Dvla how long to get licence

My son is 15 years and 10 months and has applied for his provisional driving license for a moped. He needs to send Proof of ID. I can send his birth certificate but the government website says to send one other form of identity.

His passport is out of date. I applied on-line for a provisional licence using my passport number but the DVLA still sent me an application completion form. My passport though is a child one so no signature.

On the application form can I still use it as ID do you think or do they need birth certificate etc. Hi Sutha, It sounds like there was a glitch while payment was being processed. It should go through if you try again. If not, then you can always submit a paper application. Hi Omozele, If you've lost your tracking number, the only way of checking if the DVLA received your documents is by contacting them directly.

Their phone number is and someone there should be able to assist you. My daughter trying to apply for provisional licence, didn't go through. How else can i confirm if my document was delivered. Please check this page of the gov website to see what forms of ID you can use - gov. Hello again, Could you please tell me how many days it takes for provisional license and passport to arrive under current situation, please? Hi Omar, That should be classed as an online application.

It is worth bearing in mind that things are moving quite slowly at the DVLA, so there might be a slight delay on you receiving your provisional. I would like to ask if I applied online for provisional license and sent my ID by post, is the application considered as online or postal one? These things are rarely as simple as you'd hope! The DVLA call centre in Swansea is currently on strike until 12th June , so you will struggle to get a hold of someone to talk to until then, unfortunately.

I'd suggest you give them a call next week, once their staff are back in the office. They'll be able to guide you from there. Hi Teresa, The DVSA should be able to get the digital scan of your signature and photo from your passport and apply it to your driving licence.

They shouldn't need any further proof, if you've provided the documents they need. It might be better to send a paper form, but it will likely take a bit longer to get back to you.

Hope that helps! I went to fill out the online form for a First provisional license and it asks if I want to use my passport photo and signature to which I replied yes…. It'd be best for you to wait until you've returned from your travels before sending the passport to the DVLA. Chances are it'll take at least a couple of weeks for them to return the passport.

Hello, I applied for a provisional license online, 10 days they sent my a form and asked to send my passport and biometric. How many days it takes to send the passport back, please? As I need to travel next week. Hi Rejaul, Thanks for getting in touch. Did you send your paper application to the DVSA? If so, this is probably why it won't allow you to start the process online.

The DVLA contact centre staff are currently on strike from 2—5 June , so this will be why you're unable to get through to them. Not ideal timing! I think it might be best for you to call the DVLA contact centre when they're fully-staffed from the 5th June. Then they'll be able to give you an update on your original application, or help you complete a new one.

I had applied for provisional driving license online and got the paper form to send to DVLA. Could you suggest me if you found similar cases in the past. Hi Chidiogo, With the DVLA have specifically requesting one of those documents, you'll need to provide them in order to get your provisional. I applied online for the provisional driver's licence but I just got an application form via post asking that I send BRP or Passport for identity verification.

My worry is that i dont know how long it will take to get back to me as I am on a job search now and I will need to show my prospective employer the documents as my proof of right tonwork in the UK.

Is there no other document I can send? Hi Katie, Thanks for getting in touch. Your best option is to exchange your Slovakian licence for a UK one. That way you won't need to take the theory and practical test to drive cars in the future.

Is this even possible? What if I just exchange my Slovakian driving license for a UK one? Generally, it's not possible to hold more than one licence at any point. Hello, thank you for this article.

If I apply for a provisional license, do you know whether I will be obligated to give up my valid US driver's licence at this stage? If you need any more information, you can find it here - gov.

Hi Ian, Really pleased to hear you found the article useful. Don't forget to check our blog for guides on all things driving! Hi Kabul, Thanks for getting in touch! I wouldn't worry too much because applications can sometimes take longer than 2 weeks, especially given the current backlog.

If you would like to speak to somebody at the DVLA, please give them a call on They'll be able to look into the status of your application. How do you send a picture and documents if you apply online? I don't have a passport. Very helpful as I've been worried about how or what way I fill the form out. I have applied my provisional licence 2 weeks ago with my original BRP but still i did not get any kind of response and i have not received my BRP yet, am afraid so what should i do?

