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 unique advantages is key to success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are plastic laminated cards like European licenses, that show the photo of the bearer, their name (in Latin or Cyrillic) as well as their address of residence, categories allowed and signature.
How to apply for a NI driver licence
A NI driving licence is made up of two parts, the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver can obtain a photocard licence up until the day before their 17th birthday. However, they can't drive till their date of birth. To obtain Buy Northern Ireland Driving Licence driving licence, a driver who is new must pass both a theory and practical test.
You can apply online, or mail an application form to NDLS. It is essential to include a current passport-type photo when you submit your application. If you apply online it should take about one week to receive your new driving license. If you send in your application via post it could take up to 3 weeks.
NDLS offers a variety of information and tips on its website to help drivers with forms and guidelines. You can download a report on your eyesight (DL3 form) medical fit-ness guidance and forms and health and driving information leaflets. Epilepsy sufferers must to fill out the FEP1 questionnaire in order to inform NDLS about 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. If you are working on an employment contract for temporary duration and will be returning to your home country for the term of your contract, then you may not have to exchange your driving licence.
When you are over 70 you will be contacted about renewing your licence by the driving department about two months prior to when your current one expires and every three years from then on. Until you receive this contact you must continue to renew your UK/NI license using the DL1R application form for renewal form. Then, submit it to NDLS with your current photocard and the paper counterpart.
Licence holders who are not from the EEA or the UK will need to exchange their licenses in order to move to Ireland. If you have codes on your UK/NI driving licence that indicate a bus minibus, trailer, or bus (category d1 and d1e) or indicate that 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 that includes 50 questions about road markings and signs. Answers are displayed on the screen and you have to select the option that is most appropriate to the question. You can alter your answer during the test, however, you must ensure 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 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 have them too. You are required to bring both the paper and photocopies of your driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart) to the test centre, and be there 15 minutes early.
The most efficient and quickest 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 contact the NDLS Customer Service team to make an appointment for a test by phone or post. If you wish to change or cancel your test it must be done within 5 business days prior to the date of your appointment. You'll forfeit the fee for the test if you do not.
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 a valid NI address. You can also use an electronic identity proof like an account statement from a bank or a utility bill with your name and address printed 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. You should also look up the most recent edition of the RSA theory test questions.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to assist you pass your theory test if there are any special needs. This can be done by selecting 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 are a holder of a UK provisional license and would like to take a motorbike, car or bus/lorry practical test in Northern Ireland, you will have to be a resident in the province. You must submit an DVA residency declaration form before scheduling your test to prove that you are an resident of Northern Ireland. You can view how any personal information that you provide to the DVA will be handled by visiting their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window/ tab).
The first step is passing the theory test, which is conducted in two parts: an multiple choice section as well as the hazard perception portion. The candidate must be able to answer at least 43 out of the 50 questions correctly in order to pass the test and get an official certificate of passing. Those who pass the test are able to book their practical driving test.
The driving test can be conducted in a representative vehicle or the candidate's own. If a candidate decides to take their own vehicle, it should be roadworthy, have L-plates on the back and front, valid insurance, and the original NCT disk (if applicable). If the examiner finds any defects, such as tyres or lights not functioning the test will be cancelled.
After the practical driving test is passed, the candidate receives a certificate of pass which serves as temporary category B license for two years. This allows the driver to drive, obtain full insurance for their car and buy a car before they receive their permanent license in the mail.
The driver is allowed to only be granted a provisional license for two years. The applicant can attend professional driving lessons with a qualified instructor and learn how to drive on motorways. This will allow them to obtain a full licence sooner than they otherwise would have been able to.
The driving test can be cancelled if a candidate provides at least three working days in advance to cancel their appointment. If they do not give the required notice and they are denied any refund.
The cost 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).
You'll need to submit an identification document when applying for an NI license. This could be a passport or a UK Birth Certificate. You'll also have to take a photo 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.
Applicants might be required to undergo a medical examination, depending on their age and medical condition. Buy UK driving licence online can provide more details if you are unsure whether you'll need an medical report.
The NDLS offers a number of exemptions to these requirements. However, to apply for an exemption you must provide a completed medical report from your doctor.
After you have completed all the required documents, you can go to an NDLS centre to make your application in person. The documents you submit will be used by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also need to provide a digital signature and your photo taken. You will be provided with an image copy to keep in your car for reference if you are stopped by the police.
You will also need to use a representative 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 discs.
It is recommended to schedule your driving test in advance. There is a waiting list for some of the tests, therefore it is important to make your appointment as soon as you are able to. The NDLS offers a telephone booking system for those who don't need to go to a testing center. This service can be contacted at 028 902 0410. The fee for a Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for cars, motorcycles and mopeds Taxis are charged at PS80 and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.