How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
It may seem difficult to get car insurance in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it's actually a lot easier than you think. Understanding eligibility, the unique benefits and choosing an appropriate insurer is essential to achieving success.
Licenses issued in the United States are laminated plastic cards similar to European licences and show the bearer's photo and name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts) as well as the address of their home, categories of use and signature.
How to apply for a driving licence
A NI driving license is composed of two parts, the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A driver who is new can get a photocard license up to the day prior to the day of his or her 17th birthday. However, they cannot drive till their date of birth. 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-type photo when you submit your application. You will receive your new licence within about a week if you apply online. If you send in your application by post it could take up to three weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information and tips on its website to assist drivers with their driving, including forms and guidelines. You can download an eye report (DL3 form) along with medical fitness guidance and forms, as well as health and driving information leaflets. Epilepsy sufferers are required to complete the FEP1 form to inform NDLS about their condition.
You must always carry your driving licence in the vehicle. Driving without a valid driving licence is illegal and could result in an arrest and a fine from An Garda S ochana. It is not necessary to exchange your EU/EEA driving license if you're a border worker who frequently travels between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. If you are working on a temporary employment contract and are planning to return to your home country for the duration of the contract, then you will not be required to exchange your driving licence.
The driving department will contact you about renewing your license when you reach 70. This will occur approximately two months prior to the expiration of your current licence and then every three years thereafter. In the meantime, until you receive this notification it is recommended that you continue renewing your license in the UK/NI region by filling out the DL1R renewal application form and submitting it to NDLS along with your existing photocard.
Licence holders who are not from the EEA or the UK will have to change their licences to move to Ireland. If you have codes on your UK/NI driving licence that identify a minibus minibus, trailer, or bus (category d1 and d1e) or indicate that it is not used for reward or hire, these codes cannot be transferred to an Irish licence.
The theory test
The test is a theory one and consists of 50 questions about markings and road signs. The answers are displayed on the screen, and you have to tick one of the choices that best matches the question. It is possible to change your answer during the test, however, you must ensure to select the correct answer before you submit your answers. Based on your answers, you could be awarded a certain amount of points. Online DVSA mock tests allow you to test your knowledge on the exam. They are accessible on the DVSA website, and a few public libraries also stock these. You must bring both parts of your driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart) to the theory test center, and 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 download the application form (pdf) or download it on the NDLS site or from an NDLS center. You can also contact the NDLS customer service team to book your test over the phone or via post. You must cancel or reschedule your test at least 5 days prior to the date of your appointment. Otherwise, you will lose the test fee.
You must bring an ID with a valid photo on the day of your test, such as an EU passport or an UK passport that has an active NI address. You can also present an electronic identification document like an account statement from a bank or a utility bill that includes your name and address on it.
It is recommended to make use of 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 can download the most recent version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
Buy Category B Licence Online can request an interpreter or assistant to help you with your theory test if you have special needs. This can be done by marking the appropriate box on your theory test application form (pdf). You can also request a sign language interpreter by phoning 0818 606106.
The practical test
If you hold a UK provisional licence and wish 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 fill out a residency declaration form to the DVA before booking your test. You can see 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 is passing the theory test, which is conducted in two parts: a multiple choice section and a hazard perception section. Candidates must be able to answer at least 43 out of the 50 questions correctly to pass the test and receive an official certificate of passing. Candidates who pass the test can book their driving test in the practical format.
The driving test may be conducted in a vehicle that is representative or in the vehicle of the candidate. If a candidate opts to take their vehicle, it must be roadworthy, have their L-plates on their front and back, have valid insurance, and the original NCT disk (if applicable). The test will be annulled if the examiner detects any issues, including non-functioning lights or tyres.
After passing the practical driving test the driver receives a pass certificate which acts as a temporary Category B license for a period of 2 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 have a provisional license for two years. However, the applicant may also attend professional driving lessons with an approved driving instructor and be certified to drive on motorways, which will allow them to gain a full licence sooner than they would otherwise been able to.
The driving test may be canceled by the applicant who cancels at least three working days in advance. If they fail to give the required time and do not give a refund.
The cost for the driving test is $120.
A driving license is a legal document which allows the holder to operate motor vehicles 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).
If you are applying for a NI driving licence it is required to present some evidence of your identity like an identity card or passport. 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 standards of driving in Northern Ireland are granted the right to drive.
Candidates may need to undergo a medical exam in accordance with their medical health and age. If you're not sure if you will require a medical report then the NDLS provides more details.
The NDLS also offers a variety of exemptions from these requirements. To apply for an exemption, you must submit the completed medical report of your doctor.
Once Buy Northern Ireland Driving Licence 've submitted all of the necessary documents, you can visit an NDLS centre to complete your application in person. Your documents will be used by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also have to provide digital signatures and a photo taken. You will receive a duplicate of the photo which you can keep in your car to use as a reference if you're stopped by the police.
You must provide a representative vehicle to use to conduct your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy and have an active front and rear NCT disc and insurance cover, as well as original motor tax disks.
It is advised to make your appointment for your driving test in advance. It is crucial to book your test as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for some tests. The NDLS also offers a telephone booking service that can be useful for those who don't wish to travel long distances to the testing center. You can contact the service at 028 902 4410. The cost for the driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for car, motorcycle or moped; PS80 for taxis; and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.