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  • Breadcrumb

    1. Home
    2. Motoring
    3. Learning to drive and new drivers
    4. Newly qualified drivers

    Claiming a driving test pass

    Once you have passed your driving test (both theory and practical), the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) needs 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.

    Exchanging my licence

    After you have passed your test your examiner will normally arrange for your licence to be upgraded at no cost to you. However, if you are not eligible you must send the test pass certificate to DVA to claim your new entitlements on your driving licence.

    You'll need to:

    • fill in the declaration on your test pass certificate and send it, together with both parts of your licence (photocard and counterpart), to DVA
      Driver Licensing at the address in the following link  - Driver & Vehicle Agency - driver licensing
    • send 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 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 fill in a DL1 application form which is available from main Post Office branches
    • send original documents if you need to confirm a new name
    • you may need to send proof of residency, see the next section for details

    Proof of residency

    If you have obtained your provisional driving licence by providing identity documents other than a UK or Irish 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 12 months old, and the other one within the last three months. They must also be in your name and show your Northern Ireland address. You should give either a:

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

    Your document must be an original copy, not a photocopy.

    Paper driving licences

    You'll need to:

    • fill in the declaration on your test pass certificate
    • fill in a DL1 'application for a driving licence' available from main Post Office branches
    • send original documents confirming your identity
    • enclose a passport type photograph and your driving licence

    Send all your documents to DVA at the address in the link below:

    • Driver & Vehicle Agency - driver licensing

    Timescale for licence issue

    You should receive the new licence within three weeks but it may take longer if your health or personal details need to be checked. You should allow at least three weeks before contacting DVA.

    Rules for driving 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
    • are not disqualified from driving
    • haven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to meet medical enquiries
    • wouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, check with your doctor)
    • keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence

    More useful links

    • The cost of a driving licence
    • Providing proof of identity for a driving licence
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    Newly qualified drivers

    • Claiming a driving test pass
    • New drivers

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