How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
It may seem difficult to obtain insurance for your car in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it is actually much easier than you think. Understanding eligibility, unique advantages and deciding on the right insurer is essential to achieving success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are laminated plastic cards like European licenses. They show the photo of the bearer and their name (in Latin or Cyrillic), their home address as well as the categories they are allowed to use and their signature.
How to apply for an NI driving license
A NI driving licence is made up of two parts: the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver may obtain a photocard license up to the day before their 17th birthday. However, they cannot drive till their date of birth. A new driver must also pass a test of theory and practical driving test to earn their full license.
You can submit an application online or send a form to NDLS. It is essential to include a current passport-type photo with your application. You will receive your new licence within approximately a week if you apply online. If you submit your application by mail it may take up to three weeks.
NDLS offers a variety of information, tips and forms on its website for drivers. You can download a report on your eyesight (DL3 form) medical fit-ness guidance and forms and health and driving information leaflets. Epilepsy sufferers are required to fill out the FEP1 questionnaire to inform NDLS about their condition.
You must always have your driving licence in the vehicle. Driving without a valid licence is illegal. An Garda S could arrest you and charge you with a fine. ochana. You are not required 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 temporary employment and are planning to return to your home country for the term of your contract, then you may not have to exchange your driving licence.
The driving agency will contact you to renew your license when you reach 70. This will occur approximately two months prior to the expiration date of your current licence and then every three years thereafter. In the meantime, until you receive this notification and you are able to renew your license in the UK/NI region by filling out the DL1R renewal form and submitting it to NDLS along with your existing photocard.
License holders from countries that are not part of the EEA and the UK must change their licences when they move to the Republic of Ireland. If you have codes on your UK/NI driving licence that identify a minibus, minibus, or trailer (category d1 and d1e) or that indicate it is not a reward or hire the codes can't be transferred to an Irish licence.
The theory test
The theory test is a multiple choice exam which includes 50 questions about road markings and signs. Answers are displayed on the screen, and you must select the option that is most appropriate to the question. You can alter your answer during the test but you must be sure to select the correct option before you submit your answers. Based on Buy a Fake UK Licence , you may be awarded a certain amount of points. You can take a test on your theory using the online DVSA mock tests. You can find them on the DVSA's website and some public libraries have them too. Bring your photocard and paper equivalent to the test center. You should arrive 15 minutes earlier.
Online application is the quickest and easiest way to schedule your test. You can download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or get a copy from an NDLS centre. You can contact the NDLS Customer Service team to make an appointment for tests by phone or post. If you would like to change or cancel your test it must be done within 5 business days prior to your appointment date. Otherwise, you will lose the fee for your test.
You must bring an acceptable photo ID on the day of the test, for example an EU passport or a UK passport with a valid NI address. You may also bring an electronic identity proof, such as a bank statement or utility bill with your name and address printed on it.
It is advisable to use official RSA revision materials to increase 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 can download the most recent version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
If you have any special needs, you may ask for an interpreter or helper to take your theory test. This can be done by ticking the appropriate box on your application for the theory test form (pdf). You can also request an Irish Sign Language interpreter by calling 0818 606 106.
The practical test
If you have a UK provisional driving license and are looking to take a theory or a practical test for a motorcycle, car or bus/lorry 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 view the way in which any personal information you provide to the DVA will be handled by visiting their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window/ tab).
The first step in the process is passing the test in theory. It is divided into two parts, a multiple-choice section and a section on the perception of hazards. To pass the test, the candidate must correctly answer 43 of the 50 questions. Those who pass the test are allowed to take the practical driving test.
The driving test can be conducted in a vehicle used by a representative or in the candidate's personal. If a candidate uses their own vehicle, they should ensure that it is roadworthy, has their L-plates front and rear and has insurance that is valid and the original NCT disc (if applicable). The test will be cancelled if the examiner finds any flaws, such as malfunctioning lights or tyres.
After passing the driving test the driver receives the pass certificate, which serves as a temporary Category B licence for two years. This permits them to obtain full insurance and to drive, and even purchase a vehicle before their permanent licence arrives in the mail.
The driver can only be granted a provisional license for two years. However, the applicant can also undergo professional driving lessons with an approved driving instructor and be certified to drive on motorways and will be able to get a full licence sooner than they would otherwise been permitted to.
The driving test can be cancelled by the candidate who cancels at least three days in advance. If they do not give the required notice or notice, they will not be able to claim the right to a refund.
The cost for the driving test is $120.
A driving licence is legally valid document that permits the holder to operate a motor vehicle on public roads. In the United Kingdom this document is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. In Northern Ireland it is issued by NDLS (National Driving Licence Service).
When applying for a NI driving licence you must provide some form of evidence of your identity, such as an identity card or passport. UK birth certificate. You will also be required to sign and take a picture of your application. These rules are in place to ensure that only drivers who meet the minimum requirements of driving in Northern Ireland can be granted an license.
The applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination, depending on their medical condition and age. If you are unsure whether you'll require medical records, the NDLS has more information.
The NDLS provides a number exemptions to these requirements. In order to apply for an exemption, you will need to submit a medical note from your physician.
After you have submitted the required documents, you are able to make your application at an NDLS centre. The NDLS will utilize your documentation to verify your identity. In addition, you will be required to have your photograph taken and signed digitally. You will be given a a copy of your photograph to keep in your vehicle for reference if you are stopped by the police.
You'll also be required to use an appropriate vehicle for your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy, have an active NCT disc on the front and back, insurance cover, and original motor tax discs.
It is advised to 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 are able to. The NDLS offers a phone booking system for those who don't wish to travel to a testing facility. You can reach the service at 028 902 4410. The fee 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.