How to Get Your Northern Ireland Driving Licence

Apply for your provisional driving licence from DVLA (gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence). You can apply at 15 years 9 months — but you cannot drive until you are 17.

• Apply online at gov.uk — costs £34
• You need a valid UK passport or birth certificate
• Licence arrives within 1–3 weeks
• You must have the provisional licence before driving or booking your Theory Test

Book and pass the DVSA Theory Test. It has two parts — multiple choice (50 questions, pass mark 43) and hazard perception (14 clips, pass mark 44/75). You must pass both in the same sitting.

• Book at gov.uk/book-theory-test — costs £23
• Multiple choice: 50 questions, 57 minutes, pass mark 43/50
• Hazard perception: 14 video clips, pass mark 44/75
• Theory Test certificate is valid for 2 years
• Practise here on UKDriving.uk — it's completely free

Display L plates and practise driving with a qualified driver (over 21, full licence for 3+ years). There is no minimum number of hours required in the UK — it's about readiness, not hours.

• Display red L plates front and rear at all times
• Accompanied by a qualified supervisor (21+, full licence for 3+ years)
• No minimum hours — typically takes 40–50 hours of professional lessons
• No motorway driving for learners (unless in a car with dual controls with an approved driving instructor)
• No driving unaccompanied at any time on a provisional licence

Book and pass the DVSA practical driving test. The test lasts about 38–40 minutes and includes general driving, a manoeuvre, an independent driving section, and vehicle safety questions.

• Book at gov.uk/book-driving-test — costs £62 (weekday) or £75 (evening/weekend)
• Must be booked within 2 years of passing the Theory Test
• Test includes: eyesight check, "show me / tell me" questions, 38 mins driving
• Up to 15 minor faults allowed — 1 serious or dangerous fault = fail
• You may drive unaccompanied immediately after passing

After passing your practical test you receive a full licence. Remove L plates immediately. There are no P-plate restrictions in the UK — though some insurers recommend voluntary P plates for new drivers.

• Remove L plates immediately — you are a full licence holder
• No UK law requires P plates (they are optional)
• New drivers accumulate points faster in first 2 years — 6 points = licence revoked
• Consider Pass Plus — extra training that may reduce insurance premiums
• Minimum 6 penalty points in first 2 years returns you to provisional status