Organization : Nidirect
Type of Facility : Applying For Provisional Driving Licence
Country: Northern Ireland
Applying For Provisional Driving Licence:
Before you learn to drive you must apply for a provisional driving licence. If you already hold a valid full driving licence and want to add a higher category you must apply for provisional entitlement to this category
Related : Nidirect Renewing Your Driving Licence Northern Ireland : www.statusin.org/9232.html
Be alert to unofficial websites offering online driver licensing. You cannot apply for a Northern Ireland driving licence online.
Applying for provisional entitlement for car, motorcycle or moped:
You can apply for your provisional driving licence by completing the DL1 application form which is available from main Post Office® branches or MOT test centres.
You will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £62.50.
Send your completed application and payment to:
Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA)
Driver Licensing
Coleraine County Hall
Castlerock Road
Waterside
Coleraine
BT51 3TB
Alternatively you may submit your application at any one of the seven MOT test centres that provide a checking service. The test centres offering this service are situated in Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast , Downpatrick, Enniskillen, Londonderry (New Buildings) and Omagh or Coleraine County Hall.
The provisional licence, has a green plastic photocard and a green and pink paper counterpart. Further information is available in the information leaflet below.
Applying for provisional entitlement for larger vehicles, buses or minibuses:
If you currently hold a valid full licence and want to add provisional entitlement to drive large vehicles, minibuses or buses you must complete the DL1 application form and the medical report form DLM1. These are available from main Post Office® branches or MOT test centres.
The DLM1 must be completed by a doctor and you should ensure that all the relevant questions are answered. The doctor will normally charge you for completing the report and those registered for VAT are also required to charge the current rate on top of their fee.
Following a change in driver licensing regulations, anyone who is under insulin control for their diabetes or has diabetes treated by tablets in the Sulphonylurea or Glinide class, may apply for or renew vocational entitlements to drive categories C1, C1E, D1, D1E, C, CE, D or DE.
If you are applying for a passenger-carrying vehicle entitlement (PCV), that is minibuses or buses, a Basic Disclosure Certificate is also required. Further information on the Basic Disclosure Certificate is available at the link below:
You will also need to send a passport style colour photograph, your current driving licence and the fee of £20*
* Payable upon application for your first provisional entitlement in category C, and your first provisional entitlement in category D.
The address to send this information is:
DVA
Driver Licensing
Coleraine County Hall
Castlerock Road
Waterside
Coleraine
BT51 3TB
Return of supporting documents:
The driving licence fee includes return of your supporting documents (where applicable) by second class post. If you would like your supporting documents returned by secure delivery, please supply an appropriate pre-paid special delivery envelope.
Please Note – Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) will not provide compensation for any loss or delay resulting from the use of second class post.
When to expect your licence:
The DVA aims to deliver your driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It will take longer if your health or personal details have to be checked.
You will need to wait for your new licence to arrive before driving. Please allow at least three weeks for your licence to arrive before contacting the DVA.
What if you do not receive your licence:
If your driving licence has not been delivered within four weeks you should contact DVA enquiries section.
If you don’t inform DVA within eight weeks that your licence has not arrived, you will have to apply for a duplicate licence and pay the relevant fee.