Skip to content Accesskeys Newsroom

Claiming a driving test pass

Once you have passed your driving test (both theory and practical are needed), Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) will need to be told. Whether it's for a car, motorcycle, lorry or bus you should exchange your test pass certificate for a full licence/ category as soon as possible.

Automatic Driving Licence Issue (ADLI)

If your licence was issued on or after the 1 July 2001, you may be eligible for automatic issue of your driving licence (ADLI). Your driving examiner will be able to advise you upon passing your driving test.

However, if you are not eligible you must send the test pass certificate to DVA in order to claim your new entitlements on your driving licence.

Applying for a licence after passing your test

You'll need to:

  • complete the declaration on your test pass certificate and send it, together with both parts of your licence (photocard and counterpart), to DVA, Driver Licensing, Coleraine, BT51 3TB
  • submit a fee of £30.00 if you are upgrading from a provisional licence to a full licence (only if your first provisional licence was issued before the 1 July 2004)
  • If your name has changed since your last licence, or, if you are unable to return your driving licence, you'll also need to complete a DL1 application form which is available from main Post Office® branches, local vehicle licensing offices or MOT centres
  • you'll also need to provide original documentation if you need to confirm a new name
  • you may need to supply proof of residency, please see below for details

Proof of residency

If you have obtained your provisional driving licence by providing identity documents other than a UK or ROI passport or birth certificate, you must provide DVA with two appropriate proofs of residency.

One proof of residency must be dated between six months and twelve months old, and the other one issued to you within the last three months, they must also be in your name and show your Northern Ireland address.  The following documents that meet these requirements may be accepted

  • utility bill, for example gas, electric, telephone (not mobile)
  • bank or Building Society statement (not credit card statement)

Please note: your document must also be an original copy, not a photocopy.

Paper driving licences

You'll need to:

  • complete the declaration on your test pass certificate
  • complete a DL1 'application for a driving licence' available from main Post Office® branches, local vehicle licensing offices, local MOT centres or by calling 0845 4024 000
  • provide original documentation confirming your identity
  • enclose a passport type photograph and your driving licence

Send all your documents to DVA at the address below or use the checking service at local vehicle licensing offices.

DVA
Driver Licensing
Coleraine
BT51 3TB

How long your licence will take to be returned

DVA aim to deliver your driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It might take longer if your health or personal details need to be checked. Please allow at least three weeks for your licence to arrive before contacting DVA.

Can you drive before your licence is returned?

Once DVA has received your valid application, the law allows you to drive before the licence arrives as long as:

  • you have held a Northern Ireland or Great Britain licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence
  • you are not disqualified from driving
  • haven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquiries
  • wouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, check with your doctor)
  • you keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence

More Useful Links