How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain may seem difficult, but it can be more straightforward than you think. Understanding eligibility, the unique benefits and selecting the right insurance is the most important factor to success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are plastic laminated cards like European licenses. They show the bearer’s photo, their name (in Latin or Cyrillic), their home address, the categories that are permitted and signature.
How to apply for an NI driving license
The NI driving licence is made up of two parts: the plastic photocard, and the paper counterpart. A new driver can obtain a photocard licence up until the day prior to their 17th birthday. However, they are not able to drive until the date of their birth. A new driver must also pass a theory test and practical driving test in order to obtain their full licence.
You can apply online or mail an application form to NDLS. Include a passport-style picture that is current when you submit your application. If you apply online it will take approximately one week to receive your new driving licence. If you submit your application by mail it could take up three weeks.
NDLS offers a variety of information and guidance on its website to help drivers with 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. Epilepsy sufferers must to fill out the FEP1 form in order to inform NDLS about their condition.
It is an obligation of law to carry your driving license at all times 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. If you are a border worker who frequently travels between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to work, you may be exempt from having to exchange your EU/ EEA driving license. If you are working on a temporary employment contract and will be returning to your home country for the term of your contract, then you will not need to exchange your driving license.
The driving authority will notify you about renewing your license when 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. Until you receive this contact you must renew your UK/NI licence by using the DL1R application form for renewal form. Then, send it to NDLS with your current photocard and the paper counterpart.
Licence holders who are not from the EEA or the UK must 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 that indicate it is not a reward or hire, these codes cannot 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 answers that best match 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. You may receive a certain number points based on the answers you provide. On-line DVSA mock test will allow you to test your knowledge on the test. They are accessible on the DVSA website and some public libraries also have these. You need to bring both parts of your driving license (photocard and the paper counterpart) to the theory test centre, and you should be 15 minutes earlier than the time indicated.
The fastest and most convenient method of booking your theory test is to apply online. You can download the application form (pdf), either via the NDLS site or from an NDLS center. You can also call the NDLS customer service to book your test on via phone or mail. If you want to reschedule or cancel your test it must be done within 5 business days prior to the time of your appointment. You'll forfeit the fee for the test 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 UK passport with an NI address. You can also present an electronic identity proof like a bank statement or utility bill that includes your name and address on it.
To increase your chances of success, it's advised to make use of authentic RSA revision material. You can purchase the RSA learning portal subscription as well as books or borrow them from the local library. It is also recommended to take a look at the most current edition of the RSA theory test questions.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to assist you take your theory test if you have special needs. This can be done by selecting the appropriate box on the application for the theory test form. You can also request an interpreter for sign language by calling the 0818 606106.
The test in the real world
If you hold a UK provisional driving license and wish to take a theory or practical test for a motorbike, car or bus/lorry, or both, in Northern Ireland, then you must be a resident of the province. To prove this, you need to submit a form of residency declaration to the DVA prior to booking your test. Visit the DVA's privacy notice to see how they will handle any personal information that you provide to them.
The first step in the process is to pass the test in theory. It is split into two sections: one with multiple-choice questions and the other section on hazard perception. The test taker must answer at least 43 of the 50 questions correctly in order to pass the test and receive an official certificate of passing. The candidates who succeed in passing the test will be able to book their practical driving test.
The driving test can be conducted in a car used by a representative or in the candidate's car. If a candidate uses their own vehicle, they must ensure that it is roadworthy, carries their L-plates both front and rear as well as valid insurance and the original NCT disc (if applicable). The test can be cancelled if the examiner finds any issues, including non-functioning tyres and lights.
After passing the practical driving test The candidate is issued an award certificate that acts as an interim Category B licence for a period of 2 years. This permits them to obtain full insurance, drive and even buy an automobile before their permanent licence arrives in the post.
The driver must be accompanied by a fully certified driver who is over the age of 21 during the period of their two year provisional license, which they can only hold for a maximum of two years. However, Buy European driving license Uk online may also attend professional driving lessons with a certified driving instructor and be certified to drive on motorways which allows them to get a full licence sooner than they would have otherwise been allowed to.
The driving test is able to be cancelled if the candidate gives at least three full working days of notice to cancel their appointment. If they fail to provide the required notice they will not be entitled to any refund.
The fee for the driving test
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 NDLS (National Driving Licence Service).
You will need to submit an identification document when applying for a NI licence. This could be a passport, or a UK Birth Certificate. You'll also have to take a photograph and sign your application form. These requirements are designed to ensure that only drivers who meet the minimum standards of driving in Northern Ireland can be granted the right to drive.
The applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination, depending on their medical condition and age. The NDLS can provide more details if you are unsure whether you'll need medical reports.
The NDLS offers a number of exemptions to these requirements. However, in order to apply for an exemption, you must submit the completed medical report of your doctor.
After you have submitted all the necessary documents, you can apply at an NDLS center. Your documents will be used by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also have to present 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 police.
You will be required to provide an example vehicle to conduct your test. The vehicle must be roadworthy, have a valid NCT disc for the front and rear and insurance cover, as well as original motor tax disks.
Booking your driving test in advance is highly recommended. It is essential to make your test reservations as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for some tests. The NDLS also provides a phone booking service, which can be useful for those who don't wish to travel for long distances to the testing center. The service can be reached by calling 028 902 0410. The fee for a Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for cars, motorcycles or mopeds; PS80 for taxis and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.