Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
No. You must first obtain a valid provisional licence and then obey learner-driver restrictions.
A new driver who reaches six points within the relevant two-year probationary period can lose the licence and must requalify.
Yes. Penalty points can be added to a provisional licence before you pass your test.
In limited circumstances, yes, including certain mobility-benefit cases; otherwise normal car entitlement begins at 17.
You can apply up to two months before your 17th birthday, but the car entitlement does not take effect until the qualifying age.
Yes. nidirect recommends applying early so the replacement arrives before the current licence expires.
DVA may send a reminder around two months before expiry, but you remain responsible for renewing on time.
A standard car, motorcycle or tractor licence normally expires every 10 years, subject to age and medical exceptions.
If it is close to expiry, nidirect may direct you to renew rather than use the normal address-change process.
No. nidirect says a change of name cannot be completed through the online address-change service.
No. DVA can only record a Northern Ireland address on a Northern Ireland driving licence.
Yes. You must keep the address on your Northern Ireland driving licence up to date.
