Applying for provisional - which proof of identity?

Hello all,

I've been in the UK since September 2009 as a student, and have just transferred to a Tier 1 PSW. It's looking like the ability to drive might be something I really need to boost my chances of gettting a decent job, so I'm facing my fear of driving and applying for a provisional license so I can start lessons. However, I'm not sure whether or not I need to send my Biometric Residence Permit in as proof of identity, or if my US passport will be enough. I'd like to keep the residence permit with me in case I get an interview while the application is being processed, because it's my only proof of immigration status, but I wasn't sure if the DVLA would need it to verify my residency. The forms/website don't mention any need for proof of residency anywhere, but there're warnings everywhere that you must be normally resident in the UK to apply.

Anyone have recent experience with this?

You need to send in your US passport...send it tracked and I included an envelope back that had a tracking number on it.  I wanted to know where it was and make sure it didnt get lost.

It is quite quick ;-)

Be sure you record the tracking number on the return envelope for your records before you send it off to the DVLA.  They will not record the number.  If you don't record it, you won't be able to track the return envelope.

Well, it's been a little while, but I had a somewhat similar situation.  I have two valid US passports because I travel a lot for work.  When I applied for my provisional license, I sent in my second passport (the one without the UK visa), so I could have my primary passport to travel with (and easily get back into the UK).  They sent it back, and told me I needed to send the passport with the UK visa affixed to prove I was legally residing in the UK.

Based on that experience, perhaps they will need some proof of legal residency.  Best way to find out for sure is to call.

I have recently renewed my passport so my current one does not have the fiance visa entry clearance on it (it's on the expired passport). Do I send both?

Edited:

Spoke to someone at dvla earlier and he said to send both. Hope that helps someone in the future