How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain may seem difficult but it's much simpler than you think. Understanding eligibility, selecting the right insurer and understanding specific advantages is the key to success.
Licences issued by the NI are laminated plastic cards that are similar to European licences. They display the bearer's photograph and name (in Latin and Cyrillic scripts) and home address, allowed categories and signature.
How do you apply for a driving license
A NI driving license is composed of two parts: the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A driver who is new can get an image card licence until the day before their 17th birthday. However, they are not able to drive until the date of their birth. To get a full driver's licence, a driver who is new must pass both a theory and practical test.
You can apply online or by sending a form to NDLS. It is essential to include a current passport-style photo along with your application. If you apply online, it should take about one week to get your new driving license. If you submit your application by 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 an eye report (DL3 form), medical fitness guidance and forms, as well as health and driving information leaflets. Applicants with epilepsy are required to fill out the FEP1 questionnaire to inform NDLS about their condition.
You must always have your driving license inside the vehicle. Driving without a valid licence is illegal and An Garda S could arrest you and charge you with a fine. 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. The exception applies for those who are employed 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 at the time you reach the age of 70. This will happen about two months prior to the expiration date of your current licence and then every three years thereafter. Until you receive this contact you must continue to renew your UK/NI licence applying for DL1R on the renewal form. You should 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, however, you have categories on your UK/NI licence which indicate a minibus or a bus with trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code that indicates that it's not for hire or reward the codes aren't transferable to an Irish driving licence.
The theory test
The theory test consists of 50 questions pertaining to markings and road signs. Answers are displayed on the screen and you have to select the option that best matches the question. You can alter your answer during the test, but you must make sure that you select the correct answer before you submit your answers. Based on your answers you could be awarded a specific number of points. You can practice your test theory by using the online DVSA mock tests. These are available on the DVSA website, and a few public libraries also stock these. You must bring both parts of your driving license (photocard and the paper counterpart) to the theory test centre, and plan to arrive there 15 minutes earlier than the time indicated.
Online applications are the quickest and most efficient method of scheduling your theory test. You can download the application form (pdf) either on the NDLS website or from an NDLS center. You can also contact the NDLS Customer Service team to make an appointment for an appointment by phone or via mail. If you wish to change or cancel your test you must notify us within 5 business days prior to your appointment date. Otherwise, you'll lose the fee for your test.
You'll need an acceptable photo ID on the day of your test, like an EU passport or a UK passport that has a valid NI address. You can also bring electronic proof of identity, like a bank statement that includes your name and NI address.
To increase your chances of success, it is recommended to make use of the official RSA revision material. You can purchase the learning portal subscription, books and CD-ROMs on the RSA website or borrow the books from your local library. It is also recommended to check the latest edition of the RSA theory test questions.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to help you with your theory test if you have special needs. This is done by checking 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 hold a UK provisional licence and want to take a car, motorbike or bus/lorry practical test in Northern Ireland, you will need to be normally resident in the province. You must submit a DVA residency declaration form prior to booking your test to prove you are a resident of Northern Ireland. Check out the privacy notice of the DVA to find out how they manage any personal information you provide to them.
The first step is passing the theory test, which is conducted in two parts, an multiple choice section as well as the hazard perception portion. To pass Buy Category B Licence Online , the candidate must be able to answer correctly 43 out of 50 questions. The 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 in the vehicle of the candidate. If a candidate chooses to take their own vehicle, it must be roadworthy, have their L-plates on their back and front, valid insurance, and the original NCT disk (if applicable). If the examiner discovers any issues, such as lights or tyres not working, the test will be cancelled.
After passing the practical driving test, the candidate receives an award certificate that acts as an interim Category B licence for a period of two years. This allows them to get full insurance and drive, as well as purchase a vehicle before their permanent license arrives in the mail.
The driver must be accompanied by a fully qualified driver over the age of 21 for the duration of their two year provisional licence which they are able to keep for a maximum of two years. The applicant is able to take professional driving lessons with a licensed instructor and learn to drive on the motorway. This will enable them to get a full licence sooner than they otherwise would have been allowed.
The driving test could be canceled by the applicant who cancels at least three days in advance. If they fail to provide the required time they will not be entitled to a refund.
The fee for the driving test
A driving licence is legally valid document that permits the holder to operate 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 NDLS (National Driving Licence Service).
When applying for a NI driving licence you must provide some form of evidence of your identity like an identity card or passport. UK birth certificate. Additionally, you will need to take a photo and sign the application form. These requirements are in place to ensure that only drivers who meet the minimum standards of driving in Northern Ireland are granted a license.
The applicants may be required to undergo an examination to determine their medical condition, based on their age and medical condition. The NDLS can provide more details on the subject if you're not sure whether you'll need medical reports.
The NDLS offers a variety of exemptions to these requirements. To apply for an exemption, you must submit an official medical report from your doctor.
Once you have submitted the necessary documents, you can make 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 provide a digital signature and your photograph taken. You will be given a the photocopy to keep in your vehicle for reference if you are stopped by the police.
You will also need to use a representative vehicle for your test. The vehicle must be roadworthy, have an active NCT disc for the front and rear and insurance cover, as well as original motor tax disks.
It is advised to schedule your driving test in advance. It is important to make your test reservations as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for some tests. The NDLS also provides a telephone booking service that can be useful for those who do not want to travel long distances to an testing center. The service can be reached by calling 028 902 0410. The fee for the driving test in Northern Ireland is PS85 for car, motorcycle or moped and PS80 for taxis and PS87 for lorry and bus drivers.