How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain may seem difficult, but it can be a lot easier than you think. Understanding eligibility, unique benefits and deciding on the right insurer 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 as well as their name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts), home address, categories of use and signature.
How to apply for a driving license
The NI driving license is composed of two parts that are the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver can obtain an electronic driving licence with a photocard at any time up to the day before their 17th birthday, but they are not able to drive until the birthday. 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 by mailing an application form to NDLS. Include a passport-style picture that is current when you submit your application. If you apply online, it should take about a week to receive your new driving license. If you send in your application by post it could take up to 3 weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information, advice and forms on its website for drivers. 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 complete the FEP1 form in order to inform NDLS about their condition.
It is an obligation of law to carry your driving licence whenever you are driving. Driving without a valid license is illegal. An Garda S could arrest you and penalize you. ochana. If you're a frontier worker who regularly travels between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to work, you could be exempt from having exchange your EUor EEA driving license. If you are working on a temporary employment contract and plan to return to your home country during the duration of the contract, then you may not have to exchange your driving license.
When you reach the age of 70, you will be contacted regarding renewing your license by the driving agency approximately two months before the date your current one expires, and then every three years from that point on. Until you receive this contact you should continue to renew your UK/NI licence by applying for DL1R on the renewal form. Then, submit it to NDLS with your current photocard and the paper counterpart.
Licence holders who are not from the EEA or the UK will have to exchange their licences to move to 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 a hire or reward the codes can't be transferred to an Irish licence.
The theory test
The test is a theory one and consists of 50 questions on road signs and markings. The answers are displayed on the screen and you are required to select one of the options that best match the question. You are able to change your answer at any time during the test. However it is essential to ensure that you select the correct answer. Based on your answers, you could be awarded a specific number of points. You can practice your theory test by using the online DVSA mock tests. You can find them on the DVSA's website and some libraries in public have them too. You must bring both parts of your driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart) to the test center, and plan to arrive there 15 minutes early.
Online applications are the quickest and most efficient method of scheduling your theory test. You can download the application form (pdf), either via the NDLS site or from an NDLS center. You can also contact the NDLS customer service to schedule your test over via phone or mail. If you wish to change or cancel your test it must be done at least 5 business days prior to the time of your appointment. You will lose the test fee if you do not.
On the day of the test you will need an acceptable photo ID. This can be an EU passport or a UK passport with an address in the NI. just click the following article can also present an electronic identity proof like the bank statement or a utility bill with your name and address printed on it.
To increase your chances of success, it's recommended to utilize authentic RSA revision material. You can purchase the learning portal subscription, books and CD-ROMs from RSA website, or you can borrow them from your local library. Take a look at the latest version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
If you have any special needs, you may ask for an interpreter or a helper to take your theory test. This can be done by checking the appropriate box on the theory test application form. You can also request an Irish Sign Language interpreter by calling 0818 606 106.
The test in the real world
If you have a UK provisional driving licence and are looking to take a theory or practical test for a motorbike, car or bus/lorry, or both, in Northern Ireland, then you must be a resident of the province. To prove this, you need to fill out a residency declaration form to the DVA prior to booking your test. You can find out the way in which any personal information you send to the DVA will be handled by visiting their privacy notice(external link opens in a new window/ tab).
The first step of the process is passing the theory test. It is split into two parts, one with multiple-choice questions and the other section on danger perception. To pass the test, the applicant must be able to answer correctly 43 of the 50 questions. Those who succeed in passing the test will be able to take their practical driving test.
The driving test can be conducted in a vehicle used by a representative or the candidate's own. If a candidate opts to take their own vehicle, it must be roadworthy, and have their L-plates on the front and back, have valid insurance and the original NCT disk (if applicable). If the examiner discovers any problems, like tyres or lights not functioning, the test will be cancelled.
After updated blog post driving test is passed, the driver receives a pass certificate which serves 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 certified driver who is over 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 applicant can also take professional lessons with a certified driving instructor and learn to drive on motorways which allows them to obtain a full license sooner than they would have otherwise been able to.
The driving test can be cancelled by the candidate in the event that they cancel at least three days in advance. If they do not give the required notice, they will be denied a refund.
The cost for driving tests
A driving license is a legal document which allows 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 licence you must provide proof of identity, such as passport or UK birth certificate. You'll also have to take a photograph and sign the application form. These requirements are in place to ensure that only drivers who meet the minimum requirements of driving in Northern Ireland are granted a license.
Applicants may have to undergo a medical exam depending on their medical health and age. The NDLS can provide additional information in case you aren't sure whether you'll need a medical report.
The NDLS offers a number of exemptions to these requirements. However, to apply for an exemption you must submit an official medical report from your doctor.
Once you've submitted all of the necessary documents, you can go to an NDLS centre to make your application in person. The documents you submit will be scrutinized by the NDLS to verify your identity. You will also have to provide a digital signature and your photo taken. You will be provided with a copy of your photograph to keep in your car to refer to if you're stopped by the police.
You must provide an appropriate vehicle for your test. The vehicle must be roadworthy and have an NCT disc that is valid front and rear, an insurance cover and original motor tax discs.
The scheduling of your driving test in advance is highly recommended. It is important to make your test reservations as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for some tests. The NDLS also offers a telephone booking service that can be beneficial for those who don't want to travel long distances for the testing center. You can reach the service at 028 902 4410. The fee for a driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for moped, car, or motorcycle; PS80 for taxis; and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.