How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
It can be difficult to obtain car insurance in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it's actually a lot easier than you think. Understanding eligibility, the unique benefits and selecting the right insurance is essential to achieving success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are laminated plastic cards like European licenses. They show the photo of the bearer, their name (in Latin or Cyrillic) and their address at home as well as the categories they are allowed to use and their signature.
How to apply for an NI driving license
A NI driving license is composed of two parts, the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver can obtain the photocard driving license anytime up to the day before their 17th birthday, however they cannot drive until their birthday. To obtain a full driving licence, a driver who is new must pass both a theory as well as a practical test.
You can apply online or by mailing an application form to NDLS. Include a passport-style picture that is current with your application. If you submit your application online, it will take approximately one week to get your new driving license. If you apply via post it could take up three weeks.
NDLS provides a variety of information, tips and forms on its website for drivers. 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 fill out an FEP1 form to advise NDLS of their condition.
It is a legal requirement to carry your driving license whenever you are in your vehicle. Driving without a valid licence is illegal. An Garda S could arrest you and charge you with a fine. ochana. You are not required to exchange your EU/EEA driving license if you're an employee of a border agency who regularly travels between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. If Buy A1 and A2 Motocycle Licence Online are working on a temporary employment contract and are planning to return to your home country for the duration of the contract, then you may not need to exchange your driving license.
The driving authority will notify you to renew your license when you reach 70. This will happen approximately two months before the expiration date of your current licence and then every three years after that. Until this contact is received, you should continue renewing your UK/NI license by using the DL1R renewal form and sending it to NDLS along with your current photocard.
Licence holders who are from outside of the EEA and the UK have to exchange their licences when they relocate to the Republic of Ireland. However, if there are categories on your UK/NI licence which indicate a minibus or a bus with trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code that indicates that it is not for hire or reward the codes aren't transferable to an Irish driving licence.
The theory test
The theory test is a multiple choice test that has 50 questions on road markings and signs. Answers are displayed on the screen and you must choose the option that best matches the question. It is possible to change your answer during the test, but you must be sure to select the correct option before you submit your answers. Based on your answers, you may be awarded a certain number of points. You can take a test on your theory using the online DVSA mock tests. These are available on the DVSA website and some public libraries also stock them. You need to bring both parts of your driving license (photocard and paper counterpart) to the test center, and be 15 minutes early.
Online applications are the quickest and most convenient method to schedule your test. You can download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or pick up one from an NDLS centre. You can contact the NDLS Customer Service team to book a test via phone or mail. You must cancel or change the date of your test at least 5 days before the date of your appointment. If you don't, you'll forfeit 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 with an active NI address. You can also use an electronic proof of identity, such as an account statement from a bank or a utility bill that includes your name and address on it.
To improve your chances of success, it is recommended that you use the official RSA revision materials. 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.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to help you pass your theory test if you have special needs. You can do this by checking the appropriate box on the application for the theory test form. You can also request an interpreter who speaks sign language by phoning 0818 606106.
The practical test
If you are a holder of a UK provisional license and would like to take a motorbike, car or bus/lorry theory or practical test in Northern Ireland, you will have to be a resident in the province. You must fill out an DVA residency declaration form prior to scheduling your test to prove that you are a resident of Northern Ireland. You can find out how any personal information that you provide to the DVA will be handled by visiting their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window/ tab).
The first step of the process is to pass the theory test. It is split into two sections: a multiple-choice section and a section on danger perception. Candidates must be able to answer at least 43 out of the 50 questions correctly in order to pass the test and get an official certificate of passing. Those who pass can book their practical driving test.
The driving test could be conducted in a vehicle that is representative or in the vehicle of the candidate. If a candidate is using their own vehicle, they must ensure that it is roadworthy, that it has their L-plates both front and rear as well as valid insurance and the original NCT disc (if applicable). The test is cancelled if the examiner discovers any flaws, such as malfunctioning lights or tyres.
When the test for practical driving is passed, the applicant receives a certificate of pass which serves as temporary category B license for two years. This permits them to drive, purchase full car insurance, and even buy a car before their permanent license arrives in the mail.
The driver is only able to be granted a provisional license for two years. The applicant can attend professional driving lessons with a certified instructor and learn to drive on the motorway. This will enable them to obtain an official license earlier than they would otherwise be allowed.
The driving test may be cancelled by the candidate in the event that they cancel at least three days in advance. If they do not give the required time and do not give a refund.
The cost for driving tests
A driving license is a legal document that allows its holder to drive a motor vehicle in public roads. In the United Kingdom this document is administered by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. In Northern Ireland, it is issued by the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS).
You'll need to provide proof of identity to apply for a NI license. This could be a passport or a UK Birth Certificate. You'll also have to take a picture and sign your application form. These requirements are designed to ensure that only those who meet the minimum standards for driving in NI are granted a licence.
The applicants may be required to undergo a medical exam, depending on their medical health and age. If Buy Category B Licence Online 're not sure if you will require medical reports then the NDLS provides more details.
The NDLS also offers a variety of exemptions from these requirements. However, in order to apply for an exemption you must provide the completed medical report of your doctor.
After you have submitted all the required documents, you are able to submit your application at an NDLS centre. The NDLS will use your documents to verify your identity. You are required to get your photo taken and signed digitally. You will receive the photocopy to keep in your car for reference if you are stopped by the police.
You'll also be required to use a representative vehicle for your test. The vehicle must be roadworthy and have 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 an application waiting list for some of the tests, therefore it is important to make your appointment as soon as you can. The NDLS offers a phone booking system for those who do not wish to travel to a testing facility. This service is available at 028 902 0410. The fee for the Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for cars, motorcycles or mopeds Taxis are charged at PS80 and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.