How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
It might seem difficult to get car insurance in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it is actually much easier than you might think. Knowing the eligibility requirements, choosing the right insurer and understanding unique advantages is key to success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are plastic laminated cards similar to European licenses, that show the bearer’s photo and their name (in Latin or Cyrillic) as well as their address of residence as well as the categories they are allowed to use and their signature.
How to apply for a driving licence
A NI driving licence consists of two parts: the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver can obtain a photocard license up to the day prior to their 17th birthday. However, they are not able to drive till their date of birth. To get a full driving license, a new driver must pass both a theoretical and practical test.
You can apply online, or mail an application form to NDLS. Include a passport-style photo that is current with your application. If you apply online it will take approximately a week to receive your new driving license. If you apply via post it could take up three weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information and guidance 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, and health and driving information leaflets. Applicants with epilepsy must complete an FEP1 form in order to inform NDLS of their condition.
Keep Reading is an obligation of law to carry your driving license at all times when you are driving. 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 regularly travels between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to work, you may be exempt from having exchange your EUor EEA driving license. If you are on temporary employment and plan to return to your home country during the duration of the contract, then you might not need to exchange your driving license.
The driving agency will contact you about renewing your license at the time you reach the age of 70. This will occur approximately two months before the expiration of your current license, and every three years thereafter. In the meantime, you should continue to renew your UK/NI license using the DL1R application for renewal form. You should then submit it to NDLS with your current photocard and the paper counterpart.
Licence holders from countries that are not part of the EEA and the UK must exchange their licences when they move to the Republic of Ireland. However, if you have categories on your UK/NI licence that indicate a minibus or bus with a trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code indicating that it's not for hire or reward These codes are not transferable to an Irish driving licence.
The theory test
The test for the theory is a multiple choice test which includes 50 questions about road signs and markings. Answers are displayed on screen, and you must select the option that best matches the question. You are able to change your answer at any time during the test. However you must ensure that you select the correct option. You may receive a certain number points based on the answers you provide. You can take a test on your theory using the online DVSA mock tests. They are available on the DVSA's website and some libraries in public have them as well. Bring your photocard and paper equivalent to the theory test center. You should arrive 15 minutes earlier.
Online application is the quickest and easiest way to schedule your test. You can download the application form (pdf) either from the NDLS website or from an NDLS center. You can contact the NDLS Customer Service team to make an appointment for an appointment via phone or mail. If you wish to change or cancel your test it must be done at least 5 business days prior to your appointment date. You'll lose the fee for the test if don't.
On the day of the test, you'll need an acceptable photo ID. It could be an EU passport or UK passport with an address for NI. You may also present electronic proof of identity, such a bank statement that includes your name and the NI address.
It is recommended to make use of official RSA revision materials to increase your chances of passing the test. You can purchase the learning portal subscription, books and CD-ROMs from RSA website or borrow the materials from your local library. Take a look at the latest version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
If you have any specific needs, you can ask for an interpreter or a person to help you take your test. This can be done by checking the appropriate box on the theory test application form. You can also request an Irish Sign Language interpreter by calling 0818 606 106.
The practical test
If you have a UK provisional license and would like to take a car, motorbike or bus/lorry theory or practice test in Northern Ireland, you will require to be a resident in the province. To prove this, you need to submit a form of residency declaration to the DVA before booking your test. The DVA's privacy policy to learn how they deal with any personal information you provide them with.
The first step is passing the theory test, which is administered in two parts, the multiple choice section and the hazard perception portion. Candidates must be able to answer at least 43 out of the 50 questions correctly in order to pass the test and get the certificate of pass. Passing candidates will be able to book their test for driving practice.
The driving test can be conducted in a vehicle that is representative or the candidate's vehicle. If a candidate decides to take their own 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 is cancelled if the examiner discovers any flaws, such as malfunctioning lights and tyres.
After passing the driving test the driver receives the pass certificate, which serves as a temporary Category B license for a period of 2 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 learn to drive on motorways which allows them to get a full licence sooner than they would otherwise been permitted to.
The driving test may be canceled by the applicant who cancels at least three working days in advance. If they fail to provide the required notice or notice, they will not be able to claim any refund.
The driving test fee
A driving license is a legal document which allows the holder to operate an automobile on public roads. In the United Kingdom, this document is managed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). In Northern Ireland it is issued by NDLS (National Driving Licence Service).
You'll need to submit a form of identification when applying for an NI licence. This could be a passport, or a UK Birth Certificate. You will also need to sign and take a picture of your application. These requirements are designed to ensure that only those who meet the minimum requirements for driving in Northern Ireland are given a license.
The applicants may be required to undergo an examination to determine their medical condition, based on their health and age. If you're not sure if you'll need a medical report or not, the NDLS has more information.
The NDLS also offers a variety of exemptions from these requirements. However, to apply for an exemption you must submit an official medical report from your doctor.
Once you have submitted the necessary documents, you can make 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 present a digital signature and your photograph taken. You will be provided with an image copy to keep in your vehicle for reference if you are stopped by the police.
You must provide an example vehicle for your test. The vehicle must be roadworthy, have an active NCT disc for the front and rear as well as an insurance policy. original motor tax disks.
It is advised to make your appointment for your driving test in advance. It is important to book your test as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for some tests. The NDLS provides a booking phone system for those who don't wish to go to a testing center. This service is available at 028 902 0410. The cost for the driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for moped, car, or motorcycle and PS80 for taxis and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.