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Learning to drive and successfully passing your practical test isn’t easy, but the process of actually applying for a driving licence has been simplified significantly over the years.
Here’s all you need to know about applying for both your provisional licence and your full driving licence:
Getting Your Provisional Licence
You will need to apply for your provisional licence before you are allowed to start taking driving lessons. These days, the vast majority of people apply for their provisional licences online. Simply head over to Gov.uk and follow the instructions.
Alternatively, you can apply in person at any Post Office, though the offline approach takes a little longer to process.
In order to obtain a provisional driving licence, you will need to meet all of the following requirements:
- You must be a UK resident with proof of address
- You must be able to provide proof of identity
- You must turn 17 within three months of your application
- You must be able to read a vehicle number plate from 20 metres away
- You must not be subject to any driving bans
- You must have a valid payment method for the £34 fee
It usually takes around three weeks to receive your driving licence by post, though it may take longer if the DVLA has a backlog. While waiting for your driving licence to arrive, you might want to familiarise yourself with as much of the Highway Code as possible or download a driving theory test app to test your knowledge.
Once you have received your provisional licence, you will be permitted to take driving lessons with any licensed and insured instructor. You will also be able to drive on public roads in the company of a full driving licence holder aged 21 or over, who has held a licence for a minimum of 3 years. When out driving with a family member or friend, you will also need to be insured on the vehicle which you are driving.
Getting Your Full Driving Licence
You’ll be pleased to learn that getting your full driving licence is even easier than applying for a provisional licence. In most instances, your examiner (or driving school) will handle the formalities on your behalf.
When you successfully pass your practical driving test, your examiner will submit the necessary forms and evidence to the DVLA. After which, you can expect to receive your full driving licence by post within two weeks.
However, it’s worth noting that as soon as you pass your practical test, you can legally start driving on public roads. You don’t have to wait for your full driving licence to arrive in the mail - you’re free to get out and about as soon as you like.
In the event that your driving instructor doesn’t make the necessary arrangements on your behalf, you’ll need to visit the DVLAs website and follow the instructions to get your hands on your licence.
