test on the phone or by post. If you wish to change or cancel your test it must be done by 5 business days before the date of your appointment. You'll lose the test fee if you don't.
On the day of the test, you will need an ID with a valid photo. This can be an EU passport or a UK passport with a NI address. Buy Category B Licence Online may also present electronic proof of your identity, such as a bank statement with your name and the NI address.
To increase your chances of success, it's recommended to utilize the official RSA revision materials. You can purchase the RSA learning portal subscription and books, or borrow them from the local library. Also, make sure to check the latest edition of the RSA theory test questions.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to assist you pass your theory test if there are any special requirements. This can be done by marking the appropriate box on your application for the theory test form (pdf). You can also request an Irish Sign Language interpreter by calling 0818 606 106.
The test in the real world
If you hold a UK provisional driving licence and are looking to take a theory or practical test for a motorcycle, car, bus/lorry or both in Northern Ireland, then you must be a resident of the province. To prove this, you have to submit a residency declaration form to the DVA prior to booking your test. You can view 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 is passing the theory test, which is held in two parts, the multiple choice section and an hazard perception section. The candidate must be able to answer at least 43 out of the 50 questions correctly in order to pass the test and get an official certificate of passing. Candidates who pass the test are allowed to take their practical driving test.
The driving test may be conducted in a car used by a representative or the candidate's vehicle. If a candidate uses their own vehicle, they should ensure that it is roadworthy, that it has their L-plates both front and rear as well as valid insurance and the original NCT disc (if applicable). If the examiner finds any issues, such as lights or tyres that are not functioning the test will be canceled.
After passing the test for practical driving, the candidate receives an award certificate that acts as a temporary Category B licence for a period of two years. This permits them to obtain full insurance, drive and even buy a vehicle before their permanent license arrives through the mail.
The driver must be accompanied by a fully certified driver who is over the age of 21 during the period of their two-year provisional license that they can be able to keep for two years. The candidate can take professional driving lessons with a qualified instructor and learn to drive on the motorway. This will enable them to get a full licence sooner than they otherwise would have been allowed.
The driving test can be cancelled by the candidate if they cancel at least three working days in advance. If they fail to provide the required notice or notice, they will not be able to claim any refund.
The fee for the driving test is $120.
A driving licence is a legal document that allows the holder to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. In the United Kingdom, this document is managed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). In Northern Ireland, it is issued by the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS).
You will need to submit a form of identification when applying for an NI license. This could be a passport or a UK Birth Certificate. Additionally, you will need to take a photo and sign the application form. These requirements are designed to ensure that only those who meet the minimum requirements for driving in NI are granted a licence.
Applicants might be required to undergo an examination for medical reasons, based on their medical condition and age. The NDLS can provide more information in case you aren't sure if you will need an medical report.
The NDLS offers a variety of exemptions to these requirements. To apply for an exemption, you must submit the completed medical report of your doctor.
Once you have submitted the required documents, you can submit your application at an NDLS centre. The NDLS will utilize your documentation to verify your identity. In addition, you will be required to take your photo taken and endorsed digitally. You will be provided with a copy of the photograph that you can keep in your car for reference, if you're stopped by the police.
You must provide an example vehicle to conduct your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy, have an active NCT disc on the front and back as well as an insurance policy. original motor tax discs.
The scheduling of your driving test in advance is highly recommended. It is essential to book your test as quickly as you can. There are waiting lists for some tests. The NDLS provides a booking phone system for those who don't need to travel to a testing facility. This service is available at 028 902 0410. The fee for a Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for cars, motorcycles or mopeds; PS80 for taxis and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.