How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
It can be difficult to obtain insurance for cars in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it's actually a lot easier than you think. Understanding eligibility, unique benefits and choosing an appropriate insurer is essential to achieving success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are laminated plastic cards, similar to European licenses. They display the photo of the bearer, 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 driving licence
A NI driving licence is made up of two parts: the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver can apply for a photocard driving licence at any time until the day prior to their 17th birthday, however they are not allowed to drive until their birthday. To obtain a full driving licence, a new driver must pass both a theory and practical test.
You can apply online, or mail an application form to NDLS. You must submit a current passport-style photo when you submit your application. If you apply online it will take approximately a week to receive your new driving licence. If you send in your application via mail, it could take up to 3 weeks.
NDLS provides a range of advice, information and forms on its website for drivers. You can download an eyesight report (DL3 form) and medical fitness guidelines and forms, as well as health and driving information leaflets. Applicants with epilepsy are required to fill out the FEP1 questionnaire in order to inform NDLS about their condition.
It is an obligation of law to carry your driving licence at all times when you are in the vehicle. Driving without a valid driving licence is illegal and could lead to an arrest and a fine from An Garda S ochana. If you are a frontier worker who frequently travels between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to work, you may be exempt from having exchange your EU/ EEA driving licence. If you are on a temporary employment contract and are planning to return to your home country during the duration of the contract, then you might not need to exchange your driving license.
The driving authority will notify you regarding renewing your licence at the time you reach the age of 70. This will occur approximately two months prior to the expiration date of your current license and every three years after that. If you don't receive this notification, you must continue to renew your UK/NI license using the DL1R application form for renewal form, and send it to NDLS with your current 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. If, however, you have categories on your licence for the UK/NI that indicate a minibus or bus with a trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code indicating that it's not for hire or reward These codes are not transferable to an Irish driving licence.
The theory test
The test for theory comprises 50 questions pertaining to road signs and markings. Answers are displayed on screen and you must choose the option that is most appropriate to the question. It is possible to alter your answer during the test, but you must make sure to select the correct answer before you submit your answers. You could earn a certain number points based on the answers you provide. read full article 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. You need to bring both parts of your driving license (photocard and the paper counterpart) to the theory test centre, and you should plan to arrive there 15 minutes earlier than the time indicated.
Online application is the fastest and most convenient method to schedule your test. You can also download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or pick up one from an NDLS centre. You can also contact the NDLS customer service team to book your test on via phone or mail. You must cancel or reschedule your test at least 5 days before the scheduled appointment. You will lose the test fee if you do not.
You will need to bring an ID with a valid photo on the day of your test, such as an EU passport or an UK passport with an NI address that is valid. You may also present electronic proof of identity, such a bank statement that includes your name and the NI address.
To increase your chances of success, it's recommended that you use the official RSA revision material. You can buy the learning portal subscription, books, and CD-ROMs from RSA website or borrow the books from your 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 take your theory test if you have any special needs. This can be done by marking 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 hold a UK provisional license and would like to take a car, motorbike or bus/lorry practical test in Northern Ireland, you will require to be a resident in the province. To prove this, you have to submit a residency declaration form to the DVA prior to booking your test. You can find out how any personal information that you send to the DVA will be handled by going to their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window or tab).
The first step in the process is passing the theory test. It is split into two sections, one with multiple-choice questions and the other section on danger perception. To pass the test, the applicant must be able to answer correctly 43 of the 50 questions. Candidates who succeed in passing the test will be able to book their practical driving test.
The driving test can be taken in a representative vehicle or the candidate's own. If a candidate uses their own vehicle, they should ensure that it is roadworthy, has their L-plates front and rear, has valid insurance and the original NCT disc (if applicable). The test will be cancelled if the examiner discovers any flaws, such as malfunctioning lights or tyres.
After passing the driving test, the candidate receives an award certificate that acts as a temporary Category B licence for two years. This allows them to drive, get full insurance for their car and purchase a vehicle before they receive their permanent license in the mail.
The driver must be accompanied by a certified driver who is over the age of 21 for the duration of their two-year provisional license, which they can only be able to keep for two years. The candidate can take professional driving lessons with a qualified instructor and learn how to drive on motorways. This will enable them to obtain a full license sooner than they would have been able to.
The driving test may be canceled by the applicant 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 a refund.
The cost for driving tests
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 administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). 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 proof of identity such as a passport or a UK birth certificate. You will also have to sign and take a photograph 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.
Applicants may have to undergo a medical test, depending on their medical condition and age. If you're not sure if you'll require medical records then the NDLS has more information.
The NDLS also provides a variety of exemptions from these requirements. To be eligible for an exemption, you will need to submit a medical note from your doctor.
After you have submitted the necessary documents, you can apply at an NDLS centre. The NDLS will use your documents to verify your identity, and you will be required to have your photograph taken and signed digitally. You will receive a duplicate of the photo which you can keep in your vehicle to refer to if you are stopped by police.
You'll also be required to have access to a representative vehicle for your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy, have a valid NCT disc on the front and back, insurance cover, and original motor tax disks.
Booking your driving test in advance is highly advised. There is a waiting list for certain of the tests, therefore it is important to make your appointment as soon as possible. The NDLS also provides a phone booking service that can be beneficial for those who don't wish to travel for long distances to the testing center. You can reach the service via 028 902 4410. The fee for an Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for motorbikes, cars or mopeds Taxis are charged at PS80 and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.