How much is a provisional licence NI?

The costs to apply for a provisional licence in Northern Ireland is currently £62.50, not cheap when compared to the mainland.

How do I apply for provisional driving licence NI?

One of the many advantages of living in Northern Ireland are the wide open spaces and roads that are not constantly jammed with traffic. This is great for new drivers who need experience driving in order to pass and obtain a provisional driving licence. Below we have summarised the documents required to apply for your first driving licence, provisional until you pass your test.

Required Documentation

Price as of 2022 £62.50
Proof of Identity: Original documents
Passport size colour photo: This will need to be certified only if you do not send a passport as proof of identity. If you are sending a passport, you are NOT required to get the photo certified.
Completed DL1 form

Send your completed application and payment by post to DVLA, postal address bottom of page, please scrowl down.

What age can you learn to drive?

In Northern Ireland it is possible to apply for provisional driving licence on your 17th birthday, or 2 months before so that it should be available when you trun17th. Remember, if it arrives early, you still can not start to learn until your 17th birthday. The valid from date will be stated on your provisional licence. With NIDirect you may apply and pay online or pickup a form from the local post office or MOT centre.

How long does it take?

The DVLA advise that the average waiting time from them receiving your application to sending out your provisional licence is 3 weeks. In some cases this can be longer, for example, should they need to check personal details. They advise all applicants to wait at least 4 weeks before making contact to follow up on application progress.

Can I drive while waiting for my provisional licence?

You are NOT permitted to drive until you receive your provisional licence and valid start date has been reached. In addition to holding a valid provisional licence, make sure that you have learner driver insurance NI and are covered to drive the car that you own or the family car.

Lost your NI driving licence?

How do I replace a lost provisional licence NI?

Since 2018 it has been possible to apply for a replacement provisional licence online via the DVLA website, for a licence that has lost, damaged or destroyed.

Apply for Replacement →