How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain might seem challenging however it's a lot easier than you think. Understanding eligibility, choosing the right insurer and understanding the unique advantages is essential to success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are laminated plastic cards like European licenses. They display the bearer’s photo and their name (in Latin or Cyrillic), their home address, categories allowed and signature.
How to apply for a driving license
The NI driving licence is made up of two parts that are the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver can obtain a photocard driving licence at any time up to the day prior to their 17th birthday, however they are not allowed to drive until their birthday. To get a full driving license, a new driver must pass both a theory and practical test.
You can submit an application online or send an application form to NDLS. You must submit a current passport-type photo when you submit your application. If you apply online it should take around one week to get your new driving license. If you apply via post it may take up to three weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information and advice on its website to assist drivers with forms and guidelines. You can download a report on your eyesight (DL3 form) medical fit-ness 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.
It is a legal requirement to carry your driver's licence at all times you are driving. Driving without a valid driving licence is illegal and could result in an arrest and a fine from An Garda S ochana. If you are a border worker and regularly travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to work, you could be exempt from having exchange your EU/ EEA driving license. If you are working on an employment contract for temporary duration and are planning 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 when you reach 70. This will happen approximately two months before the expiration date of your current license and every three years after that. In the meantime, until you receive this notification and you are able to renew your UK/NI licence by filling out the DL1R renewal form and sending it to NDLS along with your existing photocard.
License holders who aren't from the EEA or the UK must exchange their licenses in order to move to Ireland. If you have codes on your UK/NI driving licence that indicate a minibus, minibus, or trailer (category d1 and d1e) or indicate that it is not used for hire or reward These codes cannot be transferred to an Irish licence.
The theory test
The test for the theory is a multiple-choice test that includes 50 questions about road markings and signs. Answers are displayed on the screen, and you must select the option that is most appropriate to the question. You are able to change your answer at any point during the test. However you must ensure that you select the correct answer. Based on your answers, you may be awarded a specific number of points. You can take a test on your theory using the online DVSA mock tests. They are available on the DVSA's website and some public libraries also have them. Bring your photocard as well as paper equivalent to the test center. You should arrive 15 minutes early.
Online applications are the quickest and most convenient method to schedule your theory test. You can download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or pick up the form from an NDLS centre. You can also call the NDLS customer service to schedule your test over via phone or mail. You must cancel or reschedule your test at least 5 days prior to the time of the test. You'll forfeit the fee for the test if you don't.
You'll need a valid photo ID on the day of your test, like an EU passport or a UK passport with an active NI address. You can also present an electronic proof of identity like an account statement from a bank or a utility bill that has your name and address printed on it.
To improve your chances of success, it is recommended to utilize authentic RSA revision materials. You can buy the learning portal subscription, books and CD-ROMs on the RSA website or borrow the materials from your local library. It is also recommended to look up the most recent edition of the RSA theory test questions.
If you have any particular requirements, you can request an interpreter or a helper to take your test. This can be done by ticking the appropriate box on your application for the theory test form (pdf). You can also request an Irish Sign Language interpreter by calling 0818 606 106.
The practical test
If you hold a UK provisional license and would like to take a motorbike, car 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 prior to booking your test. The DVA's privacy policy to learn how they handle any personal information that you send them.
The first step is passing the theory test, which is conducted in two parts: a multiple choice section and the hazard perception portion. The test taker must be able to answer at least 43 out of the 50 questions correctly to pass the test and get a pass certificate. Buy UK driving licence online who pass the test are allowed to book their practical driving test.
The driving test can be conducted in a vehicle used by a representative or the candidate's own. If a candidate chooses to use their own vehicle, they need to 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). If the examiner finds any problems, like tyres or lights not working the test will be canceled.
After passing the test for practical driving the driver receives a pass certificate which acts as a temporary Category B licence for two years. This permits them to obtain full insurance and to drive, and even purchase an automobile before their permanent licence arrives through the mail.
The driver is allowed to only have 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 allow them to get an official license earlier than they otherwise would have been allowed.
The driving test can be canceled by the applicant in the event that they cancel at least three working days in advance. If they do not give the required notice, they will not receive a refund.
The fee for the driving test is $120.
A driving licence is an official document that permits the holder to drive 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).
When applying for a NI driving licence you must present some proof of identity such as a passport or a UK birth certificate. You will also need to take a photograph 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.
Applicants may be required to take an examination to determine their medical condition, based on their age and medical condition. The NDLS can provide more information if you are unsure whether you'll require medical reports.
The NDLS also offers a variety of exemptions from these requirements. To apply for an exemption, you must submit a completed medical report from your doctor.
After you have submitted all of the necessary documents, you can visit an NDLS centre to make your application in person. Your documents will be used by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also have to present digital signatures and a photograph taken. You will receive a duplicate of the photo that you can keep in your vehicle to refer to if you are arrested by police.
You will need to provide a representative vehicle to use to conduct your test. The vehicle must be roadworthy, have a valid NCT disc for the front and rear, insurance cover, and original motor tax disks.
Making your driving test reservations in advance is highly advised. It is essential to make your test reservations as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for some tests. The NDLS offers a telephone booking system for those who do not wish to travel to a testing center. You can reach this service at 028 902 4410. The fee for an Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for cars, motorcycles and mopeds Taxis are charged at PS80 and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.