provisional driving license?

Does anyone know anything about a provisional drivers license?

I could use all the help I can get. 

Thanks,  S-Yank

What do you want to know specifically?  Check out the DVLA website, should give you an overview... http://www.dvla.gov.uk/drivers.aspx

If you do a search on this site, you should find out loads
Basically, it's like a learners permit that you have to get while you're learning to drive.

You basically just send off your information (passport, marriage certificate, application form) pay for it and they give you a provisional license.  No tests or anything needed to get one.  Then you start learning to drive, take your theory test which you can study for with a driving CD and when you pass that you can sign up for your drivers test and hopefully pass that. 

Thanks for the answers and the website, I appreciate both.  I'll let you know how I do 

S-Yank

Getting a provisional is the easy part- minus being without your passport. Its actually pretty easy, go to a post office and get the forms, fill out the forms, get a passport size picture taken, go to your local DVLA so they can sign you off (unless you've been here 3 years, I think it is, and have someone who can voutch for you) and then they will send it to Swansea, and you'll get your passport and license back within 3-4 weeks. 

Its the taking of the actual test parts that are hard.
I disliked the theory test and I hated the practical test even more.  But I passed (first time around too) and I don't have to worry anymore, thank goodness.

You basically just send off your information (passport, marriage certificate, application form) pay for it and they give you a provisional license. 

Curious, why did you have to send your marriage certificate?
 

Curious, why did you have to send your marriage certificate?
 

Because my passport is in my maiden name... and I wanted my drivers license to be in my married name.  This obviously won't be a requirement for everyone.

Sorry, I'm a dunce. Thanks, that makes sense, I forgot about the maiden name issues on passports for people who came here and married!   

You don't actually need a provisional license initially, since you'll be covered under the 12 months allowed on your U.S. license.  However, you cannot take the driving test until you have a provisional, so by the time you're thinking about applying for the test you'll need to get one. 

If you haven't passed the U.K. test by the time your 12 months are up, then legally you're then treated exactly the same as any British learner, so it would be "L" plates and an accompanying licensed driver.   Crazy, but "them's the rules."

Getting a provisional is the easy part- minus being without your passport. Its actually pretty easy, go to a post office and get the forms, fill out the forms, get a passport size picture taken, go to your local DVLA so they can sign you off (unless you've been here 3 years, I think it is, and have someone who can voutch for you) and then they will send it to Swansea, and you'll get your passport and license back within 3-4 weeks. 


 

Just to clarify the "unless you've been there for 3 years and have someone to vouch for you" part. You don't have to be living in the UK for 3 years, the person who signs form has to have known you for 3 years. If you have a friend in the UK who has known you for 3 years then they can sign it. I got the neighbour next door but one to sign mine - he's an engineer who's known me since I first came over here to visit in 2000.

Thanks for the additional info.  I've been here two years, so my husband will beable to sign for me.  I've been reading the Highway Code and I've driven here for a little over a year on and off.  I still hate the country roads and the slip roads too.  The slip roads I think because I see them as backwards still.

Not sure if I want my license to be in my married name.  Is it mandatory,  do you know?  My bank account and my UK credit cards is in the name I had before I was married (not maiden).  It all gets soooo confusing!

Thanks again,

S-Yank

I think the person who signs for you cannot be related to you, so perhaps you could find a friend or colleauge to do it? If not you could go to the nearest DVLA and get them to sign off for you.

I think they put your driving license in whatever name you give them. I put mine in my married name, but my passport is in my maiden name so I think I sent my marriage certificate to confirm that I can use my married name. I guess it just depends on what you want?

Good luck..I still find the country roads difficult too! I'm taking my 3rd practical test soon so hopefully I can crack it!

Just to clarify the "unless you've been there for 3 years and have someone to vouch for you" part. You don't have to be living in the UK for 3 years, the person who signs form has to have known you for 3 years. If you have a friend in the UK who has known you for 3 years then they can sign it. I got the neighbour next door but one to sign mine - he's an engineer who's known me since I first came over here to visit in 2000.

Just be aware this doesn't always work...I had someone sign mine who knew me for more than 3 years and my application was returned because I had not been in the country long enough.  I had to bring it in to the DVLA.

S-Yank, it should be fine for you since you've been here 2 years, but for anyone who's under 2 years, they claim you should go to the DVLA.

See:

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/leaflets/inf38.pdf

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.

Just be aware this doesn't always work...I had someone sign mine who knew me for more than 3 years and my application was returned because I had not been in the country long enough.  I had to bring it in to the DVLA.

Sorry about that, I assumed since mine was alright that it was always the case. I was in the UK for less than a year when I applied and it was fine...I wonder why I got away with it?