How to Buy a Driving Licence in Northern Ireland
Car insurance for Northern Ireland drivers in Britain may seem daunting but it's more straightforward than you think. Knowing the eligibility requirements, choosing the right insurer and understanding specific advantages is the key to success.
The licenses issued in Northern Ireland are laminated plastic cards like European licenses. They display the photo of the bearer, their name (in Latin or Cyrillic) as well as their address of residence, categories allowed and signature.
How to apply for a driving license
A NI driving license is composed of two parts: the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. A new driver can obtain a photocard licence up until the day before their 17th birthday. However, they are not able to drive until the date of their birth. A new driver must also pass a test of theory and practical driving test to get their full license.
You can submit your application online or by sending an application form to NDLS. You must submit a current passport-type photo in your application. If you apply online, it should take about a week to receive your new driving licence. If you apply via post it may take up to three weeks.
NDLS provides a range of information, tips and forms on its website for drivers. You can download an eye report (DL3 form) along with medical fitness guidance and forms, and health and driving information leaflets. Epilepsy sufferers are required to fill out the FEP1 questionnaire to inform NDLS about their condition.
You must always have your driving licence in the vehicle. Driving without a valid licence is illegal, and An Garda S could arrest you and fine you. ochana. If you are a frontier worker who regularly travels between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for work, you may be exempt from having exchange your EUor EEA driving license. The exemption applies if you are employed on a temporary basis and you return to your home country for the duration of your contract.
The driving department will contact you regarding renewing your licence at the time you reach the age of 70. This will happen approximately two months before the expiration date 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 license in the UK/NI region by filling out the DL1R renewal application form and submitting it to NDLS along with your current photocard.
License holders who aren't from the EEA or the UK must exchange their licenses in order to move to Ireland. However, if you have categories on your UK/NI licence indicating a bus or minibus with a trailer (category D1 and D1E) or a code that indicates that it is not intended for hire or reward, these codes are not transferable to an Irish driving licence.
The theory test
The test for theory comprises 50 questions pertaining to road signs and markings. The answers are displayed on the screen and you have to tick one of the options that best match the question. It is possible to alter your answer during the test, but you must be sure that you select the correct answer before you submit your answers. You could be awarded an amount of points based on your answers. Online DVSA mock tests allow you to practice your theory test. They are accessible on the DVSA website and some public libraries also stock them. You need to bring both parts of your driving licence (photocard and paper counterpart) to the theory test centre, and plan to arrive there 15 minutes earlier than the time indicated.
Online application is the quickest and easiest way to schedule your theory test. You can download an application form (pdf) from the NDLS website or get the form from an NDLS centre. You can also call the NDLS customer service to book your test over via phone or mail. If you want to reschedule or cancel your test, you must do so within 5 business days prior to your appointment date. You'll lose the fee for the test if you do not.
On the day of the test you'll need an ID with a valid photo. This could be an EU passport or a UK passport with a NI address. You can also use an electronic identity proof like the bank statement or a utility bill with your name and address on it.
It is recommended to make use of official RSA revision materials to improve your chances of passing the test. You can purchase the learning portal subscription, books, and CD-ROMs from RSA website or borrow the materials from your local library. Take a look at the latest version of the RSA Theory Test Questions.
You can request an interpreter or assistant to help you pass your theory test if you have any special requirements. This can be done by marking the appropriate box on your application for the theory test form (pdf). You can also request an Irish Sign Language interpreter by calling 0818 606 106.
The practical test
If you have a UK provisional license and would like to take a motorbike, car or bus/lorry theory or practical test in Northern Ireland, you will need to be normally resident in the province. You must fill out a DVA residency declaration form prior to scheduling your test to prove you are an resident of Northern Ireland. Visit the DVA's privacy notice to find out how they manage any personal information you send them.
The first step of 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 of the 50 questions. Candidates who pass the test are allowed to take the 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 opts to use their own vehicle, it must be roadworthy, have their L-plates displayed on the front and back, valid insurance and the original NCT disk (if applicable). The test is annulled if the examiner detects any flaws, such as malfunctioning lights and tyres.
After passing the test for practical driving, the candidate receives the pass certificate, which serves as a temporary Category B licence for two years. This permits them to drive, get full car insurance, and even purchase a vehicle before their permanent license arrives in the mail.
The driver must be accompanied by a fully competent driver who is at least the age of 21 during the period of their two year provisional licence which they are able to keep for a maximum of two years. click home page can take professional driving lessons with a qualified instructor and learn to drive on the motorway. This will enable them to get an official license earlier than they would have been able to.
The driving test can be cancelled if a candidate gives at least three working days of notice to cancel their appointment. If they fail to give the required time they will not be entitled to a refund.
The fee for the driving test
A driving licence is an official document that permits the holder to operate a motor vehicle on 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 an identification document when applying for an NI license. This could be a passport, or a UK Birth Certificate. You will also need to sign and take a photograph of your application. These requirements are in place to ensure that only drivers who meet the minimum requirements of driving in Northern Ireland are granted an license.
Applicants may have to undergo a medical examination depending on their medical health and age. If you're not sure if you will require medical records then the NDLS provides more details.
The NDLS offers a variety of exemptions to these requirements. To be eligible for an exemption, you will need to submit a medical report from your doctor.
After you have submitted the required documents, you can make your application at an NDLS center. The NDLS will use your documentation to verify your identity. You will be required to have your photo taken and endorsed digitally. You will be given a an image copy to keep in your vehicle to refer to if you're stopped by the police.
You will also be required to use a representative vehicle for your test. This vehicle must be roadworthy and include a valid NCT disc front and rear, an insurance cover and original motor tax discs.
Making your driving test reservations in advance is highly recommended. It is essential to book your test as soon as you can. There are waiting lists for certain tests. Learn Additional provides a telephone reservation service, which could be helpful for those who don't wish to travel long distances to an testing center. You can reach this service at 028 902 4410. The cost for the Northern Ireland driving test is PS85 for motorbikes, cars or mopeds; PS80 for taxis and PS87 for bus and lorry drivers.