How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland

It can be difficult to obtain insurance for cars in Britain for Northern Ireland drivers, but it's actually much simpler than you might think. Understanding eligibility, selecting the right insurer, and knowing unique advantages is key to success.

The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are laminated plastic cards, similar to European licenses. They show the photo of the bearer, their name (in Latin or Cyrillic), their home address, the categories that are permitted and signature.

How do I apply for a driving license


A NI driving license is composed of two components, the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. Buy Northern Ireland Driving Licence may obtain an image card licence until the day before the day of his or her 17th birthday. However, they can't drive till their date of birth. A new driver must also pass a theory test as well as a practical driving test to get their full license.

You can submit an application online or by mailing a form to NDLS. You must submit a current passport-style photo along when you submit your application. You will get your new license in around a week if apply online. If you apply via post it could take up three weeks.

NDLS offers a variety of information and tips on its website for drivers with forms and guidelines. You can download an eye report (DL3 form) along with medical fitness guidance and forms, health and driving information leaflets. Applicants with epilepsy are required to fill out the FEP1 questionnaire in order to inform NDLS about their condition.

It is a legal requirement to carry your driving license at all times when you are in the vehicle. Driving without a valid driving licence is illegal and could lead to an arrest and a fine from An Garda S 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. If you are working on an employment contract for temporary duration and plan to return to your home country during the duration of that contract, then you may not need to exchange your driving license.

The driving department will contact you to renew your license when you reach 70. This will happen approximately two months prior to the expiration date of your current licence and then every three years after that. When this call is not made it is recommended that you continue renewing your license in the UK/NI region by filling out the DL1R renewal application form and submitting it to NDLS along with your existing photocard.

Licence holders who are not from the EEA or the UK must exchange their licences to move to Ireland. If you have codes on your UK/NI driving licence that indicate a minibus minibus, trailer, or bus (category d1 and d1e) or indicate that it is not a hire or reward the codes can't be transferred to an Irish licence.

The theory test

The theory test is a multiple choice exam which includes 50 questions about road signs and markings. The answers are displayed on the screen, and you must select one of the choices that best match 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 could be awarded a certain amount of points. You can take a test on your theory using the online DVSA mock tests. They are available on the DVSA website, and some public libraries also have them. Bring both your photocard and paper equivalent to the theory test center. You must arrive 15 minutes prior to the test.

The fastest and most convenient method to book your test is to apply online. You can download the application form (pdf) either on the NDLS site or from an NDLS center. You can contact the NDLS Customer Service team to make an appointment for a test by phone or post. If you wish to change or cancel your test it must be done by 5 business days before the date of your appointment. 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, such as an EU passport or a UK passport that has an NI address that is valid. You can also bring electronic proof of your identity, like a bank statement that includes your name and NI address.

To increase your chances of success, it is advised to use official RSA revision material. You can purchase the RSA learning portal subscription and books or take them out of the local library. Also, make sure to look up the most recent edition of the RSA theory test questions.

If you have any specific needs, you can request an interpreter or helper to take your test. This can be done by ticking 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 want to take a car, motorbike or bus/lorry practical test in Northern Ireland, you will have to be a resident in the province. To prove this, you have to submit a form of residency declaration to the DVA before you can book your test. The DVA's privacy policy to see how they will manage any personal information you send them.

The first step in the process is to pass the theory test. It is divided into two sections, a multiple-choice section and a section on the perception of hazards. Candidates must be able to answer at least 43 out of the 50 questions correctly to pass the test and receive the certificate of pass. Those who pass can book their driving test in the practical format.

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 must ensure that it is roadworthy, carries their L-plates both front and rear and has insurance that is valid and the original NCT disc (if applicable). The test will be annulled if the examiner detects any issues, including non-functioning lights or tyres.

After passing the test for practical driving The candidate is issued an award certificate that acts as a temporary Category B license for a period of 2 years. This permits them to obtain full insurance, drive and even buy a vehicle before their permanent license arrives in the post.

The driver must be accompanied by a competent driver who is at least the age of 21 during the period of their two-year provisional licence, which they can only hold for a maximum of two years. However, the candidate may also attend professional driving lessons with an approved driving instructor and be certified to drive on a motorway and will be able to obtain a full license sooner than they would otherwise been permitted to.

The driving test could be cancelled by the applicant who cancels at least three days in advance. If they do not give the required notice, they will be denied any refund.

The cost for driving tests

A driving license is a legal document which allows its holder to drive a motor vehicle in 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 the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS).

You will need to submit proof of identity to apply for a NI licence. This could be a passport or a UK Birth Certificate. Additionally, you will need to take a picture and sign your application. These requirements are designed to ensure that only those who meet the minimum requirements for driving in NI are issued a license.

Applicants might be required to undergo a medical examination, depending on their health and age. The NDLS can provide more details in case you aren't sure whether you'll need medical reports.

The NDLS also provides a variety of exemptions from these requirements. However, to apply for an exemption you must submit an official medical report from your doctor.

Once you have submitted all of the necessary documents, you can go to an NDLS centre to make your application in person. The NDLS will use your documentation to verify your identity. In addition, you will be required to have your photo taken and signed digitally. You will receive a copy of the photograph that you can keep in your vehicle to refer to if you are stopped by the police.

You'll also be required to use a representative vehicle to take your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy, have an active front and rear NCT disc and insurance cover, as well as original motor tax discs.

It is recommended that you make your appointment for your driving test in advance. It is crucial to book your test as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for certain tests. The NDLS offers a phone booking system for those who do not want to travel to a testing center. This service can be contacted at 028 902 0410. The cost for the Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for cars, motorcycles or mopeds; PS80 for taxis and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.