ID requirement for a provisional driver license

As far as I understood, I have to mail my passport to DVLA for them to issue me with a provisional license. I physically can't part with my passport, because I work for British Airways, and we need our passports on every flight for border control checkpoints. Is there a way around this?

Not that I know of...

Maybe you can call up and ask?

Or, the US does issue those Passport Cards (I think that's what they're called).  Maybe see if DVLA will accept something like that, and then get one of those?  That way, they can process your application for a provisional license with the card, and you can fly around with your passport...

Passport cards--http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

However, the US Embassy (London) says you'd have to apply by mail-and you'd have to send your passport with the application.  Which, well, defeats the whole point!

If DVLA will accept a US Passport Card, maybe it's worth getting in touch with the Embassy to see if they'll allow you to apply in person

OR!  GET A SECOND PASSPORT! I think because you travel so often for work, (and can likely prove this!) they will allow you two: Second Passport  You'd apply in person in London.

Do you have a BRP?

I believe those can be used as photo ID as well.

Passport cards--http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html

However, the US Embassy (London) says you'd have to apply by mail-and you'd have to send your passport with the application.  Which, well, defeats the whole point!

If DVLA will accept a US Passport Card, maybe it's worth getting in touch with the Embassy to see if they'll allow you to apply in person

OR!  GET A SECOND PASSPORT! I think because you travel so often for work, (and can likely prove this!) they will allow you two: newcomer link: http://london.usembassy.gov/cons_new/acs/passports/second.html [nonactive]   You'd apply in person in London.

I believe the whole point is for them to see the visa sticker and send the passport back to me. Now I would need to produce the same visa sticker at the UK border. I have loads of IDs - CA driver license, passport card, but none of them serve as evidence of my immigration status. If I get a second passport, I would still have my visa sticker in my old one.
P.S. Do they have a phone number for these queries?

Hi,
The dvla need your passport to confirm your identity (ie prevent identity theft).  I had the same problem and tried submitting my US drivers license plus my work id and they were having none of it.  Passport only.

To me, it sounds like your best chance is to get a second passport.

Good luck!