How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain may seem daunting however it's a lot easier than you think. Understanding eligibility, selecting the right insurer and understanding specific advantages is the key to success.
The licences issued in Northern Ireland are plastic laminated cards similar to European licenses. They show the photo of the bearer as well as 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 driver license
A NI driving licence is made up of two parts, the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A driver who is new can get a photocard licence up until the day before his or her 17th birthday. However, they cannot drive until the date of their birth. A new driver must also pass a theory test and practical driving test in order to obtain their full license.
You can apply online or by mailing a form to NDLS. You must include an up-to-date passport-type photo with your application. You will receive your new licence within about a week if you apply online. If you submit your application by post it could take up to 3 weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information, advice and forms on its website for drivers. You can download an eyesight report (DL3 form) along with medical fitness guidance and forms, 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 an obligation of law to carry your driver's licence at all times you are in the vehicle. Driving without a valid driver's licence is illegal and could lead to an arrest and a fine from An Garda S ochana. You are not required to exchange your EU/EEA driver's license if you are a border worker who frequently travels between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. If you are on an employment contract for temporary duration and will be returning to your home country during the duration of the contract, then you might not be required to exchange your driving license.
The driving agency will contact you regarding renewing your licence when you reach the age of 70. This will happen about two months prior to the expiration date of your current licence and then every three years after that. In the meantime, you must renew your UK/NI licence applying for DL1R on the renewal form. You should then submit it to NDLS with your existing 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 UK/NI licence indicating a bus or minibus with a 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 theory test is a multiple choice exam which includes 50 questions about road markings and signs. The answers are displayed on the screen and you must select one of the options that best match the question. You can alter your answer at any point during the test. However you must ensure that you select the correct option. Based on your answers you could be awarded a certain number 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 must bring both parts of your driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart) to the test center, and plan to arrive there 15 minutes earlier than the time indicated.
Online application is the fastest and most efficient method of scheduling your theory test. You can download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or request the form from an NDLS centre. You can contact the NDLS Customer Service team to book an appointment by phone or via mail. You must cancel or change the date of your test at least five days prior to the scheduled appointment. Otherwise, you'll lose the fee for your test.
On the day of the test you'll require an acceptable photo ID. This could be an EU passport or UK passport with a address for NI. You can also use electronic proof of your identity, such as a bank statement with your name and NI address.
It is recommended 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 from the RSA website or borrow them from your local library. It is also recommended to check the latest edition of the RSA theory test questions.
If you have any particular requirements, you can ask for an interpreter or helper to take your theory test. This can be done by marking the appropriate box on your theory test application form (pdf). You can also request an interpreter for sign language by calling the 0818 606106.
The test in the real world
If you have a UK provisional licence and wish to take a car, motorbike or bus/lorry theory or practical test in Northern Ireland, you will have to be a resident in the province. You must submit an DVA residency declaration form prior to booking your test to prove you are a resident of Northern Irish. The DVA's privacy policy to learn how they deal with any personal information you provide them with.
The first step in the process is to pass the test in theory. Buy European driving license Uk online is split into two sections: one with multiple-choice questions and the other section on the perception of hazards. To pass the test, the applicant must be able to answer correctly 43 of the 50 questions. Those who pass can book their driving test in the practical format.
The driving test could be conducted in a vehicle that is representative or in the candidate's car. If a candidate opts to drive their own vehicle, it should be roadworthy, and have their L-plates on the front and back, have valid insurance, and the original NCT disk (if applicable). If the examiner discovers any problems, like lights or tyres that are not functioning the test will be cancelled.
After passing the driving test the driver receives an award certificate that acts as a temporary Category B license for a period of two years. This permits them to obtain full insurance, drive and even buy an automobile before they receive their permanent license in the post.
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 hold 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 enable them to obtain a full licence sooner than they would be allowed.
The driving test may be cancelled by the candidate who cancels at least three days in advance. If they fail to give the required time and do not give any refund.
The cost 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).
If you are applying for a NI driving license you must provide evidence of your identity, such as a passport or a UK birth certificate. You will also be required to sign and take a photograph of your application. These requirements are designed to ensure that only drivers who meet the minimum requirements of driving in Northern Ireland can be granted a license.
Applicants may have to undergo a medical test depending on their medical condition and age. If you're not sure if you will require medical records or not, the NDLS has more information.
The NDLS offers a variety of exemptions to these requirements. To be eligible for an exemption you must submit a medical report from your doctor.
After you have completed all the required documents, you are able to visit an NDLS centre to complete your application in person. Your documents will be used by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also need to provide an electronic signature and a photo taken. You will receive a copy of your photograph to keep in your vehicle to refer to if you're stopped by the police.
You will also be required to have access to a representative vehicle for your test. The vehicle must be roadworthy and possess a valid NCT disc front and rear, insurance cover and original motor tax discs.
It is recommended that you book your driving test well in advance. There is an application waiting list for some of the tests, so it is important to make your appointment as soon as you can. The NDLS offers a phone booking system for those who do not need to travel to a testing center. Contact the service via 028 902 4410. The cost for a driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for moped, car or motorcycle; PS80 for taxis; and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.