Northern Ireland

Candidates for driving tests in Northern Ireland must now prove residency

Candidates wishing to sit driving tests in Northern Ireland must now provide proof of residency
Candidates wishing to sit driving tests in Northern Ireland must now provide proof of residency Candidates wishing to sit driving tests in Northern Ireland must now provide proof of residency

CANDIDATES for driving tests must now provide proof of residence in Northern Ireland after changes introduced in recent months.

Under the rules, applicable since August for those wishing to sit theory exams and since last month for practical tests, candidates have to show that they are resident for at least 185 days in each calendar year.

The move brings Northern Ireland into line with requirements in Britain.

A letter, sent by the Driver and Vehicle Agency and seen by The Irish News, states: "Learner drivers who have a GB provisional licence and want to take a motorcycle, car, bus or lorry theory test or practical test in Northern Ireland will first need to complete a residency declaration form and send it to DVA with proof that they are normally resident in Northern Ireland."

The requirement does not apply to other types of driving tests, such as the exams to become an approved driving instructor or taxi driver.

Disqualified drivers who previously held a licence in Britain and wish to re-sit their test in the north are also exempt.

The Department for Infrastructure did not offer a reason for making the changes, but a spokesman said: "A Great Britain (GB) provisional licence holder may therefore sit a driving test in NI, provided they are normally resident. This requirement applies equally in GB to NI licence holders."