How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain may seem daunting however it's more straightforward than you think. Understanding eligibility, unique advantages and choosing an appropriate insurer is the most important factor to success.
The licences issued in Northern Ireland are laminated plastic cards like European licenses. They display the bearer’s photo and their name (in Latin or Cyrillic) as well as their address of residence as well as the categories they are allowed to use and their signature.
How do I apply for an NI 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 license up to the day before his or her 17th birthday. However, they can't drive until the date of their birth. A new driver must pass a test of theory and practical driving test to earn their full license.
You can submit an application online or send an application form to NDLS. You must submit a current passport-style photo along when you submit your application. You should get your new license in around a week if apply online. If you send in your application via mail it could take up to 3 weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information and guidance on its website for drivers with forms and guidelines. 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 to advise NDLS of their condition.
It is mandatory to carry your driving licence in the vehicle. 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. The exception applies when you are working on a temporary basis and return to your home country for the duration of your contract.
The driving department will contact you to renew your license when you reach 70. This will happen approximately two months before the expiration date of your current licence and then every three years after that. Until you receive this contact you should continue to renew your UK/NI licence by using the DL1R application form for renewal form. Then, submit it to NDLS with your current photocard and the paper counterpart.
License holders from countries outside of the EEA and the UK must exchange their licences when they move to the Republic of Ireland. However, if there are categories on your licence for the UK/NI indicating a bus or minibus with a trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code that indicates that it is not 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 includes 50 questions about road signs and markings. The answers are displayed on the screen, and you must select one of the options that is most appropriate to the question. It is possible to alter your answer during the test but you must be sure to select the correct answer before you submit your answers. Based on your answers you may be awarded a specific number of points. Online DVSA mock test will allow you to practice your theory exam. They are available on the website of the DVSA, and some libraries in public also have them. You need to bring both parts of your driving license (photocard and the paper counterpart) to the theory test centre, and be 15 minutes early.
Online applications are the quickest and easiest way to schedule your test. You can download the application form (pdf) either on the NDLS site or from an NDLS center. You can contact the NDLS Customer Service team to schedule tests by phone or via mail. If you want to reschedule or cancel your test you must notify us at least 5 business days prior to the date of your appointment. You'll forfeit the test fee if you don't.
On the day of the test, you'll require an acceptable photo ID. This can be an EU passport or a UK passport with an address in the NI. You can also use an electronic identity proof, such as the bank statement or a utility bill that has your name and address on it.
It is advisable to use 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. Take a look at the latest version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to assist you take your theory test if there are any special requirements. This is done by checking the appropriate box on your application for the theory test form (pdf). You can also request an interpreter for sign language by phoning 0818 606106.
The practical test
If you hold a UK provisional licence and want to take a motorbike, car or bus/lorry theory or practice test in Northern Ireland, you will require to be a resident in the province. You must fill out an DVA residency declaration form before taking your test to prove that you are an resident of Northern Ireland. You can view how any personal information that you give to the DVA will be dealt with by reading their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window / tab).
The first step of the process is to pass the theory test. It is split into two sections, one with multiple-choice questions and the other section on the perception of hazards. The candidate must answer at least 43 of the 50 questions correctly to pass the test and get an official certificate of passing. Passing candidates can take their driving test in the practical format.
The driving test may be taken in a representative vehicle or the candidate's own. If a candidate uses their own vehicle, they should ensure that it is roadworthy, carries their L-plates both front and rear as well as valid insurance and the original NCT disc (if applicable). The test can be cancelled if the examiner finds any defects such as non-functioning lights and tyres.
After passing the practical driving test, the candidate receives the pass certificate, which serves as a temporary Category B license for two years. This allows them to drive, purchase full car insurance, and even buy a car before they receive their permanent license in 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 which they are able to hold for a maximum of two years. The applicant can attend professional driving lessons with a licensed instructor and learn to drive on the motorway. This will allow them to obtain a full license sooner than they would otherwise be allowed.
The driving test may be cancelled if the candidate provides at least three working days of notice to cancel their appointment. If they fail to give the required notice, they will be denied any refund.
The fee for the driving test
A driving licence is an official document that permits 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).
When applying for a NI driving license you must provide identification proof such as an identity card or passport. UK birth certificate. Additionally, you will need to take a photo and sign your application form. These requirements are designed to ensure that only those who meet the minimum requirements for driving in Northern Ireland are granted a licence.
Candidates might be required to undergo an examination for medical reasons, based on their health and age. If you're unsure if you'll require medical records, the NDLS provides more details.
The NDLS also provides a variety of exemptions from these requirements. However, to apply for an exemption you must submit an official medical report from your doctor.
After you have submitted all the required documents, you are able to make your application at an NDLS centre. The NDLS will use your documentation to verify your identity, and you are required to get your photograph taken and signed digitally. You will receive a duplicate of the photo which you can keep in your car to refer to if you are arrested by police.
Buy European driving license Uk online will also need to have access to a representative vehicle for your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy and include a valid NCT disc front and rear, insurance coverage and original motor tax discs.
It is recommended that you schedule your driving test in advance. There is a waiting list for some of the tests, so it is essential to schedule your appointment as soon as you can. The NDLS offers a phone booking system for those who do not want to travel to a testing facility. This service is available by calling 028 902 0410. The cost for a driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for car, motorcycle or moped and PS80 for taxis and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.