Getting a full driving licence is an exciting and important milestone for any driver in the UK. It allows you to drive any type of vehicle on the roads, and gives you the freedom and independence to travel wherever you need to go. If you’re wondering how to get a UK full driving licence, here’s everything you need to know.
When Do You Need to Apply for a Full Licence?
If you’re learning to drive in the UK, you will typically start with a provisional driving licence, which you can apply for when you are 15 years and 9 months old. This permits you to drive a car under the supervision of a qualified driver. Only after you pass your practical driving test can you apply for a full driving licence, which allows you to legally drive on your own. If you passed your test after January 1st, 1997, you will also need to pass a theory test before you can apply for a full driving licence.
How to Get a UK Full Driving Licence
Pass your driving test
Before you can apply for a full driving licence, you will need to pass your practical driving test. This test will assess your driving skills and knowledge of the rules of the road. You can book your test online through the official government website.
Apply for a full driving licence
Once you have passed your driving test, you can apply for a full driving licence online or by post. You will need your driving licence number, your national insurance number, and your passport number (if you have one). You will also need to pay the necessary fee.
Provide a suitable photo
To apply for a full driving licence, you will need to provide a suitable photo of yourself. This photo must meet certain requirements, such as being taken within the last month and showing your full face and shoulders. You can get an approved passport photo at a cheap price through Smartphone iD.
Wait for your licence to arrive
Once you have applied for your full driving licence and provided a suitable photo, you will need to wait for your licence to arrive in the post. The processing time can vary, but it usually takes around 2 to 3 weeks for your licence to arrive.
How to apply for a driving licence?
The available method of applying for your license is by post. Ensure that you have a provisional license with you when applying. The following is the process when applying:
- An applicant must fill in a declaration on their driving test pass certificate.
- An applicant must fill the form D1 for application for a driving license.
- An applicant must provide original documents to prove their identity.
- An applicant must provide passport photographs in a case where they have paper provisional licenses.
- Applicant must send their provisional license and documentation to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
The D1 form is available in most post offices.
The DVLA postal address is as follows:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BN
It is important to note that once you have passed the practical driving test, you ought to apply for a full driving license within 2 years. Failure to do so will require you to re-take your practical driving test.
What documents do you need to apply?
The following are documents required when applying for a full license:
- A photo card provisional licence
- Identification documents
- Passport Photograph if you have a paper provisional license
Cost of a UK Full Driving Licence
Presently, there is no charge for applying online or by post. Nevertheless, you may have to pay extra fees to renew your licence or exchange a foreign licence for a UK one.
However, for a provisional driving licence, the application fee is £34 if you apply online, and £43 if you choose to apply by post. If your licence has been stolen, damaged, or destroyed, the replacement fee is £20.
Processing Time for a UK Full Driving Licence
The processing time for a UK full driving licence varies depending on how you apply. Online applications are usually processed quicker than postal applications, and you can usually expect to receive your licence within 2 to 3 weeks of applying.
Validity of a UK Full Driving Licence
A full UK driving licence is valid until you reach the age of 70. After that, you’ll need to renew your licence every three years. You can do this for free by applying online or by post. You may also need to renew your licence if you have certain medical conditions.
How to Get an Approved Passport Photo at a Cheap Price
To apply for your full driving licence, you’ll need to submit a passport photo. This can be done at a photo booth, or you can take your own photo using your smartphone. However, it’s important to ensure that your photo meets the requirements set out by the government.
One way to get an approved passport photo at a cheap price is to use the Smartphone iD app. Our app allows you to take a passport-style photo using your smartphone camera. We then use AI system and expert analysis to verify that your photo meets the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) requirements. If your photo is approved, you can download it and use it for your full driving licence application.
Conclusion
Getting a UK full driving licence is an important step for any driver. It allows you to drive any type of vehicle on the roads, and gives you the freedom and independence to travel wherever you need to go. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can apply for your full driving licence with confidence and you’ll be ready to hit the road and enjoy the many benefits of having a UK full driving licence.
