You can apply for your provisional driving licence up to two months in advance of your 17th birthday, but you can’t actually start driving until your birthday. It normally takes about three weeks to get your licence once you have submitted the application.
The application process is fairly straight forward. You will need to fill in the DL1 application form. This can be picked up from main Post Office branches or MOT Centres. Alternatively you can call the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) on 0300 200 7861, if you have any specific queries.
You will need to include original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the current fee of £62.50.
Send your completed application and payment to:
Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA)
Driver Licensing,
Coleraine County Hall,
Castlerock Road,
Waterside,
Coleraine.
BT51 3TB
Alternatively you may submit your application at any one of the seven MOT test centres that provide a checking service. The test centres offering this service are situated in Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast, Downpatrick, Enniskillen, Londonderry (New Buildings) and Omagh or Coleraine County Hall.
Be Aware!
Be careful to avoid several official sounding third party sites that will submit your application online.
