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. Knowing the eligibility requirements, choosing the right insurer, and knowing unique advantages is key to success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are plastic laminated cards like European licenses, that show the bearer’s photo and their name (in Latin or Cyrillic) as well as their address of residence, the categories that are permitted and signature.
How to apply for a NI driver license
The NI driving license consists of two parts that are the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver may obtain a photocard license up to the day before the day of his or her 17th birthday. However, they are not able to drive until the date of their birth. A new driver must pass a theory test and practical driving test to earn their full license.
You can apply online or send an application form to NDLS. You must include an up-to-date passport-type photo with your application. If you submit your application online, it will take approximately one week to get your new driving license. If you submit your application by mail it could take up to three weeks.
NDLS offers a variety of information and advice on its website to assist drivers with forms and guidelines. You can download an eyesight report (DL3 form) and medical fitness guidelines and forms, health and driving information leaflets. Epilepsy sufferers are required to fill out the FEP1 form in order to inform NDLS about their condition.
It is legally required to carry your driving license whenever you are in the vehicle. Driving without a valid driving licence is illegal and could result in an arrest and fine from An Garda S ochana. It is not necessary to exchange your EU/EEA driving license if you are a border worker who regularly travels between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. If you are enrolled in temporary employment and are planning to return to your home country for the duration of the contract, then you may not be required to exchange your driving licence.
When you reach the age of 70, you will be contacted regarding 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. In the meantime, until you receive this notification it is recommended that you continue renewing your UK/NI licence by filling out the DL1R renewal form and sending it to NDLS together with your current photocard.
License holders who aren't from the EEA or the UK will have to change their licences to move to Ireland. However, if there are categories on your licence from the UK or Northern Ireland indicating a bus or minibus with a trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code indicating that it is not intended 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 have to select the option that is most appropriate to the question. You can change your answer at any point during the test. However, you must make sure that you choose the correct answer. You may receive some points based on the answers you provide. The online DVSA mock tests will allow you to practice for your theory exam. They are accessible on the DVSA website, and some public libraries also have these. Bring your photocard and paper equivalent to the test center. You should arrive 15 minutes early.
Online applications are the quickest and most convenient method to schedule your theory test. You can download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or get a copy from an NDLS centre. You can also contact the NDLS Customer Service team to make an appointment for an appointment by phone or via mail. If you want to reschedule or cancel your test you must notify us by 5 business days before your appointment date. You'll lose the test fee if you don't.
On the day of the test you'll need an ID with a valid photo. This could be an EU passport or a UK passport with a NI address. You can also bring electronic proof of your identity, such a bank statement with your name and the NI address.
To increase your chances of success, it is recommended that you utilize the official RSA revision material. You can purchase the RSA learning portal subscription and books or borrow them from the local library. You should also check the latest edition of the RSA theory test questions.
If you have any special requirements, you can request an interpreter or a person to help you take your test. You can do this by completing the appropriate box on the application for the theory test form. You can also request a sign language interpreter by calling 0818-606106.
The test in the real world
If you are a holder of 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. You will need to fill out a DVA residency declaration form prior to booking your test to prove that you are a resident of Northern Irish. Visit the DVA's privacy notice to see how they will manage any personal information you provide to them.
The first step is passing the theory test, which is held in two sections, a multiple choice section and an hazard perception section. To pass the test, the candidate must answer correctly 43 out of 50 questions. Passing candidates can take their 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 is using their own vehicle, they should ensure that it is roadworthy, carries their L-plates front and rear as well as valid insurance and the original NCT disc (if applicable). If the examiner discovers any issues, such as lights or tyres that are not working, the test will be cancelled.
Once the practical driving test is passed, the candidate receives a certificate of pass which serves as temporary category B license for two years. This permits them to obtain full insurance and drive, as well as purchase a vehicle before their permanent license arrives in the mail.
The driver is allowed to only be granted a provisional license for two years. However, the candidate may also attend professional driving lessons with an approved driving instructor and be trained to drive on a motorway and will be able to gain a full licence earlier than they would have otherwise been permitted to.
The driving test is able to be cancelled if the candidate gives at least three full working days' notice to cancel their appointment. If they fail to provide the required notice or notice, they will not be able to claim any refund.
The cost for the driving test is $120.
A driving license is a legal document that allows its holder to drive motor vehicles 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).
If you are applying for a NI driving licence it is required to present some proof of identity like a passport or a UK birth certificate. You will also have to sign and take a photo of your application. These requirements are in place to ensure that only drivers who meet the minimum standards of driving in Northern Ireland are given a license.
Applicants may have to undergo a medical examination in accordance with their medical condition and age. If you're unsure if you'll require medical reports or not, the NDLS provides more details.
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 the required documents, you can submit your application at an NDLS center. The documents you submit will be scrutinized by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also have to provide an electronic signature and a photograph taken. You will receive a duplicate of the photo that you can keep in your car for reference, if you're stopped by the police.
You must provide an appropriate vehicle for your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy and include a valid NCT disc front and rear, an insurance cover and original motor tax discs.
Booking your driving test in advance is highly advised. 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 provides a booking phone system for those who do not need to go to a testing center. Buy Northern Ireland Driving Licence expressdrivinglicense.com can contact the service via 028 902 4410. The cost for a Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for motorbikes, cars or mopeds Taxis are charged at PS80 and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.