How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain may seem daunting but it's more straightforward than you think. Knowing the eligibility requirements, choosing the right insurer and understanding specific advantages is the key to success.
Licences issued by the NI are laminated plastic cards that are similar to European licences. They show the bearer's picture, name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts) as well as the address of their home, categories of use and signature.
How do you apply for a NI driving license
The NI driving license consists of two parts: the plastic photocard, and the paper counterpart. A new driver may obtain a photocard licence up until the day before their 17th birthday. However, they can't drive until the date of birth. A new driver must pass a theory test as well as a practical driving test to earn their full licence.
You can submit an application online or send a form to NDLS. You must include an up-to-date passport-style photo in your application. If you submit your application online, it should take about a week to receive your new driving licence. If you submit your application by mail it could take up to three weeks.
NDLS provides a variety of information, tips and forms on its website for drivers. You can download an eyesight report (DL3 form), medical fitness guidance and forms, as well as health and driving information leaflets. Patients with epilepsy need to fill out an FEP1 form to inform NDLS of their condition.
It is mandatory to carry 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 an employee of a border agency who regularly travels between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. The exemption applies when you are working under a temporary contract and you return to your home country for the duration of your contract.
When you are over 70 you will be contacted about renewing your license by the driving agency about two months before the date your current licence expires. It will be renewed every three years from that point on. When this call is not made and you are able to renew your UK/NI licence by filling out the DL1R renewal form and sending it to NDLS along with your existing photocard.
Buy A1 and A2 Motocycle Licence Online from countries that are not part of the EEA and the UK must exchange their licences when they move to the Republic of Ireland. If you have codes on your driving licence that identify a minibus minibus, trailer, or bus (category d1 and d1e) or that indicate it is not for reward or hire the codes can't be transferred to an Irish licence.
The theory test
The theory test is a multiple choice test which includes 50 questions about road signs and markings. Answers are displayed on the screen and you must choose the option that is most appropriate to the question. It is possible to change your answer during the test but you must make sure to select the correct option before you submit your answers. Based on your answers you may be awarded a certain amount of points. You can practice your theory test by using the online DVSA mock tests. They are accessible on the DVSA website and some public libraries also have them. Bring your photocard as well as paper equivalent to the theory test center. You must arrive 15 minutes prior to the test.
Online applications are the quickest and most convenient method to schedule your test. You can download the application form (pdf) either from the NDLS site or from an NDLS center. You can also contact the NDLS Customer Service team to book tests via phone or mail. You must cancel or reschedule your test at least 5 days prior to the time of the test. Otherwise, you will lose your test fee.
You'll need an ID with a valid photo on the day of the test, for example an EU passport or an UK passport with an active NI address. You may also bring an electronic identity proof, such as a bank statement or utility bill that includes your name and address printed on it.
To improve your chances of success, it is recommended to use authentic RSA revision material. 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. Also, make sure to look up the most recent edition of the RSA theory test questions.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to assist you with your theory test if there are any special needs. You can do this by checking the appropriate box on the theory test application form. You can also request an Irish Sign Language interpreter by calling 0818 606 106.
The test in the real world
If you have a UK provisional driving license and want to take a theory or a practical 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 form of residency declaration to the DVA prior to booking your test. You can find out the way in which any personal information you send to the DVA will be dealt with by reading their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window / tab).
The first step in the process is to pass the test in theory. It is divided into two parts, an multiple-choice section as well as a section on the perception of hazards. To pass the test, the applicant must answer correctly 43 of the 50 questions. Candidates who succeed in passing the test will be able to take their practical driving test.
The driving test can be conducted in a vehicle that is representative or in the candidate's car. If a candidate chooses to use their own vehicle, they need to ensure that it is roadworthy, that it has their L-plates front and rear and has insurance that is valid and the original NCT disc (if applicable). The test can be cancelled if the examiner discovers any issues, including non-functioning tyres and lights.
Once the practical driving test is passed, the driver receives a certificate of pass which serves as temporary category B license for two years. This permits the driver to drive, obtain full car insurance, and even buy a car before their permanent licence arrives in the mail.
The driver must be accompanied by a fully certified driver who is 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. However, the candidate can also take professional lessons with an approved driving instructor and be trained to drive on motorways, which will allow them to obtain a full license sooner than they would have otherwise been able to.
The driving test can be canceled by the applicant in the event that they cancel at least three 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
A driving licence is a legal document that allows 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. In Northern Ireland, it is issued by the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS).
You'll need to provide a form of identification when applying for an NI license. This could be a passport or a UK Birth Certificate. You'll also have to take a photograph and sign the application form. These rules are in place to ensure that only drivers who meet the minimum standards of driving in Northern Ireland are given an license.
Candidates may need to undergo a medical exam depending on their medical condition and age. The NDLS can provide more information on the subject if you're not sure if you will need an medical report.
The NDLS also provides a variety of exemptions from these requirements. However, in order to apply for an exemption you must submit an official medical report from your doctor.
After you have submitted all of the necessary documents, you can go to an NDLS center to submit your application in person. The NDLS will use your documents to verify your identity, and you will be required to take your photo taken and endorsed digitally. You will be provided with a copy of your photograph to keep in your vehicle to refer to if you're stopped by the police.
You will be required to provide an example vehicle for your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy and have a valid NCT disc front and rear, an insurance cover and original motor tax discs.
It is recommended that you schedule your driving test in advance. There is a waiting list for certain of the tests, therefore it is essential to schedule your appointment as soon as possible. The NDLS offers a telephone booking system for those who don't want to go to a testing center. Contact the service via 028 902 4410. The fee for a driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for moped, car or motorcycle Taxis are priced at PS80; and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.