If you’re starting to think about taking your driving test in Northern Ireland, you might be wondering how to book your test and what you should expect when you take the test. In this blog, we explain everything you need to know about taking a driving test in Northern Ireland.
How to book a theory test in Northern Ireland
Before you can take your practical driving test, you’ll need to pass your theory test. The easiest way to book your theory test is through NIDirect, but if you cannot apply online you can also do so over the phone – the number is 0345 600 6700. In order to apply, you’ll need:
- A valid UK provisional driving licence registered at an address in Northern Ireland
- A valid card for payment
- A valid email address to confirm the booking
It’s still mandatory to wear a face mask to your theory test.
You can also get extra support for your theory test if required, such as extra time or a voiceover (with headphones provided). Reasons you might require extra support can include difficulty reading or a disability. You can find out more about additional support when you book your theory test.
How much is a theory test?
Taking your theory test for a car is currently £23. You can find prices for other types of driving tests on the driving test fees page.
How to book a practical driving test in Northern Ireland
Like the theory test, you can book your practical driving test through the NIDirect website. Alternatively, you can call 0300 200 7862 to book. Test slots are released five months in advance, and some test centres might fill up more quickly than others, so it’s sometimes worth checking other centres if you’re struggling to book a slot at your chosen test centre.
To apply, you’ll need the following:
- Driving licence number
- Debit or credit card for payment
- Valid email address
You’ll also likely need your theory test certificate to hand, and you’ll usually need to be a Northern Ireland resident registered at an NI address.
How much is the practical test?
The practical driving test is £45.50 on a weekday and £62.50 for an evening or weekend slot. If you’re thinking of taking a test for a different type of vehicle, you can find a full list of fees on the NIDirect website.
What to expect on the day of your driving test
Once you’ve reached the test centre on the day of your test, you’ll need to bring your driving licence, your theory test pass certificate, your registration book, and an MOT disc if necessary. Your examiner will check through your paperwork and ask if you’d like someone to accompany you in the car during your test. This could be a family member, friend, or your instructor.
Once complete, you’ll need to perform an eyesight test and answer some safety questions – i.e. the show me, tell me questions – before starting the driving portion of your test, which usually lasts around 40 minutes.
Checking your eyesight
You’ll need to complete an eyesight test before you drive. Remember that if you fail this, you won’t be able to continue with your test, so it’s important that you wear any prescription glasses or contacts that you need to drive safely.
The examiner will ask you to read the number plate of a stationary car at a distance of approximately 20 to 20.5 metres away, depending on the size of the text on the number plate. You will get three chances to complete this part of the text so don’t panic if you’re not immediately able to read the numbers!
Show me, tell me questions
You’ll be asked one “show me” question and one “tell me” question before you start driving. These help the examiner understand whether you can carry out basic safety checks on the vehicle.
For the “show me” questions, you’ll need to show the examiner how to perform a specific safety check, and for the “tell me” questions, you can simply tell the examiner how you would perform the check.
If you answer one or both of the questions incorrectly, you’ll be given one driving fault. It’s a good idea to study the show me, tell me questions before your test. If you have a willing family member or friend, you could also run through the questions, performing the safety checks required for the “show me” questions to gain a better understanding of them.
The driving part of your test
Now that the initial checks are out of the way, you’ll be able to get in the car and start the driving portion of the test.
Like your driving lessons, you’ll need to follow the examiner’s directions so they can see how you drive on a wide range of roads and in different traffic conditions. Make sure to put everything you learned in your lessons to good practise.
Throughout the test, you’ll also be asked to perform one of the manoeuvres you’ve learned, such as:
- Reversing around a corner
- Making a U-turn
- Reverse parking into a bay or on a road
Independent driving
You’ll also be asked to drive around independently without directions from your examiner. The examiner will either give you a set of directions beforehand and show you a diagram of the route, or ask you to follow the traffic signs to a specific location.
How many minors can you get?
While taking the test, you can make up to 15 minors – anything above this will result in failing the test. This includes any minors you got from answering the show me, tell me questions incorrectly. Note that if you commit a major – i.e. a serious or dangerous driving fault – you’ll fail the test and you might be asked to stop driving.
After your test
Once you’ve completed your test, your examiner will give you feedback on how you did and if you’ve passed or failed. Whatever the result, it’s a good idea for you and your driving instructor to listen closely to the feedback so you know of any areas you need to improve.
Congratulations or commiserations! Whichever it is, taking your driving test is a big milestone and it can give you valuable knowledge and experience that you can take with you going forward.
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When you’re learning to drive, it’s important that you take out learner driver insurance for any private practice. At Sterling NI, our learner driver insurance starts from 77p a day. Unlike many other providers, you can start building a no claims bonus as a learner, which can help reduce your young driver insurance. Call us on 0344 381 9990 for a quote.
