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. Knowing the eligibility requirements, choosing the right insurer, and knowing unique advantages is key to success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are plastic laminated cards, similar to European licenses. They show the bearer’s photo as well as their name (in Latin or Cyrillic) and their address at home as well as the categories they are allowed to use and their signature.
How to apply for an NI driving license
A NI driving license is composed of two parts, the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver can apply for an electronic driving licence with a photocard at any time up to the day prior to the 17th birthday of their child, however they are not able to drive until the birthday. A new driver must also pass a test of theory and practical driving test in order to obtain their full licence.
You can apply online or mail an application form to NDLS. It is essential to include a current passport-type photo when you submit your application. If you submit your application online, it will take approximately one week to receive your new driving licence. If you submit your application by mail 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 about your eyesight (DL3 form) medical fit-ness guidelines and forms along with health and driving information leaflets. Applicants with epilepsy are required to fill out the FEP1 form in order to inform NDLS about their condition.
It is a legal requirement to carry your driving license at all times when you are in your 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 frequently travels between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to work, you could be exempt from having exchange your EUor EEA driving license. If you are working on temporary employment and plan to return to your home country during the duration of that contract, then you might not be required to exchange your driving licence.
The driving agency will contact you about renewing your license when you reach 70. This will happen approximately two months before the expiration of your current licence and then every three years thereafter. Until this contact is received it is recommended that you continue renewing your UK/NI licence by filling out the DL1R renewal application form and submitting it to NDLS along with your current photocard.
Licence holders who are from that are not part of the EEA and the UK must exchange their licences when they move to the Republic of Ireland. However, if you have categories on your licence from the UK or Northern Ireland indicating a bus or minibus with trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code indicating that it is not for hire or reward the codes aren't transferable to an Irish driving licence.
The theory test
The test is a theory one and consists of 50 questions on markings and road signs. Answers are displayed on screen, and you must select the answer that best fits 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 may be awarded a certain number of points. You can practice your theory test by using the online DVSA mock tests. You can find them on the website of the DVSA, and some libraries in public have them too. You need to bring both parts of your driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart) to the test centre, and you should be 15 minutes early.
The most efficient and quickest method to book your test is to apply online. You can download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or get a copy from an NDLS centre. Buy C1 E License Online can also contact the NDLS Customer Service team to book a test via phone or mail. If you wish to change or cancel your test you must notify us by 5 business days before the date of your appointment. Otherwise, you will lose the fee for your test.
On the day of the test you will need a valid photo ID. It could be an EU passport or UK passport with a NI address. You may also bring an electronic identity proof like an account statement from a bank or a utility bill that includes your name and address on it.
To increase your chances of success, it's recommended to utilize official RSA revision materials. You can purchase the RSA learning portal subscription as well as books or take them out of the local library. Take a look at the latest version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
If you have any particular needs, you can request an interpreter or a helper to take your test. This can be done by ticking 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 practical test
If you have a UK provisional licence and want to take a car, motorbike or bus/lorry practical test in Northern Ireland, you will require to be a resident in the province. You must fill out an DVA residency declaration form before scheduling your test to prove that you are an resident of Northern Ireland. Visit the DVA's privacy notice to see how they will manage any personal information you send them.
The first step in the process is passing the test in theory. It is split into two sections: 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 of the 50 questions. Candidates who pass the test are allowed to take their practical driving test.
The driving test can be taken in a vehicle used by a representative or in the candidate's personal. If a candidate chooses to drive their own vehicle, it must be roadworthy, and have their L-plates displayed on the back and front, valid insurance and the original NCT disk (if applicable). If the examiner finds any problems, like lights or tyres not working the test will be cancelled.
When the test for practical driving is passed, the applicant receives a pass certificate which serves as a temporary category B licence for two years. This permits them to obtain full insurance, drive and even buy an automobile before their permanent licence arrives in the post.
The driver must be accompanied by a certified driver who is over the age of 21 during the period of their two-year provisional license, which they can only hold for a maximum of two years. However, the applicant may also attend professional driving lessons with a certified driving instructor and be trained to drive on a motorway and will be able to obtain a full license earlier than they would have otherwise been permitted to.
The driving test may be canceled by the applicant in the event that they cancel at least three working days in advance. If they fail to provide the required notice and they are denied the right to a refund.
The cost for the driving test is $120.
A driving license is a legal document which allows its holder to drive a motor vehicle in public roads. In the United Kingdom, this document is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). In Northern Ireland, it is issued by the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS).
When applying for a NI driving licence you must provide proof of identity like passport or 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 standards for driving in Northern Ireland are given a license.
The applicants may be required to undergo an examination for medical reasons, based on their age and medical condition. If you are unsure whether you'll require a medical report, the NDLS has more information.
The NDLS offers a variety of exemptions to these requirements. To apply for an exception, you will need to provide a medical certificate from your doctor.
Once you have submitted the required documents, you can apply at an NDLS center. The documents you submit will be scrutinized by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also have to have a digital signature and your photo taken. You will receive a duplicate of the photo that you can keep in your vehicle to use as a reference if you're stopped by the police.
You will be required to provide an appropriate vehicle for your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy and have an active NCT disc on the front and back, insurance cover, and original motor tax discs.
Making your driving test reservations in advance is highly advised. It is important to book your test as quickly as you can. There are waiting lists for some tests. The NDLS offers a phone booking system for those who don't want to travel to a testing center. You can contact this service at 028 902 4410. The fee for an Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for cars, motorcycles and mopeds; PS80 for taxis and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.