How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain might seem challenging, but it can be more straightforward than you think. Understanding eligibility, unique benefits and choosing an appropriate insurer is the most important factor to success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are laminated plastic cards, similar to European licenses. They show the photo of the bearer, 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 do I apply for a driving license
The NI driving license is composed of two parts that are the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A driver who is new can get a photocard licence up until the day prior to his or her 17th birthday. However, they cannot drive until the date of their birth. To get a full driver's licence, a new driver must pass both a theory and practical test.
You can apply online, or mail an application form to NDLS. Include a passport-style picture that is current with your application. If you apply online it should take around one week to get your new driving licence. If you send in your application via mail it could take up to three weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information, advice and forms on its website for drivers. You can download an eye report (DL3 form) and medical fitness guidelines and forms, and health and driving information leaflets. Epilepsy sufferers are required to fill out the FEP1 questionnaire to inform NDLS about their condition.
You must always carry your driving license inside the vehicle. Driving without a valid licence is illegal and An Garda S could arrest you and fine you. ochana. If you are a frontier worker who regularly travels between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for work, you may be exempt from having exchange your EU/ EEA driving licence. The exception applies when you are working on a temporary contract and you return to your home country for the duration of your contract.
When you reach the age of 70, you will be contacted about renewing your license by the driving department about two months before your present licence expires. It will be renewed every three years from that point on. If you don't receive this notification, you must continue to renew your UK/NI licence using the DL1R application for renewal form. You should then send it to NDLS with your current photocard and the paper counterpart.
License holders who aren't from the EEA or the UK will have to exchange their licences to move to Ireland. However, if there are categories on your licence from the UK or Northern Ireland that indicate a minibus or bus with a trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code that indicates that it is not for hire or reward the codes aren't transferable to an Irish driving licence.
The theory test
The test for the theory is a multiple choice test that includes 50 questions about road markings and signs. The answers are displayed on the screen and you must select one of the answers that is most appropriate to the question. You can alter your answer at any time during the test. However it is essential to ensure that you choose the correct option. Based on your answers you may be awarded a certain amount of points. You can take a test on your theory using the online DVSA mock tests. They are available on the DVSA's website and some libraries in public also have them. You need to bring both parts of your driving licence (photocard and the paper counterpart) to the test centre, and you should plan to arrive there 15 minutes earlier than the time indicated.
The quickest and easiest method of booking your test is to apply online. You can download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or pick up one from an NDLS centre. You can also call the NDLS customer service team to book your test over via phone or mail. You must cancel or reschedule your test at least five days prior to the date of your appointment. Otherwise, Buy Category B Licence Online will lose the test fee.
On the day of the test you'll need an ID with a valid photo. This could be an EU passport or UK passport with a address in the NI. You can also use an electronic proof of identity like a bank statement or utility bill that includes your name and address on it.
To increase your chances of success, it's advised to utilize official RSA revision materials. You can purchase the learning portal subscription, books and CD-ROMs on the RSA website, or you can borrow the materials from your local library. You should also take a look at the most current edition of the RSA theory test questions.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to assist you with your theory test if you have any special needs. This can be done by ticking the appropriate box on your application for the theory test form (pdf). You can also request a sign language interpreter by calling the 0818 606106.
The practical test
If you have a UK provisional driving license and want to take a practical or theory test for a motorbike, 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 before you can book your test. You can find out how 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 theory test. It is split into two parts, one with multiple-choice questions and the other section on danger perception. To pass the test, the candidate must be able to answer correctly 43 of the 50 questions. The candidates who pass the test are able to take the practical driving test.
The driving test may be conducted in a car used by a representative or in the vehicle of the candidate. If a candidate opts to take their own vehicle, it must be roadworthy, have their L-plates displayed on the back and front, valid insurance, and the original NCT disk (if applicable). The test will be cancelled if the examiner finds any flaws, such as malfunctioning tyres and lights.
After passing the driving test the driver receives an award certificate that acts as a temporary Category B license for a period of 2 years. This allows them to drive, get full car insurance, and even buy a car before their permanent licence arrives in the mail.
The driver must be accompanied by a fully qualified driver over the age of 21 during the period of their two-year provisional licence that they can keep for a maximum of two years. The candidate can take professional driving lessons with a qualified instructor and learn to drive on the motorway. This will allow them to get a full license sooner than they would have been allowed.
The driving test can be cancelled by the candidate in the event that they cancel at least three days in advance. If they fail to give the required notice and they are denied a refund.
The cost for the driving test
A driving licence is an official 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 (DVLA). In Northern Ireland, it is issued by the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS).
You'll need to submit an identification document when applying for a NI license. This could be a passport or a UK Birth Certificate. You will also need to take a photograph and sign your application. These requirements are in place to ensure that only drivers who meet the minimum requirements of driving in Northern Ireland are granted a license.
Candidates might be required to undergo a medical examination, depending on their medical condition and age. If you are unsure whether you will require a medical report or not, the NDLS provides more details.
The NDLS also offers a variety of exemptions from these requirements. To be eligible for an exemption, you will need to submit a medical report from your doctor.
After you have submitted the necessary documents, you can apply at an NDLS center. The NDLS will use your documentation to verify your identity, and you will be required to have your photograph taken and signed digitally. You will receive the photocopy to keep in your vehicle to refer to if you're stopped by the police.
You will need to provide an example vehicle for your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy, have an original NCT disc on the front and back, insurance cover, and original motor tax disks.
Making your driving test reservations in advance is highly advised. It is essential to book your test as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for certain tests. The NDLS also provides a phone booking service, which can be helpful for those who don't wish to travel long distances for a testing centre. You can reach the service via 028 902 4410. The cost for an Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for cars, motorcycles and mopeds PS80 for taxis, and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.