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 DVLA.
New online driver licensing services are now available. They include renewing a license, changing address details and ordering duplicate licences.
How do you apply for your Northern Ireland driving licence
If you're driving a vehicle in Northern Ireland, you must possess a valid driver's license. The Road Traffic Act of 1988 requires this. You can apply for a license at your local NDLS center or online. The process is easy and straightforward.
You will receive an email confirmation once you have submitted your application. This will include the reference number along with your postal address. This will be useful when you submit eye-sight reports, medical reports, report, or other documents that remain unfinished. You should also keep this receipt handy when you need to make payments or contact the NDLS in the future.
The NDLS site also offers medical fitness guidelines and forms to drivers who suffer from certain driving or health issues. In some instances, you may need to take a test again if you have a medical issue that affects your driving abilities. It is also recommended to go through the driving information booklets and talk to your doctor if you have any questions regarding your health or driving.
License holders in EU and EEA countries who have a mutual arrangement with Ireland can exchange their licence for one that is an Irish one. The list of recognized states on the NDLS website. Frontier workers (such as those who work on a temporary basis for a company in the Republic of Ireland or the UK) are not required to exchange their licenses when they return frequently and are not registered as residents elsewhere.
The NI driving license is a document with 8 digits that identifies the owner. The first two digits represent the vehicle class and the following six digits are unique serial numbers. The last two numbers are a computer-generated check number that grows by 1 for each new licence issued. Each license holder is given a unique driving permit number that must be displayed on the windscreen.
The NDLS has been working on developing new driver licensing systems for digital devices that allow you to apply online for your license. These services will allow you to renew your licence as well as change your address and request a duplicate driving licence. Online booking of a theory exam or an appointment with your local NDLS is also possible. Before, these services were only available in person.
Driving licence requirements in Northern Ireland
A driving licence is a legal document that identifies you as a driver, and allows you to drive motor vehicles on public roads. In the UK, driving licences are administered by the DVLA and in Northern Ireland, by the Driver & Vehicle Agency. The driving license comprises two parts: the plastic photocard and the paper counterpart. The photocard has your picture and signature. The paper counterpart contains information about you including your driving record. Both documents must be kept together. When you drive, you must carry 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 passengers and children under the age of three must be restrained in child seats or booster seats. It is also illegal to use a mobile while driving, unless operated hands-free. Always keep to the speed limit, and pay attention to the road.
To be able to obtain a driving license in Northern Ireland, you must be at least 16 years of age. Before you can pass your test for driving proficiency, you must pass the theory test as well as the hazard perception test. To be prepared for the test, take 20 to 40 hours of driving lessons. You can also practice with free online resources, including the practice test that you can download and hazard perception videos. Before taking your driving test, you must also read the Highway Code.
In certain situations when you're a citizen of an EU country, you can exchange your driving licence for an Irish license. It's crucial to ensure that you are aware of the specific rules applicable to your country on the NDLS website. You must also possess a valid passport as well as proof of residency.
The driving licenses issued in Northern Ireland are similar to those of the UK with a picture and expiry 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 where the licence was issued, and the last two digits represent the computer check number.
Fees for a Northern Ireland driving licence
The Driver and Vehicle Agency charges fees for a variety of services relating to driving licenses. These include renewals or exchange, as well as replacements. You can pay with cheque, cash or postal order. You must make cheques payable to DVA. If you pay by cheque or postal order, write your name and driver's number (if known) on the reverse of the payment method. DVA offers the Secure Document Return Service, that will forward all supporting documents via Royal Mail Special Delivery. It costs you an additional PS7.
In Northern Ireland you must always be armed with a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Also, you must wear a seatbelt and adhere to speed limits. The drink driving limit is 20mg/100ml of blood or 27mg per 100ml of breath if are a learner permit holder or are a new full-time driver.
Renewals can be completed online, via post or in person. The online service is fast and simple and you can make use of it to change your address or even your photo. You can determine whether you have penalty points on your driving license. You can even get an online vehicle inspection for free. However, you must first complete a mandate form and return it to Verifile before you can utilize this service.
If you are a new driver, you must take six essential driver training (EDT) lessons before you are able to drive. You must also pass a theory test and practical driving test to obtain your driver licence. You also need to provide proof of your identity and pass a health test. You will also have to pay a fee in order to apply for a license.
Northern Ireland charges higher fees for a license than Great Britain. However the Department of Environment has launched a consultation on reducing the cost of driving licences. The DVA will look into the charges for driving tests and will also consider cutting down on the cost of a driving license.
The cost of a Northern Island driving licence depends on the type and if it is updated online or through post. To renew your driving license online through the DVLA, you must have 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 change your address or photograph on your driving licence, you must pay the fee of PS14 online or PS17 via post.
How to apply for a driving licence in Northern Ireland
Anyone who wants to drive in Northern Ireland must carry a valid driving licence at all times while driving. The laws for driving are similar to those of the UK and Europe, but there are some differences, such as that speed limit and distance signs are in kilometres and drivers must wear seatbelts at all times. Drivers also need to carry a breakdown membership card and motor vehicle insurance documents. In addition, drivers must be aware of the minimum age for driving (i.e. 17 years for automobiles, 18 years for minibuses, and 24 years for large vehicles, such as buses).
The driving licence application is available from the NDLS site or any other main Post Office branch. Buy C1 E License Online for an application is PS10 and includes the returning the supporting documents via second class mail. It is recommended to mail an envelope that is pre-paid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope to ensure that your documents will arrive safely. DVA is not responsible for any loss or delays that might result of sending your application through ordinary postal.
You must submit a valid medical report along with the DL2 form when you apply for a new license. This will confirm that you are qualified to drive. If you are unsure you are, it is essential to consult your doctor. If you are told not to drive, you must follow the advice of your doctor.
It is possible to exchange a licence from a 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 transferring licences from a foreign country can take up to three months. However, you'll still be able to drive while the NDLS examines your application.
If you own a European Union (EU), or European Economic Area, (EEA), licence, then you are able to exchange it for an Irish licence after the validity period indicated at 4b of the plastic card portion of your license is over. When you apply for NDLS you will be issued an invoice that you must carry at all times.