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Theory and driving tests webchat

nidirect teamed up with the Driver & Vehicle Agency to hold a one-hour webchat on 23 September 2010 to answer your questions about theory tests and driving tests. Questions and answers from the online session are available below.

Webchat answers

Welcome to nidirect's webchat about theory tests and driving tests. A team of Driver & Vehicle Agency officials will answer your questions.

At what age can you start taking driving lessons?

If you want to learn to drive a car, then you can start taking lessons at age 17, or if you receive the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance you can learn at age 16.

I have moved here from Poland. What do I need to do to be able to drive here?

If you have a valid Polish licence, this will allow you to drive in Northern Ireland. However, you can exchange your Polish licence for a NI equivalent at any time. Provided your Polish licence remains valid, you may drive in NI until age 70, or for three years after becoming resident, whichever is the longer.

This applies only to car and motorcycle licence holders (ordinary driving licence). Special rules apply for lorry, minibus or bus driving licences, for more information go to:

Is it true that people over 80 have to redo their driving test?

No, there are no plans to introduce a driving test for those aged 80 or over.

Is there a limit to how many times you can do the theory test?

No, there are no restrictions as to the number of times the theory test can be taken.

If I passed my test in the south of Ireland, does that cover me in Northern Ireland?

Yes, provided you have your Republic of Ireland licence upgraded with the entitlement you passed your test in, prior to driving in Northern Ireland. For example, if you wish to drive a lorry in Northern Ireland then you must have this entitlement on your Republic of Ireland licence already.

Can I choose what time my driving test is at?

Yes, up to a point. There are seven test times available per day and, depending on availability, you can pick any of these. Evening (May to September only) and Saturday tests are also available at a premium rate.

If you sit in heavy traffic for a long period of time, can the examiner extend the duration of the test?

Legally all Category B tests (ordinary car driving tests) must be on the road for a minimum of 30 minutes driving time. If traffic conditions don’t allow for the test to continue, the examiner may have to terminate it.

What grounds for appeal have if I fail my driving test?

You should talk to the Centre Manager where your driving test was done. He will be able to advise you of the complaints procedure. You may appeal to the Court of Summary Jurisdiction if you feel that your test wasn’t properly conducted, but the decision of the examiner cannot be overturned.

Is it true that if I do an advanced driving test I will get cheaper insurance?

This is outside our remit, but some companies offer reduced rates of insurance if you hold an advanced driving certificate.

Can I book my driving test online?

Yes, but only for category A (motorcycle) or category B (car). You can find out more at the following link:

Can you take driving tests on Saturdays and Sundays?

Only on Saturdays, but the test costs more - £58, and it’s subject to availability.

I lost my driving licence due to drink driving but my ban is nearly up - can I start taking lessons now?

No, you must wait until your disqualification has fully expired and you have been issued a provisional licence.

How much is it to book your driving test?

If you want to take your test during normal work hours - £42. For premium, that’s evenings during the summer and Saturdays - £58.

Is the test route planned or at the discretion of the examiner?

The routes are developed and approved so they are balanced and are a fair test of the candidate’s ability. The examiner has the discretion to pick any one of these routes, depending on the road conditions at the time.

What age do you have to be to drive a lorry?

There isn’t a specific age limit and it very much depends on a number of factors, including the date you passed your driving test and the type of lorry you want to drive. Further information can be found at:

My son, who’s 16, currently holds a provisional motorcycle licence which permits him to ride a small motorcycle of 50cc. He would like to take his practical full motorcycle test as soon as possible after he is 17. As I understand it, his current provisional licence is retained as he reaches 17, but allows him to begin driving cars and larger motorcycles under instruction once he reached his 17th birthday. The question is, can he sit the theory test for a car or motorcycle before the age of 17, given he already has a provisional licence?

Drivers and riders are required to be 17 years of age before they start the process of getting a full licence by sitting their theory test. However, an exception is made for drivers and riders who are in receipt of the higher rate of Disability Living Allowance, who are permitted to take their theory test at the age of 16.

Can you please advise if the driving test will change in Northern Ireland from 4 October 2010?

No, DVA will not be introducing independent driving into the car and bike tests on 4 October 2010. We will, however, be introducing it at some future date which has yet to be determined. The likelihood is that it will not be introduced until the early part of next year.

Any chance of skid-pan training, either as part of the test or as on-going training? After last winter, I feel I need such training, even after 34 years of driving!

There are no plans to incorporate skid-pan training in the test.

My son wishes to use my car in the driving test. What is the definition of roadworthy? For example, on the dashboard of the car there is a light showing which indicates the owner should consider fuel economy changes but it does not affect the workings of the car. Is this allowed?

A private car can be used providing it conforms to the Minimum Test Vehicle Requirements. You can find these here:

The car, for example, must have rear seats and seat belts, a clear view to the rear and the candidate must provide an interior mirror for the examiner.

Roadworthy means that the vehicle is taxed and insured and has a valid MOT certificate (if required), which must be presented at the time of the test and the vehicle needs to be visually in a sound condition.

The examiner carries out a visual check at the start of the test. If he or she identifies defective tyres, for example, the test will not proceed. If a warning light remains on after start-up, the examiner needs to satisfy him/herself that this light does not affect the safety systems on the vehicle - air bags, ABS etc. If the light refers to fuel economy only, then this should not prevent the test from taking part. I would, however, advise that you or your son present the vehicle to a test centre in advance of the test to get confirmation!

If you pass your test in an automatic, are you only allowed to drive automatic cars?

Yes. If your circumstances change, however, and you wish to drive vehicles that are not automatic, you can take another test in a manual and that will cover you for both.

I am colour blind. Are there provisions made for this in the theory test?

No specific provisions have been made for candidates who are colour blind. However, the screen colour palette used in the test has been designed to make the test as accessible as possible.

I have heard there is a quota for how many passes each test centre is allowed - is this correct?

No, there are no quotas, if you drive competently you will pass and if not, you will fail.

Are there any cars you cannot do a driving test in?

Yes. Test vehicles must comply with certain legal requirements. These requirements are known as the 'Minimum Test Vehicle Requirements' and they can be found here:

See previous response to question about roadworthy vehicles above.

My son has just passed his car driving test, can he tow a trailer?

Yes but there are restrictions. Since 1997 anyone who passes a category B (car) test is only allowed to tow a trailer of a maximum authorised mass (MAM) not exceeding 750 kg, and the combined weight of the car and trailer cannot exceed 4,250 kg. However it is permissible to increase the weight of the trailer providing its MAM does not exceed the unladen weight of the towing vehicle and the combination weight does not exceed 3,500 kg.

MAM in driving licence terms is the maximum weight of a vehicle or trailer including the maximum load that can be carried safely while used on the road.

It is also possible to obtain a category B+E (car and trailer) licence by passing a test which will allow the towing of a trailer with a MAM greater than 750 kg by a category B vehicle whose mass does not exceed 3,500kg. However, you must already have a full category B licence before you can apply for a B+E test.

The webchat session is now closed. Thank you for your participation.