Your Guide To Getting A Provisional Driving License In UK

The provisional driving license is one of the most crucial documents to have for those of you aspiring to drive in the UK. And, before you get on those wheels, this document is required by all learners who are taught to drive by professional driving instructors only on the road, and not.

What is a Provisional Driving License?

It is almost like a pre-driving license that allows you to drive on the road before you head on to be a professional driver. You will need to take the provisional driving license for your final theory and practical driving test to qualify for it.

While on this license, you need to have the right level of car insurance too.

A provisional driving license uk for foreigners also serves as a document of identification in the UK.

Eligibility criteria for obtaining a provisional license

In order to get a provisional driving license UK, these are the eligibility criteria:

• Be above 15 years, 9 months old and above.
• Have good eyesight- be able to read the car plate 20 meters away.
• Permission to stay in Great Britain for 185 days (about 6 months).

Difference between a provisional and a full driving license

With a provisional driving license, you can drive in the United Kingdom but under the supervision of a qualified driver. Only an L car plate is allowed during this time of the drive.

As for a full driving license, this is the one where you drive without supervision and an L plate.

How to Apply for a Provisional Driving License

First Step: Go to the official site of GOV.UK website

Second Step: Pay via debit or with credit card

Third Step: Document required to apply for the provisional driving license:

• Valid identity card: UK biometric passport or other types of ID
• Address history: Provide last three years of proof
• National Insurance Number: Provide the number if available
• Declaring healthy medical condition

Once you submit all the relevant documents, then uk provisional driving licence for foreigners should arrive at your postal address within a week, unless the DVLA needs to make additional feedback.

Processing Time and Cost of Provisional Driving License

If you apply online for a provisional driving license – Cost £34

If you apply offline for a provisional driving license – Cost £43 by post

Note: There are many external websites online and if you apply through them, you will be charged extra fees.

Processing time for receiving the provisional license

It should be processed within one week if you apply online.

As mentioned above: If you apply online, there won’t be any additional fees or charges associated with the application process.

Renewing provisional license

Valid for 10 years, but two years from the date you pass your theory class to take your practical. And, if you wait longer, then you will have to retake the theory driving test.

Process for renewing or extending a provisional license if necessary

Apply By Post

You will need to collect the ‘D1 forms from your nearby post office that deals with the same by submitting your:

• Passport photo size
• Current license (if available)
• Cheque or postal order for £17 (For age 70 and above no fee is applicable)

Consequences of driving with an expired or invalid provisional license

If you get 6 points or more within the 2 years of passing your test, then your license will be cancelled.

If you have penalty points on your provisional license that have not expired, they will be carried to your full license.

If your license is cancelled within 2 years, you will have to apply for a provisional license and pay again for the theory and practical tests.

Where do the provisional license requirements and rules apply?

These rules apply to all the new drivers who’s passed new driving test in:

• Great Britain
• Northern Ireland
• Channel Islands
• Isle of Man
• Gibraltar
• The European Community (EC) and European Economic Area (EEA)

Supervision requirements for provisional license holders

To supervise a learner, you must be:

• 21 years old.
• Qualified to drive the type of vehicle.
• Have a manual care license.

Penalties for breaking the rules associated with a provisional license

You need to learn to drive with a provisional license under supervision or you will be fined up to £1,000 and get up to 6 penalty points on your provisional license. It’s illegal for: your supervisor to use a mobile phone while supervising you.

Benefits of a provisional license

• Drive everywhere, except on the motorway (with a display of L on the car plate).
• You can own a car and learn to drive it.
• As a foreigner, you can apply for a provisional GB license after being a resident in the country for 6 months.
• Acts as a document of identification.
• You don’t have to be a British citizen to apply for the provisional license.

Conclusion

We’ve given you a brief introduction to the provisional driving license uk application, its eligibility criteria, application process, rules and regulations, etc. When you apply for a license, make sure to keep these points in mind, and be careful of the rules, and regulations of a provisional driving license.

If you want to drive in the UK, apply for a provisional driving license and start your journey towards becoming a fully licensed driver in the UK.

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