Driving Tips in Northern Ireland

Car Hire Depot information in Northern Ireland

DriveAway Holidays offers competitive rates and a wide range of choices with reputable suppliers in Northern Ireland. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities of Northern Ireland .

Car Hire Driving Distances in Northern Ireland

• Belfast to Derry – 120 kms (1 hr/ 40 mins)
• Belfast to Dublin, Ireland – 170 kms (2hrs)
• Derry to Portstewart – 60 kms(1 hr)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s license is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International licence is recommended for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules, Laws and Regulations

General driving rules, laws and regulations in Northern Ireland;

• Driving is on the left hand side of the road.
• Pass cars on the right hands side of the road.
• Mobile phones are not permitted while driving a vehicle, with the exception of a hands free system.
• Must carry with you at least one spare glasses or contact lenses for drivers who use corrective eye-wear.
• Seat belts are mandatory and must be worn by all passengers and driver.
• Dipped headlights are to be used during poor visibility.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

Equipment

There are no requirements to carry in your vehicle any additional equipment, but is recommended that a warning triangle and reflective vest be kept in your vehicle and to be used at the event of an accident, incident or breakdown.

Child Safety Seats

Children under 12 years of old must be seated in the back seats of the vehicle. Children under 4 year of age should be fasted in an appropriate child restraint.

Speed Limits

Speed limit signs in Northern Ireland are displayed in Miles rather than Kilometers. Speed limits in Northern Ireland are as follows, unless signed otherwise;

• Urban Areas (built up areas): 30mph / 50km/h
• Rural Roads (outside towns): 60mph / 100km/h
• Motorways: 70mph / 110km/h

Drink Driving

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) in Northern Ireland is 0.08mg/100ml. Alcohol can have a negative effect on your judgement to maintain your vehicle, detect hazards and keeping awake. Do not drink and drive as serious consequences can occur whether be an accident or being stopped by police.

Tolls

No tolls exist in Northern Ireland, however if travelling into the Republic of Ireland tolls apply. Be sure to carry along with you the correct currency as most tolls in the Republic of Ireland do not accept sterling/pound. For more information on driving in the Republic of Ireland, click here.

Road Signs

Road signs in Northern Ireland are very closely similar in design to those used in UK and around other European countries. Regulatory Signs; motorists must follow the actions they are permitted or forbidden to do. You will generally find these signs in a circular shape with a red border and either a black symbol/text in the middle, an example is a speed limit sign. Warning Signs; provides motorists warnings of any upcoming hazards ahead. These signs can be found with a yellow background, black border and a black symbol/text in the middle. An example is a sharp turn ahead sign or speed hump ahead. Roadwork Signs; gives motorists information of upcoming road works or road changes. These signs are displayed with a white background, red border with a symbol/text in the middle, shapes can also vary. Information Signs; provides information regarding directions, facilities, distance...etc. Shapes and colours can vary depending on the types of roads and the information type. These signs can be found with a green background, white, blue, or brown background. Green is used for directions to cities/towns and streets/roads, white will provide information information to other major roads or motorways, blue details motorways and brown are used for tourist facilities/attractions.

Parking

Parking within major cities in Northern Ireland operate under the pay and display system. Drivers are to purchase a ticket from meters along the street and display this on their front window. Parking is prohibited in areas marked with a red line or a double yellow line.

Visa Information

Visa, passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Northern Ireland;

• A visa is not necessary for tourists and business visitors holding an Australian passport for stays up to 6 months. Contact the British Consulate in your local state for additional information regarding any special visa's.
• A valid passport is required.

*Please note distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.

Last Updated 3 June 2010