How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland

It might seem difficult to obtain car insurance in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it's actually a lot easier than you might think. Understanding eligibility, unique benefits and deciding on the right insurer is the key to success.

The licences issued in Northern Ireland are plastic laminated cards like European licenses. They show the photo of the bearer, their name (in Latin or Cyrillic), their home address, categories allowed and 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 obtain the photocard driving license at any time up to the day prior to their 17th birthday, however they cannot drive until their birthday. To obtain a full driving licence, a driver who is new must pass both a theoretical and practical test.

You can apply online or send an application form to NDLS. Include a passport-style picture that is current when you submit your application. You should receive your new licence in approximately a week if you apply online. If you submit your application via post, it could take up to 3 weeks.

NDLS offers a variety of information and advice on its website to help drivers with their driving, including forms and guidelines. You can download an eye report (DL3 form), medical fitness guidance and forms, as well as health and driving information leaflets. Applicants with epilepsy must complete an FEP1 form in order to inform NDLS of their condition.

You must always have your driving license inside the vehicle. Driving without a valid license is illegal, and An Garda S could arrest you and charge you with a fine. ochana. You may not have 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 on a temporary employment contract and plan to return to your home country for the duration of that contract, then you will not need to exchange your driving licence.

The driving department will contact you to renew your license at the time you reach the age of 70. This will happen approximately two months before the expiration of your current license and every three years thereafter. Until this contact is received it is recommended that you continue renewing your license in the UK/NI region by filling out the DL1R renewal application form and submitting it to NDLS along with your existing photocard.

Licence holders who are not from the EEA or the UK will have to exchange their licences to move to Ireland. If, however, you have categories on your uk licence/NI licence that indicate a minibus or bus with trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code that indicates that it's not for hire or reward, these codes are not transferable to an Irish driving licence.

The theory test

The test is a theory one and consists of 50 questions on road signs and markings. Answers are displayed on the screen and you must choose the answer that best fits the question. You can change your answer at any time during the test. However you must ensure that you choose the correct answer. You could be awarded an amount of 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. Bring your photocard and paper equivalent to the test center. You should arrive 15 minutes earlier.

The most efficient and quickest method to book your test is to apply online. You can download the application form (pdf) either via the NDLS site or from an NDLS center. You can also contact 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, you'll lose the test fee.

You'll need an acceptable photo ID on the day of the test, for example an EU passport or a uk online driving licence passport that has an NI address that is valid. You can also use an electronic identification document, such as the bank statement or a utility bill that includes your name and address printed on it.

It is advisable to make use of official RSA revision materials to improve your chances of passing the test. You can purchase the learning portal subscription, books and CD-ROMs on the RSA website, or you can borrow the books from your local library. It is also recommended to take a look at the most current edition of the RSA theory test questions.

You can request an interpreter or assistant to assist you take your theory test if you have any special needs. You can do this by checking the appropriate box on the theory test application form. You can also request a sign language interpreter by calling the 0818 606106.

The practical test

If you are a holder of a UK provisional driving license and wish 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. You must submit the DVA residency declaration form before scheduling your test to prove you are a 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 is passing the theory test, which is held in two parts, a multiple choice section and an hazard perception section. Candidates must complete at least 43 of the 50 questions correctly in order to pass the test and receive an official certificate of passing. Candidates who pass the test can take their test for driving practice.

The driving test can be taken in a representative vehicle or in the candidate's personal. If a candidate chooses to take their own vehicle, it should be roadworthy, have their L-plates displayed on the front and back, have valid insurance and the original NCT disk (if applicable). The test is annulled if the examiner detects any flaws, such as malfunctioning tyres and lights.

After the practical driving test is passed, the driver receives a certificate of pass that serves as temporary category B license for two years. This permits the driver to drive, obtain full car insurance and even purchase a vehicle before their permanent license arrives in the mail.

The driver must be accompanied by a fully qualified driver over the age of 21 for the duration of their two year provisional license which they are able to be able to keep for two years. The applicant is able to take professional 0nline driving licence lessons with a qualified instructor and learn how to drive on motorways. This will allow them to get a full licence sooner than they otherwise would have been allowed.

The driving test is able to be cancelled if the candidate gives at least three full working days' notice to cancel their appointment. If they fail to give the required notice and they are denied any refund.

The driving test fee

A driving license is a legal document that allows its holder to drive a motor vehicle in public roads. In the United Kingdom this document is managed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. In Northern Ireland, it is issued by the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS).

When applying for a NI driving license you must provide some form of evidence of your identity such as a passport or a UK birth certificate. You will also have to sign and take a photograph of your application. These requirements are designed to ensure that only those who meet the minimum requirements for driving in NI are granted a licence.

Candidates might be required to undergo an examination for medical reasons, based on their medical condition and age. If you are unsure whether you'll require a medical report then the NDLS provides more details.

The NDLS offers a number of exemptions to these requirements. To be eligible for an exemption you must provide a medical certificate from your physician.

Once you have submitted the necessary documents, you can make your application at an NDLS center. The NDLS will utilize your documentation to verify your identity. You will be required to take your photograph taken and signed digitally. You will be given a the photocopy to keep in your vehicle for reference in the event that you are stopped by the police.

You will need to provide an example vehicle for your test. The vehicle must be roadworthy and have a valid NCT disc front and rear, an insurance cover and original motor tax discs.

It is advised to make your appointment for your driving test in advance. It is essential to make your test reservations as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for certain tests. The NDLS provides a booking phone system for those who do not want to travel to a testing center. Contact the service at 028 902 4410. The cost for a driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for car, motorcycle or moped Taxis are priced at PS80; and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.