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Codes & restrictions

Northern Ireland Driving Licence Codes Explained

The numbers printed against an entitlement can show restrictions, adaptations or other information that applies to your driving licence.

Common codes

Codes drivers commonly want to understand.

01 — eyesight correction

Indicates an eyesight-related requirement such as correction while driving.

78 — automatic transmission

Restricts the relevant entitlement to vehicles with automatic transmission.

70 — exchange of licence

An information code associated with an entitlement obtained through a licence exchange.

71 — duplicate of licence

An information code associated with a duplicate licence.

Adaptations

Codes can also identify vehicle adaptations.

The official NI list contains codes for modified transmissions, clutches, braking systems, accelerators, steering, mirrors, seats and motorcycle adaptations.

Always interpret a code together with the vehicle category and any accompanying numbers shown on your own licence.

Important

Do not guess what a restriction means.

If a code on your licence is unclear, check it against the current official DVA/nidirect code list before driving a vehicle that may fall outside your entitlement.

Driving Licence NI

More Northern Ireland driving licence guides.

Apply, renew, update your details or understand the information shown on your licence.

View licence hub →
Independent Northern Ireland guidance. PureCar is not DVA or nidirect. Always check the official service before submitting a driving-licence application.
Check official guidance →
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