How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
It may seem difficult to obtain insurance for your car in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it's actually a lot easier than you might think. Understanding eligibility, selecting the right insurance provider and understanding specific advantages is the key to success.
Licences issued by the NI are plastic laminated cards that are similar to European licences and show the bearer's picture and name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts), home address as well as the categories that are allowed and signature.
How do I 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 an image card licence until the day before his or her 17th birthday. However, they cannot drive till their date of birth. A new driver must also pass a theory test and practical driving test to earn their full license.
You can submit an application online or by mailing an application form to NDLS. Include a passport-style picture that is current when you submit your application. You will get your new license in around a week if apply online. If you submit your application via post it could take up to three weeks.
NDLS offers a variety of information and tips on its website for drivers with forms and guidelines. You can download a report about your eyesight (DL3 form) medical fit-ness guidelines and forms along with health and driving information leaflets. Epilepsy sufferers must to fill out the FEP1 form to inform NDLS about their condition.
It is a legal requirement to carry your driver's licence at all times when you are in your vehicle. Driving without a valid licence is illegal and An Garda S could arrest you and charge you with a fine. ochana. If you are a border worker and regularly travel between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for work, you could be exempt from having exchange your EUor EEA driving licence. If you are enrolled in a temporary employment contract and are planning to return to your home country during the duration of the contract, then you will not need to exchange your driving licence.
The driving authority will notify you to renew your license when you reach the age of 70. This will happen approximately two months prior to the expiration date of your current license and every three years thereafter. In the meantime, until you receive this notification, you should continue renewing your UK/NI licence by filling out the DL1R renewal application form and sending it to NDLS together with your current photocard.
License holders from countries outside of the EEA and the UK have to exchange their licences when they relocate to the Republic of Ireland. However, if you have categories on your UK/NI licence that indicate a minibus or bus with trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code indicating that it is not intended 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 includes 50 questions about road signs and markings. Answers are displayed on the screen, and you must select the answer that best fits the question. It is possible to alter your answer during the test however, you must ensure to select the correct option before you submit your answers. Based on your answers, you may be awarded a certain amount of points. On-line DVSA mock test will allow you to practice your theory exam. You can find them on the DVSA's website and some public libraries have them too. You must bring both parts of your driving license (photocard and the paper counterpart) to the theory test centre, and you should be 15 minutes earlier than the time indicated.
Online application is the quickest and easiest way to schedule your test. You can download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or request the form from an NDLS centre. You can contact the NDLS Customer Service team to schedule an appointment by phone or post. If you would like to change or cancel your test you must notify us within 5 business days prior to the time of your appointment. If you don't, you'll forfeit the test fee.
You will need to bring an ID with a valid photo on the day of the test, for example an EU passport or an UK passport that has a valid NI address. You may also bring an electronic identification document, such as a bank statement or utility bill that includes your name and address on it.
It is recommended to make use of official RSA revision materials to increase your chances of passing the test. You can buy the learning portal subscription, books and CD-ROMs from RSA website, or you can borrow the books from your local library. Also, make sure to check the latest edition of the RSA theory test questions.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to assist you pass your theory test if there are any special needs. This can be done by ticking the appropriate box on your application for the theory test form (pdf). You can also request an interpreter who speaks sign language by phoning 0818 606106.
The test in the real world
If you are a holder of a UK provisional driving licence and wish to take a theory or a practical test for a motorbike, car or bus/lorry in Northern Ireland, then you must be a resident of the province. To prove this, you have to fill out a residency declaration form to the DVA before booking your test. You can find out how any personal information that you give to the DVA will be handled by going to their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window / tab).
The first step in the process is passing the test in theory. It is divided into two sections: one with multiple-choice questions and the other section on hazard perception. To pass the test, the candidate must correctly answer 43 out of 50 questions. Buy Category B Licence Online who pass the test can book their practical driving test.
The driving test may be taken in a vehicle used by a representative or in the candidate's personal. If a candidate chooses to use their own vehicle, they should ensure that it is roadworthy, carries their L-plates front and rear and has insurance that is valid and the original NCT disc (if applicable). The test will be cancelled if the examiner discovers any flaws, such as malfunctioning lights and tyres.
When the test for practical driving is passed, the driver receives a pass certificate that serves as a temporary category B licence for two years. This allows them to get full insurance and drive, as well as purchase vehicles before their permanent licence arrives in the post.
The driver must be accompanied by a certified driver who is over the age of 21 during the period of their two-year provisional license that they can be able to keep for two years. However, the driver may also attend professional driving lessons with a certified driving instructor and learn to drive on a motorway and will be able to obtain a full license earlier than they would have otherwise been able to.
The driving test is able to be cancelled if a candidate gives at least three working days in advance to cancel their appointment. If they fail to provide the required time, they will not receive a refund.
The cost of the driving test
A driving license is a legal document which permits its holder to drive motor vehicles 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).
If you are applying for a NI driving license you must provide identification proof such as a passport or a UK birth certificate. You will also need to take a photograph and sign the application form. These requirements are designed to ensure that only drivers who meet the minimum standards of driving in Northern Ireland are granted an license.
The applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination, depending on their medical condition and age. If you are unsure whether you'll require medical reports then the NDLS provides more details.
The NDLS also provides 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 the required documents, you can submit your application at an NDLS center. The documents you submit will be scrutinized by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also need to have digital signatures and a photo taken. You will receive a duplicate of the photo which you can keep in your vehicle for reference, if you're arrested by police.
You will need to provide a representative vehicle to use to conduct 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 discs.
The scheduling of your driving test in advance is highly advised. It is crucial to book your test as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for some tests. The NDLS also offers a telephone booking service, which can be beneficial for those who don't wish to travel long distances for the testing center. You can contact the service via 028 902 4410. The cost for a driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for car, motorcycle or moped; PS80 for taxis; and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.