Can I apply for provisional license online?

I looked through some of the older topics and couldn't find this information so thought I would ask...

I know there is an online application but as an American immigrant can I apply using the online method (assuming they can access my visa information from the gov. database) or do I need to send everything in via post?

If I send it in, how fast do they complete the application and I get my passport and visa back?  I am heading to Norway on the 23rd so I am guessing I will need to wait till after the holiday to do all this.

Thanks for any help

I'm not sure whether you can apply online or not (I always thought you couldn't if you didn't have a UK passport, but I don't know for sure), but you will still need to send off your passport even if you do apply online.

Non UK digital passport holders

If you don’t have a UK digital passport you’ll need to send:

    * a signed copy of the form (provided at the end of the transaction)
    * a photograph (this may need to be signed - details provided at the end of the transaction)
    * an acceptable form of identity

DVLA accepts the following original documentation as confirmation of your identity:

    * full valid current passport (this could be a foreign passport)
    * identity card issued by a member state of the European Community/European Economic Area (EC/EEC)* with the exception of Sweden
    * travel documents issued by the Home Office
    * UK certificate of naturalisation

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/BeforeyouapplyA/DG_068016

Thanks, for some reason I wasn't able to find this.. I think I had just read too much. I did find after posting on here that they advise you to wait if you need your passport within the month. Oh the joy.

Thanks again!

[quote author=ksand24 (I always thought you couldn't if you didn't have a UK passport, but I don't know for sure), but you will still need to send off your passport even if you do apply online.
[/quote]

You can apply online without a British passport.  I did last year

Ah Ha, lisapower do I need to send away my passport after though?

Yes, you do

bugger, guess I'll have to wait for the new year.  Thanks for the help! 

FYI, I just got mine (just mailed everything in together), and got it back in 7 working days.  If you don't live in the back of beyond, you might even have it faster than that.