Driving Test Wait Times

[Canihavefivemoreminutes]

I am in the process of relocating to the Antrim area of NI with my partner and two children for the end of year.
I will need to be able to drive.
I don't have a driving license as yet, the wait times in England are astronomical and in order to qualify to take a test in Northern Ireland I already need to be a resident.
This will leave me in pretty difficult circumstances in the immediate but I am trying to establish how long the wait times are in comparison to here but without a NI driver number I can't even access the booking site to review.
Does anyone have any experience on the current lead times?
Thanks in advance.

DD passed her driving test in December. At the time there was a 4 month waiting list as back when she booked it in August that was the soonest one she could get.

This was for one of the Belfast sites though which are a lot busier, if you’re willing to book it for a more rural centre like Enniskillen or Larne you will be able to get a test far quicker. Allegedly they are easier areas to pass in as well

If at all possible though I would really encourage you to keep trying for a test in England. I have heard that there are apps which can automatically book cancellation slots for you there? We don’t have these so in a way it could actually end up being easier.

It means that you won’t have to deal with the dreaded ‘R’ plates! New drivers that pass in NI legally have to display these and stick to 45mph for their first year of driving. It can make life really difficult, especially on motorways where it feels very dangerous if I’m honest.

Thank you for your reply! I will continue to check over here but its seems a hopeless task and whilst I am excited about the new adventure and a different pace of life to London I am petrified of moving over without a license and being reliant on the good will of family (partner is from the area ) until I pass. I don't intend to be driving major distances but 10 minutes may as well be 100 miles without a license.

I'm not much use I'm in the Republic so different again, and I know waiting lists are brutal in places here, I often hear of people waiting a year!

As some else said keep trying for a cancellation in England. Again in Ireland but I failed my 1st test (after waiting about 6 months) and signed up for any cancellation I was called the day before a few weeks later. You might get lucky.

Hopefully you do, if you are any way rural having a car is essential.