Hello
Guest

Sponsored Links


Topic: How do I go about getting a provisional license?  (Read 3104 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« on: January 27, 2009, 08:49:08 PM »
Hi, there. :) My name is Stephanie and this is my first post on this forum. I've had this account for a few months now, as I was looking to see if I could buy any American food in the UK and I ran along this site. What a nice surprise it was! Anyways, I know this really isn't the place to do introductions, but just wanted to drop that in.

My reason for posting this is simply that I want to get a car. I'm 18 years old and I'm studying at college here at the moment. I live with my boyfriend in a little bungalow. Ever since I can remember I've always wanted to drive and if I were living in America now I would have had a car. I have my permit... but for the US. So I don't really know the steps to getting a car, but I do know you need to get a provisional license. When I Googled it, I got a site that said you had to be a resident. I thought, "That can't be right." ...It can't, right? I mean how else is everyone else driving here?! So, if anyone can help me out with where I can apply for a provisional license and any other tips... like will insurance cost more for me because I'm not a citizen? I mean, I'm just a student and I have no job at the moment. I get financial help from family and boyfriend's parents.

Just need a bit of help!

Thanks in advance.

 [smiley=daisy.gif]


Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2009, 09:20:22 PM »
This is probably the website you saw.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/BeforeyouapplyA/DG_10032690

You state that you have a driving permit, is it a full US driving license issued from whatever state you are from? If you have a full US driving license you can drive on it for a period of 12 months from the date you initially entered the UK on your visa. See link below:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence/DG_4022561


  • *
  • Posts: 749

  • Home for good!
  • Liked: 1
  • Joined: Aug 2008
  • Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2009, 11:31:17 PM »
Is she has only a permit, then she has not taken the steps to get a full driving license. The permit is only for the purpose of learning to drive and it is only good for a period of time.  One would have to still take a driving test to get the license.

My guess would be that her permit does not qualify her to drive in the UK
13 Aug 08 Fiance Visa
17 Oct 08 married
06 May 09 FLR
15 Mar 2010 filed for ILR based on bereaved partner
02 Jul 2010 Received ILR!!!!!


Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #3 on: January 27, 2009, 11:38:30 PM »
I had my permit/restricted in Florida. I never got around to getting my proper license because I had to come to England to study. I'm hoping by the end of February I can get a provisional as I've been studying for 6 months. I read that somewhere, so hopefully it's true.  Even if I had my proper license from the US, I wouldn't want to drive without taking driving lessons here as the roads here scare me! So, hopefully I can get this provisional thing to work out and then get a UK license.


Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2009, 10:03:47 AM »
Is she has only a permit, then she has not taken the steps to get a full driving license. The permit is only for the purpose of learning to drive and it is only good for a period of time.  One would have to still take a driving test to get the license.

My guess would be that her permit does not qualify her to drive in the UK

I know thats what I said

You state that you have a driving permit, is it a full US driving license issued from whatever state you are from? If you have a full US driving license you can drive on it for a period of...


  • *
  • Banned
  • Posts: 6640

  • Big black panther stalking through the jungle!
  • Liked: 3
  • Joined: Feb 2005
  • Location: Norfolk, England
Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #5 on: January 28, 2009, 06:39:34 PM »
I don't think you'll be able to use the online application linked to above, as you're not a U.K. citizen. 

You'll need a D1 application form, which you can pick up at a main Post Office, or you can request that DVLA send you one here:

http://www.dvla.gov.uk/onlineservices/order_forms.aspx?ext=dg

You'll need to supply photographs, and identification as outlined here (most likely your American passport):

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

And you'll have to pay the £50 fee, of course.

From
Bar
To car
To
Gates ajar
Burma Shave

1941
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreaming of one who truly is La plus belle pour aller danser.


  • *
  • Posts: 6098

  • Britannicaine
  • Liked: 198
  • Joined: Nov 2008
  • Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2009, 07:22:28 PM »
I used the online form, and I'm not a British citizen.  I am here as a spouse rather than a student, but I don't know that it makes a difference.  It's worth at least trying the online form to see if it will work for you. 
On s'envolera du même quai
Les yeux dans les mêmes reflets,
Pour cette vie et celle d'après
Tu seras mon unique projet.

Je t'aimais, je t'aime, et je t'aimerai.

