Buy a Driving Licence Online
A driving license is an official document that permits an individual to drive motor vehicles. In England, Scotland, and Wales, the driving licence is issued by the DVLA.
New online services for driver licensing are now available. They include renewing your license change your address, and purchasing duplicate licenses.
How to apply for your Northern Ireland driving licence
If you're driving a vehicle in Northern Ireland, you must have a valid driver's licence. The Road Traffic Act of 1988 requires this. You are able to apply for a licence at your local NDLS center or online. The process is simple and straightforward.
After you've submitted your application, you will receive an email with your reference number and postal address. This will be helpful if you submit eye-sight reports, medical reports, report, or other documents that are still unfinished. You should keep this receipt on hand in case you have to pay or contact the NDLS in the future.
The NDLS site also offers medical fitness guidelines and forms to drivers with certain driving and/or health issues. In some cases, you may need to take a retest in case you suffer from a medical condition that affects your driving abilities. If you are concerned about your health and driving, you should consult your physician or read the driving information leaflets.
Licence holders in EU and EEA nations who have a mutual arrangement with Ireland may exchange their license to one that is an Irish one. The list of recognized states is available on the NDLS website. Frontier workers (such those who work for an employer in Ireland or the UK), are not legally required to change their licenses so long they return frequently and are not registered as residents of another state.
The NI driving license is an 8-digit document that identifies the owner. The first two digits represent the vehicle's class, and the next six digits are unique serial numbers. The last two digits represent a computer check that increases by one for each new licence. Each license holder also gets a unique driving permit number that must be displayed on the windscreen.
The NDLS is currently working on new digital driver licensing services that will permit you to apply for your driver's license online. These services will include the ability to renew your licence as well as change your address and request a duplicate driving licence. Online booking of a test or an appointment with your local NDLS is also possible. Previously the services were only available in person.
Driving licence requirements in Northern Ireland
A driving license is an official document which is used to identify a driver as well as allowing them to drive motor vehicles on public highways. In the UK, a driving licence is administered by the DVLA, and in Northern Ireland by the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA). The driving licence is comprised of two parts that are a plastic photocard and an accompanying paper. The photocard includes your signature as well as an image. The paper counterpart is filled with details about you, including your driving history. Both documents must be kept together. When you drive, you must carry your license on you.
In Northern Ireland drivers drive on the right side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants and children younger than three must be restrained in child seats or booster seats. It is not legal to use a cellphone while driving unless you are using it hands-free. Always keep to the speed limit, and be attentive to the road.
You must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for a Northern Ireland driving license. Before you can pass your test for driving proficiency, you must pass the theory test and hazard perception test. To prepare for the test, complete 20-40 hours worth of driving lessons. You can also practice using free online resources such as an online test on theory and a video on hazard perception. You should also study the Highway Code before taking your driving test.
In certain circumstances, if you are a citizen of an EU country you can swap your driving license in exchange for an Irish license. It's crucial to verify the specific rules of your country on the NDLS website. You must also possess a valid passport as well as evidence of your residence.
Northern Ireland driving licences are similar to UK's licences licenses, and come with a photograph 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 category of driving. The next number identifies the country in which the license was issued, while the last two digits represent a computer check number.
Fees for a driving licence in Northern Ireland
The Driver and Vehicle Agency charges fees for a variety services that are related to driving licences. These include renewal exchanges, replacements, and exchanges. You can pay cash, by cheque or by postal order. Cheques should be made payable to DVA. If you pay by cheque or postal order include your name and driver's number (if known) on the back of the payment method. DVA offers the Secure Document Return Service, which will deliver all supporting documents via Royal Mail Special Delivery. It will cost an additional PS7.
In Northern Ireland you must always carry a valid driving license and proof of insurance. Also, you must wear a seatbelt and obey speed limits. The limit for drink driving is 20mg/100ml of blood or 27mg for every 100ml of breath if are a learner permit holder or a new full-time driver.
Renewals can be done online, by post or in person. The online service is fast and simple and you can use it to change your address or photo. You can also check whether you have penalty points on your driving licence. You can even get a free online vehicle check. But, you must fill out a mandate form and return it to Verifile before you can utilize this service.
If you are a new driver, you need to take six essential driver training (EDT) lessons before you can drive. To get your driver's license, you must also pass both a theory and a practical test. You must also provide proof of your identity and pass a health test. You will also have to pay a fee to apply for a licence.
The costs for a driver's license in Northern Ireland are higher than the fees in Great Britain. The Department of Environment launched a consultation to reduce these costs. In addition to a reduction in the costs of the driving licence, the DVA will also be reviewing the cost of driving tests.
The cost of a Northern Island driving licence depends on the type and whether it is updated online or via post. You must have a UK passport or National Insurance number to renew your driving licence online with the DVLA. You must also have a UK address and not be banned from driving in order to be eligible for an online application. If you wish to change the address or photo on your driving license, you'll need to pay PS14 online or PS17 by post.
Where can I apply for a driving licence in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland requires that all drivers carry a valid driving licence at all times. The laws for driving in Northern Ireland are similar to those in the UK and Europe. However there are some distinctions. For example speed and distance limits are shown in kilometres and drivers must wear seatbelts. Drivers also need to carry a breakdown membership card and motor insurance papers for their vehicle. Drivers should be aware of their age for driving. For More to drive is 17 years, for minibuses, it's 18 and for larger vehicles like buses, it's 24 years.
The driving licence application is available through the NDLS site or any other main Post Office branch. The cost is PS10 and includes the return of supporting documentation via second class post. Sending a pre-paid Royal Mail special delivery envelope will ensure that your documents are delivered safely. DVA cannot be held responsible for any delay or loss that may result from sending the application via regular post.
If you are applying for a new licence you must submit a current medical report along with the DL2 application form. This is to confirm your ability to drive. If you are unsure, it is important to consult your physician. It is your responsibility to follow the advice of your doctor if you are advised not to drive.
It is possible to exchange a licence from an country that has a recognised exchange agreement with the NDLS as long as it is valid and includes all of your licence rights. The process of exchanging licenses from a different country could take up to three months. However, you'll still be able to drive as the NDLS process your application.
If you have an European Union (EU), or European Economic Area, (EEA), licence, then you can only exchange it for an Irish license once the validity period indicated at 4b of the plastic card portion of your license is over. When you apply for the NDLS you will be issued an invoice that you must carry at all times.