Use this guide to work out whether you need a DL1, DL2 or DLM1 and whether you can complete your application online instead of using a paper form.
DL1 is the main paper application form for ordinary Northern Ireland driving licences.
DL2 is the paper application form used for goods-vehicle and passenger-carrying-vehicle licensing.
DLM1 is the medical report used where the higher medical standards for lorry, bus or certain retained entitlements apply.
Many ordinary applications can now be completed through the official nidirect online services without obtaining a paper form first.
Use DL1 for ordinary driving licences, including relevant applications involving cars, motorcycles and tractors.
The official DVA guidance says the DL1 paper form is available from main Post Office branches. It is not an official downloadable blank PDF, so PureCar does not host or link to unofficial copied versions.
Depending on what you are doing, an official online application may be available instead.
DL2 is for goods-vehicle and passenger-carrying-vehicle applications. It is used when applying for relevant lorry, bus or minibus entitlements and cannot be used as the ordinary car/motorcycle/tractor application form.
The official guidance says DL2 forms are available from main Post Office branches.
When adding provisional entitlement for large vehicles, minibuses or buses, a DLM1 medical report is also required.
DLM1 is different from DL1 and DL2 because the DVA publishes an official downloadable DLM1 medical-report PDF.
It is used for relevant Group 2 lorry/bus licensing and in certain cases where a driver wants to retain higher-category entitlement, including some C1/D1 situations.
The medical report must be completed as required by the DVA. A doctor may charge a separate fee for completing it.
Northern Ireland has official online services for several common licence tasks, including applying for a provisional licence, renewing a licence, replacing a lost or stolen licence and changing an address.
For example, nidirect states that online renewal is faster than postal renewal. If the online service accepts your application, you do not need to obtain DL1 or DL2 simply because a paper version exists.
Driving-licence forms and medical requirements can change. PureCar does not mirror unofficial DL1 or DL2 PDFs because an old copy could result in an incorrect application.
Use the current Post Office form or the current official nidirect service. Where DLM1 is downloadable, use the PDF supplied directly by nidirect.
Apply, renew, update your details or understand the information shown on your licence.
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