Step-by-Step to Your UK Driving Licence. The temporary driving license in the UK serves as a valid form of identification for both the written and road tests required to obtain a full driving license, also known as an L-license. Its specific functions are as follows:
Step-by-Step to Your UK Driving Licence
- When used as an ID card, it primarily verifies one’s identity in various scenarios, such as purchasing alcohol at supermarkets or visiting bars. It is also necessary for conducting business transactions.
- Applying for a temporary driving license is the initial step towards obtaining a formal driving license in the UK. Only after acquiring a temporary driving license can individuals qualify to undertake the theory and road tests, subsequently leading to the issuance of a full driving license.
- With a temporary driving license, individuals are permitted to drive on public roads within the UK; however, they must be accompanied by a co-driver who possesses at least three years of driving experience in the country. Additionally, highway usage is prohibited while displaying conspicuous “L” plates on their vehicle, which serves as an indication that they are learner drivers requiring caution from other road users. Step-by-Step to Your UK Driving Licence.
2. What are the requirements for applying a temporary driving license?
- Temporary license applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of being a UK resident, typically residing in the country for a minimum of 185 days per year.
- You can apply for a temporary license at 16. However, you must be 17 years old to operate a vehicle legally.
- Your visual acuity should meet the required standards (wearing glasses or contact lenses is acceptable), and you should be able to read the license plate of the preceding vehicle from a distance of 20 meters.
- The application fee amounts to £43 if submitted by post or £34 if completed online. Online payment can only be made using debit or credit cards such as MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro, and Delta.
- Possessing a valid passport is mandatory.
- Provide your National Insurance Number if available; otherwise, click ‘Next’.
- Furnish your residential address history for the past three years.
3. How to apply for a UK temporary driving licence?
Post Office Application
Step-by-Step to Your UK Driving Licence. Go to your nearest post office and get a free Provisional Driving Licence form. There are two forms: the D1 form for applying to drive a small vehicle and the D2 form for applying to drive a lorry or a large car.
After filling in the form, put it in an envelope together with your passport and the application fee of £34 (cheque/Post Order). It is necessary to pay attention to the passport, which is very important. It is better to buy a Special Delivery envelope and send it to DVLA together. This will avoid the loss of your passport in the post.
Online Application
Access the official website of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, navigate to the application page, and meticulously complete the personal information as per the provided instructions. Subsequently, dispatch your passport, photograph, and requisite fees separately to the designated address.
4. How long does it take to get a temporary driving license?
The DVLA will send you a letter containing an ID card with your photo within ten working days of your application. This ID card serves as your temporary driving license, which is valid for a period of ten years.