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

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 believe you will have to go to the DVLA in person unless you have known someone in the UK of a certain professional level (doctor, professor etc) that is not related or a friend for 3 years or more that can sign and verify your photo.  Its much easier though to go to the DVLA in person, wait 15-30 minutes to see their advisors, do their check (takes about 5-10 minutes) and have it sent off & get your provisional back in about 5-10 working days. 

It really is straigntforward going to the DVLA, whereas if you have someone to verify you the DVLA may take longer to do checks of their own to make sure the person has known you at least 3 years...

Just to clarify that it's 2 years, not 3.  The DVLA will not certify your photo if you've been here more than 2 years, in my experience.  I took my stuff in for them to certify (I'd been here betwee 2.5 and 3 years and didn't feel I "knew" anyone on the list personally).  They said they would not certify ID for anyone who has been here more than two years and that I MUST have someone from the list sign my photo, so I went to my GP's surgery and they signed it (thought I pretty much saw a different GP on each visit  ).

Could someone answer this for me?

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?

Also at the DVLA if I go in to verify a photo and etc. what type of checks do they do and how long does it take?

No matter what, you must send your US passport in when applying for a provisional license.  You can have the DVLA certify your photo and send your documentation to Swansea if you've been here less than two years and don't know anyone who can sign your photo.  If you've been here more than two years, you must have someone on the list sign your photo and you can then either send the documentation yourself or take it to the DVLA and they will send it for you (either way, make sure you provide a self-addressed special delivery return envelope).

I really hate the thought of sending my passport to DVLA. has anyone have any horror stories about sending theirs and it getting lost ? or is it pretty much safe?

Send it registered post and include a pre-paid, self-addressed registered envelope for returning it. Mine was out of my posession for well under two weeks (if memory serves it was just about exactly one week). There's no way around it, so do what you can to protect it and try not to worry. 

Exactly as AnneR said - it's a necessary evil, don't worry too much about it, just hope for the best.

So.. I got my provisional license in the mail today!!! It took 9 working days to get it... however.. I still don't have my passport back!! Is it normal? should I worry?

You may understand.. I MUCH RATHER have my passport back, than the provisional license!!!

So.. I got my provisional license in the mail today!!! It took 9 working days to get it... however.. I still don't have my passport back!! Is it normal? should I worry?

You may understand.. I MUCH RATHER have my passport back, than the provisional license!!!

They send your passport and your provisional seperately. 

I got my passport first and my license the day after.  I bet your passport will come by Monday.  Did you give them a special delivery envelope to mail it back in?

I really hate the thought of sending my passport to DVLA. has anyone have any horror stories about sending theirs and it getting lost ? or is it pretty much safe?

I was worried as well, but it was fine.  I would recommend sending a special delivery envelope (to track your passport) with so they can return your passport that way.  Just to be sure!

I was worried as well, but it was fine.  I would recommend sending a special delivery envelope (to track your passport) with so they can return your passport that way.  Just to be sure!

just make sure you write down the tracking number on the return envelope!! 

There are postal strikes going on at the moment until the 8th of August...  Its going to slow down all post regardless.  But, generally your passport arrives before your provisional, as they send them separate, so if ought happens you don't lose both pieces of identity...

Personally, I went into the DVLA got my things verified and got my passport back within a week and the following week I got my licence.  Quite quick & painless, plus they don't charge you anything, whereas certain Post Offices will verify your identity, but will charge to do so...   

Quite quick & painless, plus they don't charge you anything, whereas certain Post Offices will verify your identity, but will charge to do so...   

US passport holders cannot use the Post Office's passport checking service.  They must send their passport to the DVLA.

Oddly enough, I was chatting to my hubbie about getting a provisional....he mentioned Swansea, and I then questioned whether or not I could take a trip to the office in person, as opposed to sending my passport in the post. I dont trust the post, plus I have my $1,000 stamp in it...Just doesnt sit right.

if the dvla loses your passport.. are they legally responsible to pay for a new one including replacing your visa?