Hi Gem, I'm not too sure, unfortunately. We typically speak to the DVSA testing, instructors, etc. I'm aware a few of our students have waited up to 6—8 weeks for their licences during lockdown, but it shouldn't be so bad now that restrictions are starting to lift. Do you have any idea of how long the wait is currently for postal application? I can't get through to the dvla thanks. Hi Natalie, Please apply for a provisional licence by using this link — gov.

Hiya Lee, Thanks for getting in touch. You can renew your provisional driving licence using this link gov. Hi my provisional has expired how do apply to renew it? And how much does that cost? Regards Lee. Please make sure you're using the official website gov.

Hope this helps, Andy. Do i need to get it signed from someone compulsorily or is that optional? Hi Ranbhir, Unfortunately, the DVLA is taking longer to process applications at the moment due to the coronavirus pandemic and recent industrial action.

At the moment, it's estimated that applications will take around weeks to process. Hope this helps Andy. Hi Darren, You can use the 'track your driving licence application' feature to see if your current application has been accepted, or whether you need to restart the process. If it's still unclear, I'd recommend contacting the DVLA directly, which you can do by calling Hope this helps! I have completed my Driver License online-application and they say we need to return it back within 21 days, But now it has gone over 21 days so is it still possible to send it again today to continue my application.

Hi Tashia, If you applied online the DVLA advises that your licence should arrive within one week, unless additional checks are required. The pandemic may also cause some minor delays. If you have been waiting for a while and not heard anything, you can contact the DVLA on Hope this helps! Hi Grace, That does sound rather confusing!

Perhaps the form was sent to you by mistake. I would keep hold of it and wait to see if your provisional licence arrives. If you don't receive anything within 14 days, you can then fill the form out and send it off.

Alternatively, if you don't want to wait to see what happens, you can call the DVLA on and explain the situation. Hi there I'm just wondering how long does it take for ur provisional driving licence to arrive to me. I use my British passport and choose to verify my picture and signature from passport office.

However, They send me a form for picture verification, what doesn't make sense? And on back of this firm said that if I choose for passport office verification I don't need to verify by form. It is so confusing! Can u help pls? Hi Tia, If the money has actually left your Mum's account, the application has probably been processed.

Licences usually only take about a week to arrive, so you should find out quite soon. If you know your application reference number you can also use the 'track your driving licence application' feature on the DVLA website for confirmation.

If the money has left your Mum's account and you do not receive your licence within 2 weeks, contact the DVLA. You can phone them on , or use the webchat or email service on the DVLA website. I have applied for my provisional licence once it took payment of my mum's card it said the screen had timed out its taken payment but I have not received confirmation any help please.

Hi Sarah, We're a UK-based company, so the correct spelling is in fact 'licence'. Thanks for visiting the site! Hi Jolin, As all UK passports are now biometric, you need only provide the passport number, rather than sending the passport itself. If you do not have a UK passport, the DVLA accepts the following as identity documents: - A travel document - A biometric residence permit If you are a pensioner, you can also send: - A recent within 3 months bank or building society statement showing your pension payment and National Insurance number - A BR, BR or BR letter confirming your eligibility for the State Pension Hope this helps, Isobel.

Hi Tom, Without knowing exactly what the extra information they asked for is, it's hard to say. However, it is not uncommon for the DVLA to request extra information in order to complete the application process, so if I were you I would aim to get this sent to them as soon as possible.

I would then count the 10 days from when you have sent this information. Hope this helps, Isobel. Hi Jake, I'm afraid we are unable to provide a timescale for this as it depends on a range of factors including payment type, DVLA workload and which bank you use. The pandemic is also likely to cause additional delays. If you are concerned about the amount of time it is taking to receive your refund, I would contact the DVLA directly.

