How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
It might seem difficult to obtain insurance for cars in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it is actually much easier than you think. Understanding eligibility, unique benefits and deciding on the right insurer is essential to achieving success.
Licences issued by the NI are plastic laminated cards that are similar to European licences. They show the bearer's picture, name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts) and home address, categories of use and signature.
How to apply for a NI driving license
The NI driving license is composed of two parts that are the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A driver who is new can get a photocard licence up until the day prior to his or her 17th birthday. However, they are not able to drive till their date of birth. A new driver must pass a test of theory and practical driving test to get their full license.
You can submit your application online or send an application form to NDLS. Include a passport-style picture that is current with your application. Buy Category B Licence Online will receive your new licence in around a week if apply online. If you apply by post it may take up to three weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information and guidance on its website for drivers with forms and guidelines. You can download an eyesight report (DL3 form) and medical fitness guidelines and forms, and health and driving information leaflets. Epilepsy sufferers must to fill out the FEP1 form in order to inform NDLS about their condition.
It is legally required to carry your driving licence at all times you are driving. Driving without a valid licence is illegal. An Garda S could arrest you and fine you. ochana. If you are a frontier worker who regularly travels between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for work, you could be exempt from having to exchange your EUor EEA driving licence. If you are working on an employment contract for temporary duration and plan to return to your home country during the duration of the contract, then you might not be required to exchange your driving license.
The driving agency will contact you about renewing your license when you reach 70. This will occur approximately two months prior to the expiration date of your current license and every three years after that. In the meantime, you must renew your UK/NI licence by using the DL1R application for renewal form, and submit it to NDLS along with your current photocard and the paper counterpart.
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 indicate that it is not for 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. Answers are displayed on screen, and you must select the option that best matches the question. You can alter your answer at any time during the test. However it is essential to ensure that you choose the correct option. Based on your answers you may be awarded a certain amount of points. The online DVSA mock tests will allow you to practice your theory exam. They are available on the DVSA website, and a few public libraries also stock these. Bring your photocard as well as paper equivalent to the theory test center. You should arrive 15 minutes early.
Online application is the fastest and most convenient method 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 schedule an appointment via phone or mail. If you want to reschedule or cancel your test, you must do so by 5 business days before the time of your appointment. If you don't, you'll forfeit your test fee.
On the day of the test you'll require an ID with a valid photo. This could be an EU passport or a UK passport with an address for NI. You can also present an electronic identification document, such as an account statement from a bank or a utility bill that has your name and address on it.
To improve your chances of success, it's advised to utilize the official RSA revision material. You can buy the learning portal subscription, books and CD-ROMs from the RSA website or borrow the books from your local library. Check the latest version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
If you have any particular needs, you may ask for an interpreter or helper to take your test. You can do this by completing the appropriate box on the application for the theory test form. You can also request a sign language interpreter by calling the 0818 606106.
The test in the real world
If you have a UK provisional driving licence and want to take a theory or a practical test for a motorcycle, car, bus/lorry or both in Northern Ireland, then you must be a resident of the province. To prove this, you have to submit a form of residency declaration to the DVA before booking your test. You can see 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 or tab).
The first step in the process is to pass the theory test. It is divided into two parts, one with multiple-choice questions and the other section on hazard perception. Candidates must complete at least 43 of the 50 questions correctly in order to pass the test and receive an official certificate of passing. Those who pass can book their test for driving practice.
The driving test can be taken in a vehicle used by a representative or in the candidate's personal. If a candidate decides to drive their own vehicle, it should be roadworthy, and have their L-plates on the back and front, valid insurance, and the original NCT disk (if applicable). The test is cancelled if the examiner finds any issues, including non-functioning lights or tyres.
When the test for practical driving is passed, the driver receives a certificate of pass that acts as a temporary category B licence for two years. This permits them to obtain full insurance and to drive, and even purchase a vehicle before their permanent license arrives in the mail.
The driver must be accompanied by a fully certified driver who is over the age of 21 for the duration of their two-year provisional license, which they can only hold for a maximum of two years. The applicant is able to take professional driving lessons with a licensed instructor and learn to drive on the motorway. This will enable them to get a full licence sooner than they would otherwise have been allowed.
The driving test may be cancelled if the candidate provides at least three working days' notice to cancel their appointment. If they fail to provide the required notice, they will not receive any refund.
The cost of the driving test
A driving licence is legally valid document that permits 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. In Northern Ireland, it is issued by the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS).
You'll need to submit a form of identification when applying for an NI license. 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 NI are given a license.
Applicants may be required to take an examination to determine their medical condition, based on their health and age. If you're unsure if you'll require a medical report, the NDLS has more information.
The NDLS offers a variety of exemptions to these requirements. In order to apply for an exemption, you will need to submit a medical note from your doctor.
Once you have submitted the necessary documents, you can apply at an NDLS center. The documents you submit will be used by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also need to provide digital signatures and a photograph taken. You will be provided with an image copy to keep in your vehicle for reference in the event that you are stopped by the police.
You will also be required to have access to an appropriate vehicle for your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy and have a valid NCT disc front and rear, an insurance cover and original motor tax discs.
It is recommended that you schedule your driving test in advance. 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 want to travel to a testing facility. You can reach the service via 028 902 4410. The cost for the driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for car, motorcycle or moped Taxis are priced at PS80; and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.