Provisional license - processing time

Hi,

Does anyone have any recent experience with the processing time for a provisional driver's license? The application says it can take up to four weeks...I need to apply for some visas and can't spare my passport for that long. I think I should probably just wait, but I was really hoping to get this taken care of soon. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks

There are some offices where you can apply in person and hold onto your passport but I believe you would have to mail your BRP.  If you don't have a BRP, you will have to send the passport.  Mine was quick to receive back (at most 2 weeks) but not recently.  Hopefully someone will come along soon with a recent application.

Thanks KFdancer....I'm on a Tier 2 visa, so no BRP

I just applied for mine, did the online app on Feb 01, got the application completion form (that I need to sign and send in with my passport) on Feb 08 and am sending it all off tomorrow.
I am hoping it won't be more then a couple of weeks to get it all done!

Hi,

Does anyone have any recent experience with the processing time for a provisional driver's license? The application says it can take up to four weeks...I need to apply for some visas and can't spare my passport for that long. I think I should probably just wait, but I was really hoping to get this taken care of soon. Any help is much appreciated.

Thanks

Online app submitted on February 01

"Paper" application form rcvd from DVLA on February 08

"Paper" application form/my US passport & passport sized photo submitted February 10

Provisional license and my passport recvd today, February 20 

AHHH. Thanks Stephanie. I wish I had just gone ahead and mailed mine on Feb 11. I need my passport back by March 1 and was nervous it wouldn't be here in time...Oh well. Just means longer to wait before I can book my theory test!

Thanks for the info! While the DVLA was super helpful when I called (I needed to extend the expiration date on my online application), I wish they could give slightly better estimates of processing times! : )

Yes, it is a pain, not knowing for sure when you can expect it all to be returned to you!