--Francis Cabrel


Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2009, 07:50:19 PM »
Thank you all very much. I'll try the online form if not I'll pick up an application at the Post Office. :)


  • *
  • Banned
  • Posts: 6640

  • Big black panther stalking through the jungle!
  • Liked: 3
  • Joined: Feb 2005
  • Location: Norfolk, England
Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #8 on: January 28, 2009, 09:01:21 PM »
I used the online form, and I'm not a British citizen. 

Looking at the link again, I just noticed it says you need a U.K. passport or another form of identity to use the online service.  I missed that second part on the first read -- Sorry!   :-[    I think it will probably depend upon what form of ID is used and whether it can be verified by crosslinking with other government databases. 

From
Bar
To car
To
Gates ajar
Burma Shave

1941
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dreaming of one who truly is La plus belle pour aller danser.


  • *
  • Posts: 415

  • Liked: 0
  • Joined: Oct 2008
  • Location: Middlewich UK!!!
Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #9 on: February 01, 2009, 10:44:19 AM »
I am doing the same thing right now.  You will have to send in your passport with the application.  And you will need to send in 2 pictures (passport pics) the problem is if you have not known anyone here for 2 years, not including anyone at the same address as you, you will have to go to the nearest DVLA office and have them sign your pic and fill out section 7 of your application.  It's not horrible you just can't do it by post like everyone else:) Good luck




  • *
  • Posts: 6098

  • Britannicaine
  • Liked: 198
  • Joined: Nov 2008
  • Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #10 on: February 01, 2009, 10:50:24 AM »
I am doing the same thing right now.  You will have to send in your passport with the application.  And you will need to send in 2 pictures (passport pics) the problem is if you have not known anyone here for 2 years, not including anyone at the same address as you, you will have to go to the nearest DVLA office and have them sign your pic and fill out section 7 of your application.  It's not horrible you just can't do it by post like everyone else:) Good luck

This is NOT TRUE!!!!  I e-mailed the DVLA about it.  As long as you send your passport as your ID, you do NOT need to have the pictures signed.  I did this a week or two ago by post with unsigned pictures and had no trouble. 
On s'envolera du même quai
Les yeux dans les mêmes reflets,
Pour cette vie et celle d'après
Tu seras mon unique projet.

Je t'aimais, je t'aime, et je t'aimerai.

--Francis Cabrel


  • *
  • Posts: 415

  • Liked: 0
  • Joined: Oct 2008
  • Location: Middlewich UK!!!
Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #11 on: February 01, 2009, 10:52:29 AM »
Really? THat's stupid does it say that anywhere? I have been reading the website and booklet for a week now! That is GREAT!




  • *
  • Posts: 415

  • Liked: 0
  • Joined: Oct 2008
  • Location: Middlewich UK!!!
Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #12 on: February 01, 2009, 10:53:25 AM »
DId you get your pl ok? That is so much freaking easier!!




  • *
  • Posts: 6098

  • Britannicaine
  • Liked: 198
  • Joined: Nov 2008
  • Location: Baku, Azerbaijan
Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #13 on: February 01, 2009, 10:59:38 AM »
Yes, as I said, I e-mailed the DVLA, and got 2 replies from 2 different people, both confirming that an original US passport is sufficient identification, so the photos don't need to be signed.  One of the replies even said that the info on their website is wrong  ;)

I sent the form, photo, my passport, and my marriage certificate (to show name change) in a Special Delivery envelope, with a prepaid SD envelope inside.  It went in the post on Saturday, with guaranteed delivery by Tuesday.  On Friday, I got my passport and marriage cert back in the SD envelope I included, with a note saying my license would follow, and to allow 10 business days.  But it arrived in a regular envelope the next day.  All told, it took a week--Saturday to Saturday.

BTW, I filled out the form online, then just printed and mailed the part that they needed me to sign.  If you don't do the form online, it might take longer for them to process.   
« Last Edit: February 01, 2009, 11:05:11 AM by historyenne »
On s'envolera du même quai
Les yeux dans les mêmes reflets,
Pour cette vie et celle d'après
Tu seras mon unique projet.

Je t'aimais, je t'aime, et je t'aimerai.

--Francis Cabrel


  • *
  • Posts: 415

  • Liked: 0
  • Joined: Oct 2008
  • Location: Middlewich UK!!!
Re: How do I go about getting a provisional license?
« Reply #14 on: February 01, 2009, 11:03:33 AM »
Sorry for all the questions....but did you pay the £50 online too? or send them a check with your app?




Sponsored Links





 

coloured_drab