Buy a Driving Licence Online
A driving licence is a legal document that allows a person to drive motor vehicles. In England, Scotland and Wales, it is issued by DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland).
New online driver licensing services are now available. These include renewing a licence or changing the address details, as well as ordering duplicate licences.
How do I apply for a driving licence in Northern Ireland
If you are driving any vehicle in Northern Ireland, you must have a valid driver's license. The Road Traffic Act of 1988 requires this. You can apply for a licence at your local NDLS center or online. The process is simple and easy.
You will receive an email notification once you have submitted your application. This will include your reference number and your address. This is useful if you submit eye-sight or medical reports, or other documents that are still in the process of being completed. This receipt is also useful in case you need to call the NDLS or make a payment in the near future.
The NDLS website also has guidelines for medical fitness and forms for drivers suffering from particular health or driving issues. In certain situations you may have to take a test again if you suffer from a medical condition that could affect your driving. If you have any concerns regarding your health or driving, you should consult your physician or read the information leaflets on driving.
Licence holders from EU countries and EEA countries who have an agreement for mutual recognition with Ireland can exchange their licence for an Irish licence. You can find the list of recognized states on the NDLS website. Frontier workers (such as those who work for an employer in the Republic of Ireland or the UK) are not required to change their licenses, provided they return regularly and are not registered as resident elsewhere.
The NI driving licence is a document with 8 digits that can identify the driver. The first two digits represent the vehicle's class, and the next six are a unique serial number. The last two digits are a computer check number that grows by 1 for each new licence issued. Each holder of a licence is given a unique driving permit number that must be displayed on the windscreen.
The NDLS is currently developing new digital driver licensing services that allow you to apply for your driver's license online. These services include the ability for you to renew your license and change your address and order a duplicate licence. Online booking of a theory exam or an appointment with your local NDLS is also possible. The services were previously only available in person.
Driving license requirements in Northern Ireland
A driving license is a legal document that is used to identify a driver as well being a permit to drive motor vehicles on public roads. In the UK the driving licence is administered by the DVLA and in Northern Ireland by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). The driving licence comprises two parts, the plastic photocard and a paper counterpart. The photocard is a representation of your image and signature. The paper counterpart has details about you, including your driving record. Both documents must be kept in one place at all time. You must carry your license with you when you drive.
In Northern Ireland drivers drive on the right side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants and children under the age of three must be restrained in child seats or booster seats. It is also illegal to use a mobile phone while driving, unless it's operated hands-free. You should always keep the speed limit and keep your eyes on the road.
You must be at least 16 years old to get a Northern Ireland driving license. Before you can pass your driving test, you must pass the theory test and the hazard perception test. You must take 20-40 hours of driving instruction to feel ready for the test. You can also practice using free online resources, including an online practice test for theory and hazard perception videos. Before taking your driving test, you should also go through the Highway Code.
In certain situations, if you are a citizen of an EU country you can exchange your driving licence for an Irish license. It's important to verify the specific rules for your country on the NDLS site. You must also possess an active passport and proof of residency.
Northern Ireland driving licences are similar to the UK's and include a photo of the driver as well as an expiration date. The first digit on the licence differs from the one used in GB. It indicates the driving category. The next number identifies the country in which the license was issued, while the last two digits are a computer check number.
Fees for a Northern Ireland driving licence
The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) charges fees for a variety of services for driving licences. The DVA charges fees for a variety of services, including renewal or exchange, as well as replacements. You can pay in cash, cheque or postal order. Cheques must be made payable to DVA. If you are paying by postal order or cheque, please write your name (if known) and driver number on the reverse. Buy Category B Licence Online offers a Secure Document Return service, which will deliver your documents supporting them by Royal Mail special delivery. This will cost an extra PS7.
In Northern Ireland, you must always carry a valid driving licence and proof of insurance. Speed limits and seatbelts are also required. The limit for driving under the influence is 20mg of alcohol per 100ml blood or 27mg alcohol per 100ml breath if you are a learner's permit holder or are a new driver.
Renewals can be made online, via post or in person. The online service is fast and simple, and you can make changes to your address or even your photo. You can also check whether you have penalty points on your driving license. You can even get a free online vehicle check. However, you must first fill in an authorization form and submit it to Verifile before you can utilize this service.
If you are a brand-new driver, you need to take six driver education (EDT) lessons before you can drive. To get your driving license you must pass both a theory and a practical test. You must also show identification proof and pass a medical exam. You will also need to pay a fee to apply for your license.
The costs for a driver's license in Northern Ireland are higher than the fees in Great Britain. However the Department of Environment has launched an open consultation to reduce these fees. The DVA will look into the charges for driving tests, in addition to cutting down on the cost of a driving license.
The cost of the Northern Island driving licence depends on the type and whether it is changed online or through post. To renew your driving license online with the DVLA you must possess an UK National Insurance number or passport. To be eligible to apply online you must also have a UK-based address and not disqualified from driving. If you want to alter the address or photo of your driving license, then you be required to pay PS14 online or PS17 via post.
Where can I apply for a driver's licence in Northern Ireland
Anyone who wants to drive in Northern Ireland must carry a valid driving license at all times while driving. Driving laws in Northern Ireland are similar to those in the UK and Europe. However there are some distinctions. For instance speed and distance limits are shown in kilometres and drivers are required to wear seatbelts. Drivers also need to carry an account for breakdowns and motor vehicle insurance documents. Drivers should be aware of their minimum driving age. for automobiles the minimum age for driving is 17 years old, for minibuses, it's 18 years and for larger vehicles like buses, it's 24 years.
The driving licence application form is available on the NDLS website or at any main Post Office branch. The fee is PS10 and includes the return of supporting documents by second class post. It is recommended to send a pre-paid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope to ensure that your documents arrive safely. DVA is not accountable for any loss or delays that may occur as a result from sending the application by ordinary mail.
You must submit a current medical report along with the DL2 form when you apply for a new license. This is to confirm your fitness to drive. It is important to check with your physician if you are unsure. If you're advised not to drive, then you must follow the recommendations of your doctor.
It is possible to exchange a licence from an country that has an exchange agreement with the NDLS in the event that it is valid and contains all your licence entitlements. The process of exchanging licenses from a different country could take up to three months. However, you will still be able to drive during the time that the NDLS processes your application.
If you have an European Union (EU), or European Economic Area, (EEA) licence, you can only exchange it for an Irish licence after the validity period indicated at 4b of the plastic card portion of your license has expired. You will receive a receipt when you apply to the NDLS, which should be carried at all times.