Question re: Provisional Driver's License

So, I need to go to my local DVLA office (Glasgow) and apply for my Provisional.  I already applied online (paid, filled out the application form), so all I need to do is give them a pic of me along with my passport.  They say it should only take three weeks for them to return my passport.  I'm a bit nervous and am wondering if I should even send it now, because I'm looking for work and have an appointment to get my NI number on the 30th of June.  If I give it to them tomorrow do you think I'll get it back before then?

I don't even like the idea of giving them my passport, but they say I have to

I think you can go  to the post office and have your documents checked. 

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers/applydl.htm#post_office

I have to get on that too, my clock is ticking!

That only says if you have a UK passport.  I don't.

Yeah you do have to give it to them.  I think you'll probably be safe getting it back by the 30th.  But if you're nervous can you wait to send it in until after your appointment?

Yeah you do have to give it to them. I think you'll probably be safe getting it back by the 30th. But if you're nervous can you wait to send it in until after your appointment?

Yeah, I could...but, my thinking is I'll be looking for a job in a week or two, so may be going on interviews after then.  Don't I need my passport when getting a job? 

Also, I want to take an intensive driving course before I get a job and they said I need my provisional!

It probably depends on your area but I think most of us on the board got our passports back within a week. They usually send the passport back before you get your provisional.

It probably depends on your area but I think most of us on the board got our passports back within a week. They usually send the passport back before you get your provisional.

Did you give it to your local office, or do you still need to post it after they sign your picture?  As you can probably tell, I HATE having to give anyone my passport! I guard it with my life (okay, a bit too dramatic!)

Did you give it to your local office, or do you still need to post it after they sign your picture?  As you can probably tell, I HATE having to give anyone my passport! I guard it with my life (okay, a bit too dramatic!)

Not too dramatic!!!  I think this is ridiculous about having to send in the passport.  It is insane to trust necessary identity documents to the post especially since that passport contains your right to be in this country in the first place.  GRRRR..  (Rant over)

I have been having so many problems applying online and it is taking forever to get the applications.  My post office was out of them when I went in (2 post offices, actually).  I feel like the driving gods are conspiring against me!!! 

I just called the DVLA and they did say if you send the passport in by special delivery and include an envelope (postage paid and addressed) they will send it back special delivery.  Basically, they say if you need it in the next 6 weeks, don't send it in!

I just called the DVLA and they did say if you send the passport in by special delivery and include an envelope (postage paid and addressed) they will send it back special delivery.  Basically, they say if you need it in the next 6 weeks, don't send it in!

I just called and they told me I would have it back within three weeks.  They never mentioned six weeks...sighs   I want to take driving lessons, but I want to get my NI number and a job too!!  GRRRR

Did you give it to your local office, or do you still need to post it after they sign your picture?  As you can probably tell, I HATE having to give anyone my passport! I guard it with my life (okay, a bit too dramatic!)

Yes, I still had to send it in. There's absolutely no way around it. Lots of people on here have tried!

I had them sign my picture and then they took my passport and application and mailed it in for me. They also gave me a piece of paper with an identification number on it and a phone number to call in case it didn't show up in three weeks. But, I had my passport back in less than a week and had my provisional within three.

For what it's worth, it took closer to 2-1/2 weeks for me to get my passport back when I applied for my provisional driving licence...and I sent it special delivery with a return special delivery envelope.  The actual licence followed in the mail the next day!

Janet

(lordcelery.blogspot.com)

So, in effect, it makes no difference sending it in special delivery or  1st class. 

I also just found out that I need my photo verified and since i don't know anyone qualified who has known me for two years, I have to go to the DVLA local office, which isn't local at all!!!  The closest one is an hour away.  Now I know why I've avoided this for so long.  They do not make it simple!

So, in effect, it makes no difference sending it in special delivery or  1st class. 

I also just found out that I need my photo verified and since i don't know anyone qualified who has known me for two years, I have to go to the DVLA local office, which isn't local at all!!!  The closest one is an hour away.  Now I know why I've avoided this for so long.  They do not make it simple!

Yep K that's what's got to be done....no way around it.  I had to go on a day off from work to get the photo verified and then mail it all in.  Just use those special delivery envelopes so you can track it.

From someone who has just been through this (last month):  I went to my nearest DVLA office (since no official person in the UK has known me for two years in order to sign-off on the photos).  The DVLA rep signs the back of your photo and sends your completed application with your passport to the DVLA headquarters in Swansea.  They told me it would be about 10 business days before I would receive my passport back and about 15 business days for my driving licence.  I got both in 9 business days.  I gave the DVLA a completed Special Delivery label and a postage-paid, self-addressed envelope for the return of my passport.  I believe that they suggest you use a trackable service in case anything were to happen to your passport.

Absolutely use the recorded delivery envelopes so you can keep tabs on where it is. I sent mine in one and included one to return it in. I had mine back right away - I was amased how fast it was.