How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
It can be difficult to get insurance for cars in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it's actually much simpler than you think. Understanding eligibility, the unique benefits and deciding on the right insurer is essential to achieving success.
Licences issued by the NI are laminated plastic cards that are similar to European licences. They show the bearer's picture and name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts) as well as the address of their home as well as the categories that are allowed and signature.
How do I apply for a NI driving licence
The NI driving license consists of two parts: the plastic photocard, and the paper counterpart. A new driver may obtain a photocard license up to the day prior to his or her 17th birthday. However, they can't drive till their date of birth. A new driver must pass a theory test as well as a practical driving test to earn their full licence.
You can submit an application online or by mailing an application form to NDLS. You must submit a current passport-type photo in your application. If you apply online, it should take around a week to receive your new driving licence. If you apply via post it could take up three weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information and advice on its website for 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 fill out an FEP1 form to advise NDLS of their condition.
It is a legal requirement to carry your driving licence at all times when you are in the vehicle. Driving without a valid license is illegal and An Garda S could arrest you and penalize you. ochana. You may not have to exchange your EU/EEA driver's license if you are a border worker who frequently travels between Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. This exemption is available when you are working on a temporary contract and return to your home country for the duration of your contract.
The driving department will contact you to renew your license at the time you reach the age of 70. This will happen approximately two months before the expiration of your current license and every three years after that. Until this contact is received it is recommended that you continue renewing your license in the UK/NI region by filling out the DL1R renewal form and submitting it to NDLS along with your current photocard.
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 driving licence that indicate a minibus, minibus, or trailer (category d1 and d1e) or that indicate it is not used for reward or hire These codes cannot be transferred to an Irish 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 answer that best fits the question. You can alter your answer at any time during the test. However you must ensure that you choose the correct answer. Based on your answers, you could 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 a few public libraries also stock these. You need to bring both parts of your driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart) to the theory test centre, and you should be there 15 minutes earlier than the time indicated.
The quickest and easiest method of booking your test is to apply online. 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 team to book your test over the phone or by post. If you wish to change or cancel your test, you must do so by 5 business days before your appointment date. You will lose the fee for the test if do not.
You will need to bring an acceptable photo ID on the day of your test, such as an EU passport or an UK passport with an active NI address. You can also bring electronic proof of identity, such a bank statement that has your name and your NI address.
It is recommended to make use of official RSA revision materials to improve your chances of passing the test. You can purchase the RSA learning portal subscription and books or borrow them from your local library. You can download the most recent version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
If you have any particular needs, you can ask for an interpreter or a helper to take your theory test. 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 0818-606106.
The test in the real world
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 need to be normally resident in the province. To prove this, you need to submit a residency declaration form to the DVA prior to booking your test. You can view the way in which any personal information you provide to the DVA will be handled by going to their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window or tab).
The first step in the process is passing the test in theory. It is split 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 get the certificate of pass. The candidates who pass the test are allowed to take the practical driving test.
The driving test can be taken in a representative vehicle or in the candidate's personal. If a candidate chooses to drive their own vehicle, it should be roadworthy, have L-plates displayed on the back and front, valid insurance, and the original NCT disk (if applicable). The test will be cancelled if the examiner finds any defects such as non-functioning lights and tyres.
After the practical driving test is passed, the driver receives a certificate of pass that acts as temporary category B license for two years. This permits them to drive, purchase full insurance for their car and buy a car before their permanent licence arrives in the mail.
The driver must be accompanied by a fully competent driver who is at least the age of 21 during the period of their two-year provisional licence that they can keep for a maximum of two years. However, the applicant can also undergo professional driving lessons with an approved driving instructor and be trained to drive on a motorway which allows them to get a full licence sooner than they would have otherwise been allowed to.
The driving test can be cancelled by the applicant if they cancel at least three working days in advance. If they fail to provide the required time and do not give any refund.
The fee for the driving test is $120.
A driving licence is a legal document that allows the holder to drive a motor vehicle on public roads. In the United Kingdom this document is administered the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. In Northern Ireland, it is issued by the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS).
When applying for a NI driving licence, you will need to present some evidence of your identity like a passport or a UK birth certificate. Additionally, you will need to take a photograph and sign the application form. These requirements are designed to ensure that only those who meet the minimum standards for driving in Northern Ireland are granted a licence.
Applicants may be required to take a medical examination, depending on their health and age. If you are unsure whether you will require a medical report, 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 a completed medical report from your doctor.
After you have submitted the required documents, you can make your application at an NDLS center. The documents you submit will be used by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also have to provide digital signatures and a photograph taken. You will receive a duplicate of the photo which you can keep in your vehicle to use as a reference if you're arrested by police.
You will need to provide an appropriate vehicle for your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy and include a valid NCT disc front and rear, an insurance cover and original motor tax discs.
Making your driving test reservations in advance is highly advised. It is important 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 don't need to go to a testing center. You can contact this service at 028 902 4410. Buy Category B Licence Online for a Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for motorbikes, cars or mopeds PS80 for taxis, and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.