Buy a Driving Licence Online
A driving license is a legal document that allows drivers to operate the motor vehicle. In England, Scotland and Wales, it is issued by the DVLA (or DVA in Northern Ireland).
Online driver licensing services are now available. They include renewing your license or changing your address as well as ordering duplicate licenses.
How do I apply for a driving license in Northern Ireland
You must possess a valid driver's license if you drive any vehicle in Northern Ireland. The Road Traffic Act of 1988 requires this. You can get a licence by submitting an application to your local NDLS center or online. The process is easy and straightforward.
Once you've submitted your application, you will receive an email with your reference number as well as your postal address. This will help you when submitting medical or eyesight reports or any other outstanding documents. You should also keep this receipt handy when you have to pay or contact the NDLS in the future.
The NDLS website also offers medical fitness guidelines and forms for drivers suffering from particular health or driving issues. In certain situations you may have to take a retest in case you have a medical issue that can affect your driving ability. If you have any concerns about your health and driving, it is recommended to consult your physician or read the driving information leaflets.
Licence holders from EU countries and EEA countries that have a mutual recognition agreement with Ireland can exchange their licences to get an Irish licence. The list of recognised states is available on the NDLS website. Workers who are considered to be border workers (such as those who work for a company in the Republic of Ireland or the UK) are not required to exchange their licences, provided they return regularly and are not registered as resident elsewhere.
The NI driving licence is an 8-digit document that can identify the driver. The first two digits represent the vehicle's class and the remaining six are a unique serial number. The last two digits are a computer check number that is increased by 1 for each new licence issued. Each licence holder also receives an unique number for their driving permit which must be displayed on the windscreen.
The NDLS has been working on new driver licensing systems for digital devices which will let you apply for your licence online. These services will include the ability to renew your licence, change your address and purchase a duplicate driver's licence. Online booking of a test or an appointment with your local NDLS is also possible. In the past they were only accessible in person.
Requirements for a driving licence in Northern Ireland
A driving licence is an official document that identifies you as a driver, and allows you to drive motor vehicles on public roads. In the UK, a 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 as well as a paper counterpart. The photocard has your signature and photo. The paper counterpart contains information about you including your driving record. Both documents should be kept together. When you drive, you must have your driver's license with you.
In Northern Ireland, drivers drive on the left hand side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants and children under the age of three years of age must be secured in booster or child seats. It is illegal to use a cellphone while driving unless you are using it hands-free. Always drive within the speed limit, and keep your attention on the road.
To get a driving licence in Northern Ireland, you must be at least 16 years old. old. Before you can pass your practical driving test, you must pass the theory test and the hazard perception test. It is recommended to take 20-40 hours of driving lessons to feel confident enough to pass the test. You can also practice using free online resources, including the practice test that you can download and hazard perception video. It is also recommended to read the Highway Code before taking your driving test.
If you're a resident of a different EU country, you may exchange your driver's license in exchange for an Irish licence in certain situations. It's important to verify the specific rules for your country on the NDLS website. You should also have a valid passport and proof of residency.
The driving licences in Northern Ireland are similar to those of the UK with a picture and expiry date. The first number on the licence differs from the one used in GB. It indicates the category of driving. The next digit indicates the country where the licence was issued, and the last two numbers are the computer check number.
Fees for the Northern Ireland driving licence
The Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) charges fees for a variety of driving licence services. These include renewals or exchange, as well as replacements. You can pay by cheque, cash or postal order. You must make cheques payable to DVA. If you are paying by postal order or cheque, be sure to write your name (if known) and driver's number on the back. DVA offers the Secure Document Return Service, that will forward all supporting documents by Royal Mail Special Delivery. This costs you an additional PS7.
In Northern Ireland you must always carry a valid driving license and proof of insurance. You are also required to wear a seatbelt and adhere to speed limits. The limit for driving under the influence is 20mg of alcohol per 100ml blood, or 27mg of alcohol per 100ml breath if you are a learner's permit holder or are a new driver.
Renewals can be made online, by mail or in person. The online service is fast and simple, and you can make changes to your address or photo. You can also check if you have penalty points on your driving license. You can even get an online vehicle check for free. But, you must fill out an authorization form and submit it to Verifile before you can use this service.
You must first take six EDT lessons if are a novice driver. You must also pass a theory test as well as a practical driving test to get your driver's license. You must also provide identification proof and pass a medical exam. You will also have to pay a fee to apply for a licence.
Northern Ireland charges higher fees for a license than Great Britain. The Department of Environment launched a consultation to cut these fees. The DVA will review the fees for driving tests in addition to reducing the cost of the driving license.
The fees for a driving licence in Northern Island depend on the type of license you have and whether you're changing it online or by post. To renew your driving license online through the DVLA you must possess an UK National Insurance number or passport. To be expressdrivinglicense to apply online, you must also have an address in the UK and be not disqualified from driving. If you wish to change your address or photograph on your driving license you must pay the fee of PS14 online or PS17 by post.
Where to apply for a driver's licence in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland requires that all drivers carry a valid licence in all times. The driving laws in Northern Ireland are similar to those in the UK and Europe. However there are some distinctions. For example speed limits and distance limits are shown in kilometres and drivers are required to wear seatbelts. Drivers must also have a breakdown membership card as well as motor vehicle insurance documents. In addition, drivers must be aware of the age at which they must drive minimum (i.e. for cars, the minimum driving age is 17 years old, for minibuses it's 18 years, and for large vehicles, like buses, it's 24 years.
The form for applying for a driving licence is available from the NDLS website or from any major Post Office branch. The cost of an application is PS10, which includes return of the supporting documentation by second class post. It is recommended to send an envelope that is pre-paid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope to ensure that your documents arrive safely. DVA is not responsible for any delay or loss caused by sending the application by regular post.
When you apply for a new licence, you must attach a current medical report on the DL2 application form. This is to confirm that you are qualified to drive. It is important to check with your doctor if are uncertain. If you are told not to drive, you must follow the recommendations of your doctor.
It is possible to exchange a licence from the country that has a recognized exchange agreement with the NDLS as long as it is valid and contains all of your licence rights. The process of exchange licences from a foreign country can take as long as three months. However, you will still be able drive as the NDLS process your application.
If you have an European Union (EU), or European Economic Area, (EEA), licence, then you are able to exchange it for an Irish licence after the validity period listed at 4b of the plastic card portion of your licence is over. You will receive an invoice when you apply for the NDLS which must be carried with you at all times.