Hi I have the form and It says I have 21 days to get it signed and sent back. I was wondering how long does the refund take to end up in your account after the 21 day period? Just applied, on the government website it says my provisional should come within the next 10 days, but on the email I got sent after completing the online form it said I will need to send some information to the DVLA.

Is this separate to receiving the license or will i need to send them the info before I can get it? Can i send them another document instead of an original passport?

Hi Yemmy, Verification via the Post Office isn't possible. The DVLA will need to see the original copies of any documents required. The exception is if you have a valid UK biometric passport, where all you need is the passport number. Can I apply for a provision driving licence by taking my original documents to the post office for verification instead of posting it to DVLA.

Hi Sheena, If you're applying for a first provisional licence, I can't see why you would be required to enter your previous address. This is typically only a requirement when renewing a licence.

Do not send cash, bank notes or blank postal orders with your application; the DVA can't be held responsible if they go missing. If you currently hold a valid full licence and want to add provisional entitlement to drive large vehicles, minibuses or buses, you must complete the DL2 application form and the DLM1 medical report form. These are available from main Post Office branches. The DLM1 must be completed by a doctor and you should make sure that all the relevant questions are answered.

The doctor will normally charge you for completing the report and those registered for VAT are also required to charge the current rate on top of their fee. Following a change in driver licensing regulations, anyone who is under insulin control for their diabetes or has diabetes treated by tablets in the Sulphonylurea or Glinide class, may apply for or renew vocational entitlements to drive categories C1, C1E, D1, D1E, C, CE, D or DE.

There are three stages you need to go through when applying for or renewing the vocational entitlements shown above. Details of these stages can be found at the link below:. If you are applying for a passenger-carrying vehicle entitlement PCV , that is minibuses or buses, a Basic Disclosure Certificate is also required. Further information on the Basic Disclosure Certificate is available at the link below:. The driving licence fee includes the return of your identity documents where applicable by second class post.

If you would like your supporting documents returned by secure delivery, include the right pre-paid Royal Mail Special Delivery envelope with your application. DVA aims to deliver your driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It may take longer if your health or personal details have to be checked. You need to wait for your new licence to arrive before driving. Allow at least three weeks for your licence to arrive before contacting DVA. If your driving licence has not been delivered within four weeks, you should contact DVA enquiries:.

Follow the link below to find out how to apply:. But your licence will only be valid when you turn 16 and only valid for a driving car when you turn You must also be a resident of Great Britain or Northern Ireland and be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away with glasses or contact lenses if required. The easiest and quickest way to apply for your provisional driving licence is on the GOV. UK website. You can pay by debit or credit card and you will need to provide the following:.

Your provisional driving licence should arrive within one week, unless the DVLA needs to make additional checks. Alternatively, you can fill in a D1 form from your local post office and send it by post.

Once you have obtained your provisional driving licence you will be able to learn to ride a moped or light quad bike from the age of When learning to drive you must always display L plates on both the front and rear of your car and the person supervising you must sit in the front passenger seat. You can also carry other passengers. Your provisional driving licence will last for 10 years.

But keep in mind you only have two years from the date you pass your driving theory test to take your practical driving test. After all, the chances of a learner driver being involved in an accident are higher due to their lack of experience, so insurers push up prices to cover themselves. But they will need to be prepared for a premium increase. Third-party cover is the minimum legal requirement.

It will only cover you if you damage or injure another person, their vehicle or their property. Fully comprehensive covers all of the above, but also covers damage to you and your car following an accident. Some insurers offer short-term learner driver policies. Depending on the insurer, you take out cover for as little as two hours to up to six months. Paying a higher voluntary excess —this is the amount you must pay towards the cost of any claim you make.

In other words, the amount of the excess will be deducted from any claims payment you receive. A higher excess usually equals lower premiums, but make sure it is still realistic and that you will be able to afford repairs or other costs. Always make sure the person who does most of the driving is the main driver, not the named driver.

Telematics or black insurance — with this type of cover, a device will be installed in your car to monitor your driving habits, such as braking, steering and speed.