Here we provide some information, answer common questions, and share tips to help you get on the road and start driving.
What age can I start driving in Northern Ireland?
You can start driving a car when you’re 17 years old. Find out more from at NI Direct, here.
How do I get a provisional driving licence?
You can apply for a provisional licence from NI Direct, visit and follow the instructions here.
Finding a driving instructor
Learning to drive with a qualified driving instructor will help you to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a calm and competent driver. You can find an instructor near you by entering your postcode on the NI Direct website.
How many driving lessons do I need in Northern Ireland?
There is no specific number of lessons required by law in Northern Ireland. How many you need to do take your test will depend on how confident you feel driving your car and how much you practice. Your driving instructor should be able to tell you when you’re ready to take your test.
Practising between lessons
Getting plenty of practice in between your driving lessons can help you to gain more confidence behind the wheel and help you to prepare for taking your driving test. When you’re practising, you’ll need to be supervised by a relative or friend who is over 21 and insured to drive the car you’re learning in. They’ll also need to hold a full UK or full EC/EEA* driving licence for a minimum of 3 years.
Using ‘L’ and ‘R’ plates
When you’re learning to drive, you must have L plates displayed on the front and back of your vehicle, so they can be easily seen. This helps other road users to see that you’re learning and encourages them to be patient and give you the space and time that you need whilst you are learning to drive.
In Northern Ireland, after passing your driving test, you must display an R plate for one year from the date you pass your test. An R plate lets other road users know that you have recently passed your driving test, and you still need that extra patience and space while you continue to get more comfortable with your driving.
Taking your driving theory test
Before you take your driving test, you must take a theory test. During the theory test you’ll be asked about the rules of the road, safe driving practices, and how to recognise and safely respond to potential hazards on the road.
To prepare for your theory test, the DVA recommends that you study the Highway Code. You can find more about what the theory test involves and how to prepare at NI Direct, here.
How long is the theory test?
In total the theory test takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
The test consists of two parts:
50 multiple choice questions. You must score at least 43 out of 50 to pass.
14 video clips to test your hazard perception – each video shows a road scene with at least 1 hazard, you must click when you notice a hazard developing within each scene. In hazard perception, you need to score at least 44 points out of 75 available to pass.
How to book your practical driving test
Once you’ve passed your theory test, taken lessons with a qualified driving instructor, and had plenty of practice, you can book your driving test. You can find all the details and book your test online at NI Direct, here.
Tips to help you prepare for your driving test
The lead up to your practical driving test can be stressful, so when you’re ready to take that final leap we’ve come up with a few tips to help you prepare. Take a look at our tips to help you feel confident on the day of your test, here.
Other useful information for learner drivers:
Do learner drivers need insurance?
Yes. if you’re practising in your own car, or that of a family member or friend, you will either need your own policy, or to be a named driver on theirs. AXA provide Young Drivers Insurance for drivers under 25. Young drivers can choose from comprehensive, third party, fire, and theft or third party only policies with a wide range of benefits available.
Is there a speed limit for learner drivers?
Yes. There is a speed limit of 45mph for learner drivers in Northern Ireland. This is the speed limit you must stay within when you’re driving with “L” plates on your car. “R” Plate drivers also need to follow a 45mph speed limit.
Can learner drivers go on the motorway?
No. As a learner driver, you cannot drive on the motorway either with a qualified driving instructor, or when practising with family or friends.
Hopefully, we’ve answered some of your questions and given you a few tips to get you started on your journey towards learning to drive. You can find plenty more advice and information from NI Direct here.
Helping young drivers in Northern Ireland get on the road
From taking the test to buying your first car, learning how to drive is an exciting – and challenging process. We know how much time and effort goes into getting on the road that’s why AXA is there to help with our young driver insurance, so you’ve got the cover you need with none of the hassle.
*An EC/EEA driving licence is one from , the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein.
