Applying for a Provisional Licence-Do you have to go to the DVLA?

Well, as October (my one year anniversary of being in the UK) will be here sooner than I think, I need to make a start on getting my Provisional Licence.

I've been looking at old threads, and reading the DVLA website. I know I have to apply by mail, and that my passport will be sent away for somewhere between 3 and 6 weeks. Many of the posts also refer to going to the DVLA to have photographs signed and verified. Is this a requirement for applying as a foreigner? I just looked at the locations and opening times of the DVLA, and don't see any way to get down there. I see a list of authorised professionals that you can get to sign the photo. Can I just do that, and send in the documents myself? It just seemed as though everyone has gone to the DVLA in person, and I'm wondering if I have to.

I'd like to know this as well.

My question is ,theres a DVLA across the street from where I work. Can I just go in there with my passport, have them do all their checks,copies and etc and not have to send my passport in the post?

my work permit will be one year old on november 6th........any info here would surely help

thanks

tom

I'm curious to this as well (always a planner I am). I know I need to do my EEA forms when I get there (though I may just send off a certified copy of passport) and I'm trying to figure out what other gov't bureaus want their hands on my passport too (like the driver's license stuff).

I see a list of authorised professionals that you can get to sign the photo.

You have to have known that person for 2+ years if they are to countersign for you.

We found going down to the DVLA office to be a painless affair and they sent it all to the Swansea office, (passport as well). Hubby got his passport back just one week later and driving license soon afterwards.

You have to have known that person for 2+ years if they are to countersign for you.

Ok, well I have that requirement covered.

So if I do that, I can out the trip to the DVLA? I would like to be able to bring all the stuff there, and have them send it off, but as the offices don't seem to be close to me, and are only open M-F, 9-5, I just don't see how I can get down there. I've used up quite a bit of goodwill at work lately getting off for dentist and doctor appointments, so would like to avoid taking any more time off during the day if possible.

I had someone who'd known me that long but still the DVLA would not accept it.  It was because I'd only been here for a year or so.  I will find the link I'd posted that shows the actual text on the DVLA site.

Thanks, Geeta. I was figuring that it had to be a requirement since it seemed everyone who has posted about getting a Provisional had to go in person to the DVLA.

Here is the site I've been looking at:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_4022091

Here is what it says:

Your nearest DVLA local office staff can help if you’ve no one to sign your photograph if you have become a resident or returned to the UK within the last two years. They’ll sign your photograph and complete section seven of the application form. Your application and original identity documents are then sent to DVLA Swansea for further authentication.

I think I better just call them, and see what they say!

I just applied for it last week. Very easy! Since I don't have anyone that has known me for 2 years within the UK I went to my local DVLA office with my filled application, passport and photo.

They signed the photo, took my check (45 pounds) and then took the whole packet and told me that my passport and provisional license would be returned to me within 15 working days in separate envelopes.

the whole thing took no more than 20 minutes (I was at the DVLA office as soon as they opened!) and it would have taken less if the guy that I was talking to wasn't training a new employer.

It is very easy indeed and all I have left is to wait for my passport!!

Here we go:

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/forms.aspx

INF38, Driving in Great Britain as a Visitor or New Resident
Page 10

If you have been in this country for less
than two years you should take your
application and identity documents to
the nearest DVLA local office. Staff there
are able to certify photographs in these
circumstances.

Despite the fact that we had ours signed by someone who fit all the requirements, they sent our applications back with a note that we are required to have the app signed by DVLA staff.  Thus we had to go in person. 

I think there have been a few people on here who have been able to get around this, but be ready to have your things returned to you if you take the chance.  We were annoyed as we'd paid for the registered post and all that since we'd put the passport in the app.
 

Thanks again, Geeta.

When it comes to it, I guess I better just go in person to avoid having it returned.

It's already hard enough to find a window where I can be without my passport, let alone build in room for the possibility of the application being returned!!

Despite the fact that we had ours signed by someone who fit all the requirements, they sent our applications back with a note that we are required to have the app signed by DVLA staff.  Thus we had to go in person. 

Same thing happened to me.  I had to go to my "local" DVLA office once they'd returned all my rejected stuff and get them to sort it out.  Luckily I got to keep my passport the second time around - they'd already made a note of it.

I had my boss sign the back of my photograph and they accepted it.

wait- do they send off the passport of *all* foreign nationals, or just people who are new to the country, or people who don't have ILR?  Just wondering if living in the UK for several years would make a difference on whether I get to keep my passport or not for a provisional license...

wait- do they send off the passport of *all* foreign nationals, or just people who are new to the country, or people who don't have ILR?  Just wondering if living in the UK for several years would make a difference on whether I get to keep my passport or not for a provisional license...

You'll have to send your US passport no matter how long you've lived here (unless you've attained British citizenship by then, in which case you can use the passport checking service at a participating Post Office).

I'd lived here nearly 3 years when I applied for my provisional license and just had my GP sign the form and sent it myself.  Had my passport back in 10-15 working days.