Straight answers to practical questions about driving, travelling, parking and getting around Northern Ireland.
Yes. Northern Ireland licences still consist of a photocard and a paper counterpart.
You still need to apply for a replacement because the paper counterpart is part of the Northern Ireland driving licence.
Not if it has expired or is within two months of expiry; in that situation you must renew it instead.
Yes. DVA provides an online service to replace a lost, stolen or destroyed Northern Ireland driving licence.
You receive feedback on the multiple-choice topics you got wrong and a summary of your hazard-perception performance.
Yes. DVA can provide additional time for eligible candidates with reading difficulties or other special requirements.
It can be issued automatically after a digitally recorded test if DVA's conditions for automatic issue are met.
You can receive the result by email if you provide an email address and the test is recorded using the examiner's tablet system.
DVA lists reversing around a corner, turning in the road and reverse parking as possible reversing exercises, plus an emergency stop exercise.
Yes. Part of the practical test requires you to drive independently by following signs, directions or both.
No. Getting one or both car safety questions wrong is recorded as one driving fault, not an automatic fail.
The examiner asks two vehicle safety questions: one show me question and one tell me question.
The practical test will not continue if the examiner confirms that you cannot meet the eyesight standard.
You must read a vehicle number plate from the required distance before the practical test continues.
One serious fault is enough to fail the practical driving test.
You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass, but one serious or dangerous fault causes a fail.
The driving part is about 40 minutes, alongside an eyesight check and vehicle safety questions.
You need to apply for a replacement and may have to rearrange the theory test if it does not arrive in time.
You need the driving licence documents required by DVA and any original evidence needed if your details changed after booking.
No. Mobile phones and other personal electronic devices must be left outside the testing room, normally in a locker.
DVA advises arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled theory test time.
You can book another test the next day, but you cannot take it until at least three clear working days have passed.
You fail the whole theory test and must retake both the multiple-choice and hazard-perception parts.
No. From 1 October 2026, Category B candidates need a Northern Ireland provisional licence to book or take the test in Northern Ireland.
You need a valid UK driving licence with a Northern Ireland address, a valid email address and a payment card.
Yes, if you give DVA at least three clear working days' notice you can cancel and receive a full refund.
Yes. You can reschedule a theory test if you give DVA at least three clear working days' notice.
Yes. Learner drivers must pass the relevant theory test before booking the practical test.
A theory test certificate is valid for two years from the date you pass.
You need 43 correct answers out of 50 in the multiple-choice section, and you must also pass hazard perception.
