If you want to drive a car legally in the UK, you must have a provisional driving licence. Licence is required before you take the driving theory lesson and driving test. You also should have a valid passport to prove your identity in the application. If not, read below for the answer.
How to apply for provisional driving licence online
Usually, it is recommended for applicants to apply for your provisional driving licence with passport online, which will be easier and quicker. Except for passport, you also need to offer other documents:
- Addresses where you have lived for the past 3 years.
- A valid passport-size photo with signature
- The application fee
Once you have collected all the necessary requirements, it will take you a few minutes to complete the provisional driving licence application online:
- Visit the GOV.UK website
- Answer a few questions and log in the Driver and Vehicles account.
- Fill out the UK Driving Licence Application (D1) form
- Attach the required documents
- Then you need to pay the application fee online.
- Once done, you will receive a confirmation email from DVLA.
Can you get provisional licence without passport
You can apply for a provisional licence without a passport. However, you must meet the following eligibility criteria before the application.
- You have been granted permission to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for at least 185 days.
- You must be at least 15 years and 9 months of age.
- You must be able to read a standard licence plate from a distance of 20 metres.
If you don’t have a valid UK passport, you are allowed to show other acceptable identification documents, such as
- Non-UK passports
- Biometric residence permits
- Biometric residence cards
- National identity cards
or your naturalization, birth or adoption certificate along with one of the following documents:
- National Insurance card
- Photocopy of the front page of a benefit book or original benefit claim letter
- P45, P60 or pay slip
- Certificate of marriage, divorce or civil partnership
- A gender recognition certificate
- Certificate of Education or Pass Citizen Card
How to apply for provisional driving licence without passport
If you don’t have a passport for your provisional driving licence, don’t worry. They also accept other valid identification documents. Follow these steps below to get your provisional driving licence at home.
- Visit the government website and click the start
- Follow the instructions and do the authentication on the personal details, address, and security details.
- You need to fill out the application form about eyesight, health, and declaration.
- Pay the application fee (£34) with your card.
- You will receive a confirmation email once the DVLA confirms the application.
Instead, if you don’t want to apply for it online, you can send the application and other identification documents to the post office. Here are the details outlining how to apply for your provisional driving licence by post:
- Visit your local post office at the opening time to ask the officials to get d1 form from post office.
- Complete the form accurately by using the guide leaflet (INF1D) that comes with it.
- Prepare the required ID documents and a passport size picture with your signature.
- Send your application and the documents to the address on the form, along with a cheque or postal order for £43.
Driver & Vehicle Agency, County Hall
Castlerock Road, Waterside
Coleraine
BT51 3TB
United Kingdom
- Wait for the application results, which usually takes about 3 weeks.
Can I apply my child’s provisional licence
No, you can’t help your child to apply for a prvisional licence, as the licence application form contains a declaration that all the information provided is correct and true. The provisional licence must be applied by the person to whom it relates.
How much is a provisional licence
It will cost £34 to apply for a provisional licence online, which can be paid by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card. If you are applying provisional licence by post, it will cost you £43.
How long does it take to apply for provisional driving licence
The online application process for a provisional driving licence takes approximately 7 days. However, postal applications can take up to three weeks. If you don’t have any updates on the proprovisionional driving licence, you must contact the Driver & Vehicle Agency on 0300 200 7861 or send them an email.
How long does a provisional licence last
A provisional licence lasts until you turn 70 years old. However, if you change the address of living, you must inform DVLA as soon as possible. Otherwise, you could face a fine of up to £1,000.
FAQ
Can I get a provisional licence with just a birth certificate?
No, you can’t just provide a birth certificate when you don’t have a passport. You must also send the birth certificate with one of the following documents, such as: National Insurance Card, P45, P60 or payment slip, marriage or civil partnership certificate.
Can you renew a provisional licence without a passport?
Yes, if you do not have a passport when renewing a provisional licence, you are allowed to submit other identity documents to complete the renewal application, such as a biometric residence permit, biometric residence card or national identity card.
What to do if you have no identification documents?
If you don’t have ID documents, you need to apply at the post office. Follow their instructions and prepare some required documents, such as travel documents or other state pension evidence.
Conclusion
Fortunately, it is allowed to apply for a provisional driving licence without a UK passport. Make sure that you have prepared the required ID documents mentioned above to complete your application without any problems. If you want to save time on the licence application, applying online will be a better choice.
Erin Lo