Question about Provisional License

Be prepared to be told you can't do it that way as well.  When I applied for my provisional, I had my photographs signed by someone who had known me for more than 3 years (a UK citizen), as requested.  However, my application was sent back and I was told I had to go to a DVLA office to have my photographs verified, as I had not lived in the country for at least 3 years (or whatever the time requirement was).  Nowhere on the forms did it say that was the requirement, but supposedly it was.  So although it may seem like everything's been done according to their requirements, you might find out later that they won't go along with it.

It's all very random too...as I think there was at least one person on here who had no problem with their photographs.

I have called them to confirm everything I am doing is correct. If you send in a current passport, the picture does not have to be signed.

have a valid UK passport or another form of identity

Since when is a US passport not a "form of identity"?   US citizens absolutely can apply online - many many many of us have done it.

Mirrajay,

How long did the process take? I hate to have my passport gone for a long time.

Since when is a US passport not a "form of identity"?   US citizens absolutely can apply online - many many many of us have done it.

Please let's move on and refrain from having another go at one another.  What appeared to me as a simple misunderstanding has already been resolved in a civil and courteous manner - no need to bring it up again.  Thanks!  

Sorry. 

Jenn, expect 3-4 weeks.

Thanks! We have no plans to leave the country (but are planning something for the first of May) so that should work fine.

Jenn, I started this thread and I actually already received my passport and provisional license. I don't even think it took 2 weeks!


So....what do I do now that I have my provisional?

Great!!! Thanks findingaway! I think you now have to sign up to take the theory test and then start lessons. Thats my thoughts at least. I would love to hear from someone who has done it recently to make sure.

So....what do I do now that I have my provisional?

IIRC, your provisional is good for 10 years before it expires.  It's entirely up to you how quickly you want to progress through lessons, the theory/hazard perception test, and the driving test.  Stuff about the tests can be found on the DVLA website too.  I got my provisional back in like 2005 or so, then lost my nerve, and didn't end up learning, taking & passing the tests until last year! 

I'm one who had no trouble with mailing my passport in nor with the photos--they didn't have to be signed or verified.  I got my passport back within a week and my licence the next day.  Just be sure you include a special envelope for them to return the passport in.  Of course, this was about a year ago, so YMMV. 

Yep, I had no idea it could be done online, but then I got mine back in the 'olden days' (2004-05 or so)  - and I don't remember much about it really, but I do remember I had to go into an office somewhere in Leeds here & someone signed my photos and such, along the lines of what Geeta posted.  Haven't thought much about it since then - so it's great that the online option is offered now (maybe it was then too & I just didn't realise it?).  It didn't take very long for me to get my passport and the provisional license back through the post then, however - it was less than 2 weeks, IIRC - which was a big relief because I was always kind of frantic about having my passport out of my possession (cos my mom had not been well for a long time & I had to be ready to travel at any time if needed).

Update: I did everything online and just mailed in the signature page with my passport and passport photo last Wednesday. I just received my passport back in the mail so exactly 7 days from mailing. I forgot to include an envelope for the return of my passport but that didnt seem to be a problem. It came back in a big envelope that the DVLA provided. The paper attached says I should receive my licence shortly. Very easy process! I highly recommend doing everything online.

I got my licence the following day in the post.

Congrats!