--- title: Licence Requirements --- # Licence Requirements ## Driving Laws in Northern Ireland Driving laws and licensing processes are not always the same in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. For example, vehicles in Great Britain must pass an MOT test three years after their first registration, whereas in Northern Ireland the first MOT is required after four years. If you drive in Northern Ireland, always check the **NI Direct** website for the latest information and guidance on driving laws and requirements: [nidirect.gov.uk](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/) ## Your Driving Licence Driving any vehicle comes with legal responsibilities. Some requirements must be met before you begin driving on public roads, and others apply once you’ve started driving. To drive a vehicle, you must hold one of the following for the relevant category: - A valid **provisional driving licence** - A valid **full driving licence** In certain circumstances, you may also drive with: - A **signed, valid International Driving Permit (IDP)** - A **full driving licence** issued outside the UK ## Age Requirements You must be **at least 17 years old** to drive a car. However, you may drive from **age 16** if you receive, or have applied for, the **enhanced rate of the mobility component**of **Personal Independence Payment (PIP)**. ## Updating Your Licence Details If you change your **name** or **address**, you must update your driving licence. You can do this: - **Online** at [www.gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/) - By post: complete the details on your licence and send it to **DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN** (or to the **DVA** if you live in Northern Ireland). ## Applying for a Licence Before you can drive on public roads, you must hold a **valid provisional driving licence**. Licences are issued by the **Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)** in Great Britain and by the **Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA)** in Northern Ireland. You can apply: - **Online** at [www.gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/) - **By post**, using: - Form **D1** (available from [www.gov.uk ](https://www.gov.uk/)or selected post offices) - In Northern Ireland, use form **DL1** (available from [nidirect.gov.uk/motoring](https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/motoring)) Include passport-style photographs, as all provisional licences are now photocard licences. Once you receive your licence, check all details are correct before driving. **Contact details:** - DVLA: 0300 790 6801 - DVA (NI): 0300 200 7861 ## L Plates (D Plates in Wales) You must display **L plates** (or **D plates** in Wales) that meet legal specifications and are clearly visible from both the front and rear of the vehicle. If the vehicle is not being driven by a learner, these plates must be **removed or covered**. ## Accompanying Driver When learning to drive, you must be accompanied by someone who: - Is **at least 21 years old**, and - Has held a **full EC/EEA driving licence** for the same type of vehicle (manual or automatic) for at least **3 years**. ## Motorway Driving Learner drivers can take driving lessons on **motorways**, but only when: - Accompanied by an **approved driving instructor (ADI)**, and - Driving a **dual-controlled car** clearly displaying **L plates**. ## Obtaining Your Full Licence To gain your full licence, you must: 1. Pass a **theory test**, then 2. Pass a **practical driving test** for the vehicle category you wish to drive. Once you’ve passed, you can drive unaccompanied. Your **Category B (car) licence** allows you to drive: - Vehicles up to **3,500 kg maximum authorised mass (MAM)** with up to **8 passenger seats**, - **Trailers** up to **3,500 kg MAM**, if you passed your test on or after **1 January 1997**, - **Light vans** up to **3.5 tonnes MAM**, and - **Alternatively fuelled vehicles** up to **4.25 tonnes**, after completing at least **5 hours of additional training** (see [lgvinstructorregister.com](https://lgvinstructorregister.com/) or [lgvregister.org.uk](https://lgvregister.org.uk/) for providers). If you passed your test in an **automatic vehicle**, you may only drive **automatic Category B vehicles**. Different **speed limits** apply to vans, car-derived vans, and dual-purpose vehicles weighing more than **2 tonnes**. ## Electronic Driver Record Your driving record, including vehicle entitlements, penalty points, and bans, is stored electronically. You can view or share your record at: [www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence](https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence) You can generate a **‘check code’** to share with employers, insurers, or car hire companies. > Note: Paper licences issued before the introduction of photocard licences in 1998 remain valid. ## Visitors and New Residents Visitors or new residents with a valid **EC/EEA licence** can drive cars or motorcycles in Great Britain until they reach **70 years old** or for **three years after becoming a resident**—whichever is longer. If your EC/EEA licence was issued in exchange for a non-EC/EEA licence, it is valid for **12 months**. Drivers from **outside the EC/EEA** can drive for up to **12 months** from the date they entered or became resident in the UK. After that, a **full British licence** is required. If you’re from a **designated country**, you can exchange your licence for a British one within **five years** of becoming a resident. Otherwise, you must apply for a **provisional licence** and pass the **UK driving test**. > Different rules apply for lorry, bus, or minibus drivers. Check [www.gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/) for details. ## Renewing Your Licence You must renew your **photocard licence every 10 years**. A reminder will be sent before it expires. You can renew: - **Online** at [www.gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/) - **At a participating post office** ([postoffice.co.uk/identity/renew-driving-licence](https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/renew-driving-licence)) - **By post** (see [www.gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/) for details). Online applications usually take about **one week**. ## Drivers Aged 70 or Over When you reach **70**, you must renew your driving licence — and every **3 years** thereafter. You can renew: - **Online** at [www.gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/) — free of charge, or - **By post** using a **D46P form**, which is sent automatically 90 days before your 70th birthday. If you don’t receive it, you can use a **D1 form**, available from most post offices. #### QUICK NAVIGATION [ BACK TO CHAPTER ](https://www.drivedrivingschool.co.uk/driving-skills/the-driver-the-law?hsLang=en-gb)