How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland

It might seem difficult to get insurance for your car in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it is actually much easier than you might think. Understanding eligibility, unique advantages and deciding on the right insurer is essential to achieving success.

Licences issued in NI are laminated plastic cards that are similar to European licences. They display the bearer's photo as well as their name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts) and home address, allowed categories and signature.

How to apply for a NI driving license

The NI driving license consists of two parts of 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 are not able to drive until the date of their birth. To get a full driving licence, a driver who is new must pass both a theory and practical test.

You can apply online or send an application form to NDLS. It is essential to include a current passport-style photo in your application. If you apply online it should take around a week to receive your new driving licence. If you submit your application via mail, it could take up to three weeks.

NDLS provides a range of information and advice on its website for drivers, including guidelines and forms. You can download a report about your eyesight (DL3 form) medical fit-ness guidelines and forms and health and driving information leaflets. Applicants with epilepsy must complete an FEP1 form to inform NDLS of their condition.

It is legally required to carry your driver's licence at all times when you are in your vehicle. Driving without a valid licence is illegal. An Garda S could arrest you and charge you with a fine. ochana. If you're a frontier worker who frequently travels between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for work, you may be exempt from having to exchange your EU/ EEA driving licence. The exception applies when you are working under a temporary contract and return to your home country for the duration of your contract.

The driving agency will contact you regarding renewing your licence when you reach the age of 70. This will happen about two months prior to the expiration 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 license by using the DL1R renewal form and sending it to NDLS together with your current photocard.

Licence holders from countries outside of the EEA and the UK must change their licences when they relocate to the Republic of Ireland. If you have codes on your driving licence that identify a minibus trailer, minibus, or minibus (category d1 and d1e) or indicate that it is not for hire or reward the codes can't be transferred to an Irish licence.

The theory test

The theory test is a multiple choice test which includes 50 questions about road markings and signs. The answers are displayed on the screen and you have to tick one of the options that best matches the question. You are able to change your answer at any point during the test. However, you must make sure that you choose the correct answer. Based on your answers, you may be awarded a certain amount of points. You can practice your theory test by using the online DVSA mock tests. They are available on the website of the DVSA, and some libraries in public have them too. You are required to bring both the paper and photocopies of your driving license (photocard and the paper counterpart) to the test centre, and you should plan to arrive there 15 minutes early.

The most efficient and quickest method of booking your test is to apply online. You can download the application form (pdf) or download it on the NDLS site or from an NDLS center. You can also call the NDLS customer service team to book your test on via phone or mail. You must cancel or reschedule your test at least five days prior to the date of your appointment. If you don't, you'll forfeit your test fee.

You must bring an acceptable photo ID on the day of your test, such as an EU passport or an UK passport with a valid NI address. You can also use an electronic identity proof, such as an account statement from a bank or a utility bill that includes your name and address on it.

To increase your chances of success, it's recommended to utilize the official RSA revision material. You can purchase the learning portal subscription, books and CD-ROMs on the RSA website, or you can borrow them from your local library. You can download the most recent version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.

If you have any special requirements, you can request an interpreter or a person to help you take your test. This can be done by marking the appropriate box on your theory test application form (pdf). You can also request an Irish Sign Language interpreter by calling 0818 606 106.

The test in the real world

If you are a holder of a UK provisional licence and wish to take a motorbike, car or bus/lorry theory or practical test in Northern Ireland, you will have to be a resident in the province. You must fill out the DVA residency declaration form before booking your test to prove you are a resident of Northern Irish. You can view the way in which any personal information you send to the DVA will be handled by going to their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window/ tab).

The first step of the process is to pass the test in theory. It is split into two parts, a multiple-choice section and a section on hazard perception. Candidates must be able to answer at least 43 out of the 50 questions correctly in order to pass the test and get a pass certificate. Candidates who succeed in passing the test will be able to take their practical driving test.

The driving test could be conducted in a representative car or the candidate's vehicle. If a candidate chooses to drive their own vehicle, it should be roadworthy, and have their L-plates displayed on the front and back, valid insurance, and the original NCT disk (if applicable). The test will be cancelled if the examiner finds any issues, including non-functioning tyres and lights.

Once the practical driving test is passed, the candidate receives a certificate of pass which serves as temporary category B license for two years. This permits them to obtain full insurance, drive and even buy vehicles before they receive their permanent license in the post.

The driver can only hold a provisional licence for two years. The candidate can take professional driving lessons with a qualified instructor and learn to drive on the motorway. This will allow them to get a full licence sooner than they would be allowed.

Buy European driving license Uk online Links to an external site. driving test can be cancelled if the candidate gives at least three working days of notice to cancel their appointment. If they fail to give the required notice and do not give a refund.

The fee for the driving test

A driving licence is legally valid document that permits the holder to drive a motor vehicle 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).

When applying for a NI driving license you must present some evidence of your identity, such as passport or UK birth certificate. You will also be required 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.

Candidates may need to undergo a medical exam in accordance with their medical condition and age. The NDLS can provide more details if you are unsure if you will need a medical report.

The NDLS offers a number of exemptions to these requirements. To apply for an exception, you will need to submit a medical report from your physician.


Once you have submitted the necessary documents, you can submit your application at an NDLS centre. Your documents will be used by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also have to have an electronic signature and a photograph taken. You will receive a copy of the photo which you can keep in your car to use as a reference if you're stopped by police.

You will also be required to use a representative vehicle for your test. The vehicle must be roadworthy and possess a valid NCT disc front and rear, insurance coverage and original motor tax discs.

The scheduling of your driving test in advance is highly recommended. There is a waiting list for some of the tests, therefore it is essential to schedule your appointment as soon as you can. The NDLS also provides a telephone booking service that can be beneficial for those who don't want to travel long distances for a testing centre. This service can be contacted at 028 902 0410. The cost for a driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for moped, car or motorcycle and PS80 for taxis and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.