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Before you learn to
drive on a public road in the United Kingdom (UK),you
must apply for a UK provisional driving licence. If
you do not have avalid provisional driving licence , you
cannot learn to drive....simple!
Please allow at least three weeks for your licence to arrive before contacting
DVLA. However, if you already have a
full and validUK driving licence and you now want to learn to
drive larger vehicles (minibuses or buses) you will need to
apply for provisional entitlement for these
vehicles.
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Apply
online
To apply for your first UK provisional driving licence, please contact the Driver
and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) using the following weblink:
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Apply in person
or by post
You can apply in person for your provisional driving licence by
completing the D1 application form that is available from the DVLA form ordering
service or Post Office branches. You will also need to enclose original
documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the
fee of £50.00. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99
1AD or you may be able to use the premium checking service.
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When to
expect your licence
DVLA aims to deliveryour provisional driving
licence within three weeks of receiving your application. The delivery process may be delayed if your personal or health details
need to be checked.
Your new licence will now be
issued with a number of additional security features incorporated into
it. One of the main and
noticeable differences being a laser engraved black and white
photograph.
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The Theory
Test
If you are a learner driver you must take and pass your theory test before you
are able to book your practical driving test.
The theory test is in 2 parts:
- Multiple choice computerised theory test;
- Hazard Perception test.
Theory test appointments can be booked and subject to three clear working days
notice, be changed and cancelled using
our online booking service or the telephone. You can also download an application form and apply by
post.
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Provisional Driving Licence
Required
Before you can take your theory test you'll need to make
sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional
driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The
application form D1 can be obtained from your local Post Office.
Once you have a valid provisional driving licence you can
book your theory test. Waiting times vary from region to region, but the target is
that 95 per cent of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two
weeks of their preferred date.
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Booking
online
To book a theory test online you'll
need:
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a valid UK driving licence |
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a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa,
Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are
accepted) |
Click on the link below to book a theory test
online.
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Booking by
phone
To book a
theory test with an operator over the phone you'll need:
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a valid UK driving licence |
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a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa,
Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are
accepted) |
You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers
below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.
Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1122
Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1166
Fax booking line - 0300 200 1177
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Booking by
post
To book a theory test by post you'll need an application form. Application forms
are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking
line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments aren't
accepted.
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Cancelling
or rescheduling a
test
You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the
booking line or you can do it online. Providing you give DSA three clear working
days notice you can:
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move or change your appointment |
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cancel your appointment |
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have a full refund of test fee |
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Useful
links
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UK licence
holders
You will need to take a theory test if you want a licence for
a new category of vehicle, for example, if you have a car licence and you want a
motorcycle licence you will need to take a theory test.
If, however, you want to upgrade within a vehicle category
you will not normally need to take a theory test. For example, if you have a full
automatic car licence and you want a manual car licence you will not have to take a
theory test.
It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct
licence for the vehicle you are driving. If you are unsure if you need to take a
theory test please contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) or the Driver and
Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
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Foreign
licence
holders
If you hold a valid Community licence and you are visiting
Great Britain, you can drive any vehicle for as long as your licence remains valid.
The appropriate full entitlement for the vehicle you wish to drive must be shown on
your licence.
The EEA countries are as follows:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech
Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain,
Sweden, United Kingdom
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Outside
Europe
If you hold a full driving licence issued
outside the EEA it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent British
licence. You should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to find
out if you can exchange your foreign licence.
If you cannot exchange your foreign licence you will have to
apply for a British provisional licence and take a theory and practical
test.
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Booking online
To book a theory test online you'll
need:
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a valid UK driving licence |
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a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa,
Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are
accepted) |
Click on the link below to book a theory test online.
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The Practical
Test
Before you book your practical driving test, you should consult your approved
driving instructor (ADI) to ensure that you are ready to do so.
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Minimum age you can take
a practical
driving test
You can take your theory test once your provisional licence
becomes valid.
In normal circumstances, a provisional driving licence
becomes valid for a potential car driver on his/her 17th birthday . However,
individuals can apply for their licence up to three months before their 17th
birthday.
NB. If you apply for your provisional licence before you are
17, you will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take your theory
test.
Need further information about applying for a UK provisional
driving licence ? Please click the link below.
The quickest and easiest way to book your car or
motorcycle driving test is to use the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online booking
service. You can:
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choose your test centre |
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choose the time and date of your test |
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check your test appointment details |
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change or cancel your test if your circumstances
change |
NB . When booking, you will be asked for the following
information:
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Your full name |
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Your address including post code |
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Date of
Birth |
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Provisional driving licence number |
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Theory test certificate number |
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Date you passed your theory test |
As a new user, you may find it helpful to read the
information pages before using this online service.
If you have used this booking service before and are a
confident user please continue using the direct links below.
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