How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
It can be difficult to get car insurance in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it is actually much easier than you might think. Understanding eligibility, unique benefits and choosing an appropriate insurer is essential to achieving success.
Licences issued in NI are plastic laminated cards that are similar to European licences. They show the bearer's photo as well as their name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts), home address, categories of use and signature.
How to apply for an NI driving license
A NI driving licence consists of two parts, the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver may obtain a photocard license up to the day prior to the day of his or her 17th birthday. However, they are not able to drive till their date of birth. A new driver must pass a theory test as well as a practical driving test in order to obtain their full licence.
You can apply online, or mail an application form to NDLS. It is essential to include a current passport-style photo along in your application. If Buy Category B Licence Online submit your application online, it should take about a week to receive your new driving licence. If you send in your application by post, it could take up to 3 weeks.
NDLS offers a variety of information and advice on its website to assist drivers with their driving, including forms and guidelines. You can download a report about your eyesight (DL3 form) medical fit-ness guidance and forms along with 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 you are in the vehicle. Driving without a valid driver's licence is illegal and could lead to an arrest and fine from An Garda S ochana. You may not have to exchange your EU/EEA driving license if you're a border worker who frequently travels between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. Buy A1 and A2 Motocycle Licence Online is available when you are working on a temporary basis and you return to your home country for the duration of your contract.
The driving department will contact you regarding renewing your licence when you reach the age of 70. This will happen about two months prior to the expiration of your current license and every three years after that. In the meantime, until you receive this notification it is recommended that you continue renewing your UK/NI license by using the DL1R renewal application form and sending it to NDLS along with your existing photocard.
License holders from countries outside the EEA and the UK have to change their licences when they move to the Republic of Ireland. If you have codes on your UK/NI driving licence that indicate a minibus trailer, minibus, or minibus (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 test for theory comprises 50 questions pertaining to markings and road signs. The answers are displayed on the screen and you must select one of the choices that is most appropriate to the question. You can alter your answer during the test but you must make sure that you select the correct answer before you submit your answers. You could earn some points based on the answers you provide. You can practice your theory test by using the online DVSA mock tests. You can find them on the DVSA's website and some libraries in public have them too. Bring your photocard as well as paper equivalent to the theory test center. You must arrive 15 minutes prior to the test.
The fastest and most convenient method to book your test is to apply online. You can download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or get the form from an NDLS centre. You can also contact the NDLS Customer Service team to book a test by phone or post. You must cancel or change the date of your test at least 5 days prior to the time of the test. If you don't, you'll forfeit the fee for your test.
You must bring an acceptable photo ID on the day of your test, like an EU passport or a UK passport with an active NI address. You can also bring electronic proof of your identity, like a bank statement that includes your name and NI address.
To increase your chances of success, it's recommended to utilize official RSA revision material. You can purchase the RSA learning portal subscription and books, or borrow them from your local library. Check the latest version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to help you take your theory test if you have special requirements. You can do this by completing the appropriate box on the theory test application form. Buy C1 E License Online can also request an interpreter for sign language by calling 0818-606106.
The practical test
If you have a UK provisional driving licence and are looking to take a practical or theory test for a car, motorcycle or bus/lorry in Northern Ireland, then you must be a resident of the province. To prove this, you have to fill out a residency declaration form to the DVA before booking your test. Visit the DVA's privacy notice to find out how they manage any personal information you provide them with.
The first step of the process is passing the test in theory. It is split into two parts, one with multiple-choice questions and the other section on danger perception. To pass the test, a candidate must correctly answer 43 out of 50 questions. Candidates who pass the test can book their driving test in the practical format.
The driving test may be conducted in a representative car or in the candidate's car. If a candidate decides to take their own vehicle, it must be roadworthy, and have their L-plates on the front and back, valid insurance and the original NCT disk (if applicable). The test will be cancelled if the examiner finds any flaws, such as malfunctioning lights and tyres.
After the practical driving test is passed, the candidate is issued a pass certificate which serves as temporary category B license for two years. This allows them to drive, get full car insurance, and even buy a car before they receive their permanent license in the mail.
The driver must be accompanied by a fully competent driver who is at least the age of 21 during the period of their two year provisional license that they can be able to keep for two years. However, the applicant can also undergo professional driving lessons with a certified driving instructor and be trained to drive on motorways and will be able to get a full licence earlier than they would have otherwise been allowed to.
The driving test could be canceled by the applicant if they cancel at least three days in advance. If they fail to give the required notice, they will be denied a refund.
The cost for driving tests
A driving license is a legal document which allows its holder to drive a motor vehicle in public roads. In the United Kingdom this document is managed 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 license you must provide some form of identification proof such as an identity card or passport. UK birth certificate. You will also need to sign and take a photograph of your application. These requirements 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 test, depending on their medical health and age. The NDLS can provide more information on the subject if you're not sure if you will need medical reports.
The NDLS offers a variety of exemptions to these requirements. To be eligible for an exemption, you will need to submit a medical report from your doctor.
After you have submitted all the required documents, you are able to submit your application at an NDLS centre. The documents you submit will be scrutinized by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also have to provide a digital signature and your photo taken. You will be provided with a copy of the photo that you can keep in your car to use as a reference if you're stopped by police.
You will also need to have access to a representative vehicle to take your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy and possess an NCT disc that is valid front and rear, an insurance cover and original motor tax discs.
It is advised to make your appointment for your driving test in advance. There is a waiting list for some of the tests, so it is important to make your appointment as soon as you can. The NDLS offers a phone booking system for those who do not need to travel to a testing facility. You can contact the service via 028 902 4410. The cost for a Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for cars, motorcycles or mopeds Taxis are charged at PS80 and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.