Adding a Test Pass
Once you have passed your driving test (both theory and practical), the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) will need to be told. Whether it's for a car, motorcycle, lorry or bus you should exchange your test pass certificate for a full licence/category as soon as possible.
You'll need to:
- complete the declaration on your test pass certificate
- send it, together with both parts of your driving licence (photocard and counterpart), document to DVA, Driver Licensing, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB .
you will also need to:
- submit a fee of £30.00 if you are upgrading from a provisional licence to a full licence, if your first provisional licence was issued before the 1st July 2004
If your name has changed since your last licence you'll also need to:
- complete a DL1 'application for a driving licence', which is available from main Post Office® branches, Local Vehicle Licensing Offices or MOT centres
- provide original documentation confirming your new name
Proof of residency
If you have obtained your provisional driving licence by providing identity documents other than a UK or ROI passport or birth certificate, you must provide DVA with two appropriate proofs of residency. One proof of residency must be dated between 6 months and 12months old, and the other one issued to you within the last 3 months, they must also be in your name and show your Northern Ireland address. The following documents that meet these requirements may be accepted -
- Utility Bill (e.g. Gas, Electric, Telephone (not mobile)
- Bank or Building Society statement (not credit card statement)
Paper driving licence
You'll need to:
- complete the declaration on your test pass certificate
- complete a DL1 'application for a driving licence', available from Post Office® branches, Local Vehicle Licensing Offices, MOT centres or by calling 0845 402 4000
- provide original documentation confirming your identity
- enclose a passport type photograph and your driving licence
Send all your documents to DVA, Driver Licensing, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB or use the checking service at DVA local offices.
Beware of the time limit!
You may exchange an NI test pass certificate on or after the 1st April 1991 at any time. However, a test pass certificate issued in Great Britain or Gibraltar is only valid for two years from the date of passing your test.
How long your licence will take to be returned
DVA aims to deliver your driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It'll take longer if they have to check on your health or personal details. Allow at least three weeks for your licence to arrive before contacting DVA.
For further information on photocard driving licences please try the link below:
Driving before your licence is returned
You can drive before you receive your licence as long as you:
- have held a Northern Ireland or Great Britain licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence
- have made a qualifying application for a licence
- aren't disqualified from driving
- haven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquiries
- wouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, check with your doctor)
- keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence
