Step By Step Procedure To Get Your Driving License In UK

A license for driving is the primary requirement to ride vehicles on public roads. If you do not have a license of your own, then follow the simple process of applying for driving license UK as mentioned in the article.

Eligibility criteria to have a license

To get your license for the first time for your vehicle, you need to meet the following prerequisites:

• Need to be a resident of that country
• Satisfy the minimum age criteria
• Satisfy the minimum eyesight criteria
• Should not be disqualified from driving due to any reason
• Must have an authorized passport of the country or any other identity proof
• Should have National Insurance number
• Ought to provide addresses of the place where you have lived over the past three years

In how much time will it take to get your license?

Applying for your license online through the DVLA online website would get you your first license within a period of one to three weeks of time.

What are the charges payable when applied for a license online?

Applying on a government website for a provisional license would charge you fifty pounds.

Permissible age to apply
You can apply for a provisional license, when you are at least 16 years old.

• If you are 16 years old, then you are eligible to ride light quad bike or a moped
• If you are 17 years old, then you are eligible to ride a car

Procedure to apply for your provisional license

If you have chosen online mode, then you need to visit the online Gov. Website. If you don’t want to go by online mode, then you can also apply by filling the D1 application form, which is easily available at the local post office.
Sending a duly filled application form through post, would also require submission of original identity proof, one colour passport photo and 55 pound cheque along with the application. Send it to the address of the DVLA as mentioned on the website.

What happens after application for license?

If your license application is successfully accepted, then you will get a green photo card. Keep this card for future use. You need to present this photo card at the venue for driving practical and theory test. Once you have successfully passed the practical driving test you will be sent a pink colored full license photo card.

What is a driving theory test?

Driving theory and practical test are needed to pass in order to get a license. To appear for the theory test, you will need to provide your provisional license number, an email address to receive the booking confirmation of your test and also your credit or debit card for payment. The fees charged on the Government website for theory test is only 30 pounds.

What is a driving practical test?

Practical test can be performed once you successfully clear your theory test. You can book for practical test online. To do this you would require your provisional license number and debit or credit card for payment. The fees charged on the Government website for practical test is only 60 pounds on week days and 70 pounds on weekends.

Online website also makes it convenient to apply for renewal or replacement of driving licence. Today, many drivers check their licence status online.

Number Of Points You Will Receive In Case Of Offence Codes

Nowadays many employers are performing a DVLA driving license check of the candidate before recruiting them. They check codes by evaluating the license information of candidate as per the record held by the DVLA. Any offense committed by a motorist is charged by way of penalty points.

These penalty points are different for different offense code. If the nature of offence is severe then it can also lead to immediate disqualification from driving. Also, such offenses can impact the insurance as any endorsement on the driving license will hike the cost of the vehicle insurance. Let us know more on chargeable penalty on a particular offense. 

Various types of offense

Some of the various types of offense which are displayed in the license under the “DVLA license categories” are as follows:

• Accident offense
• Disqualified driver
• Careless driving
• Vehicle construction and use
• Ruthless driving
• Drink or drug
• Insurance offense
• License Offense
• Miscellaneous offense

Table showing different types of motoring offenses, offense code and penalty points as displayed under DVLA categories

 

Accident offences

Offense Code	Type of Offence	Penalty Points
AC10	Not stopping after an accident	5 to 10
AC20	Not reporting an accident within  a period of 24 hours	5 to 10
AC30	No proper definition of accident offences	4 to 9

Disqualified driving

Offense Code	Type of Offence	Penalty Points
BA10	Driving in spite of being disqualified by court	6
BA30	An attempt to drive after being disqualified by court	6

Careless driving

Offense Code	Type of Offence	Penalty Points
CD10	Lack of care while driving	3 to 9
CD20	Driving without considering for other people on road	3 to 9
CD30	Driving without care and consideration for other users of road	3 to 9
CD40	Careless driving resulting into death when not found fit through drink	3 to11
CD50	Careless driving resulting into death when not found fit through drugs	3 to 11
CD60	Careless driving leading to death with alcohol consumption above permissible limit	3 to 11
CD70	Causing death due to careless driving when failing to provide a specimen for alcohol test	3 to 11
CD80	Causing death due to inconsiderate or careless driving	3-11
CD90	Resulting into death by uninsured drivers, unlicensed, disqualified drivers	3 to 11

Defective construction and improper use of vehicle

Offense Code	Type of Offence	Penalty Points
CU10	Driving a vehicle having defective brakes	3
CU20	Causing danger by using a vehicle without steering, brakes or tyres	3
CU30	Driving a vehicle having defective tyre(s)	3
CU40	Riding a vehicle which has defective steering	3
CU50	Causing danger by carrying number of passengers or load beyond permissible limits	3
CU80	Breaching requirements in relation to control of the vehicle, mobile etc.	3

Ruthless or dangerous driving

Code	Offence	Points
DD10 and DD90	Causing critical injury through dangerous driving	3 to 11
DD40	Dangerous driving	3 to 11
DD60	Culpable homicide Manslaughter while driving	3 to 11
DD80	Causing death due to dangerous driving	3 to 11

Insurance offence

Code	Offence	Points
IN10	Use of an uninsured vehicle against third party risks	6 to 8

These penalty points are not just applicable for existing driver but also for learner and new driver. Earning penalty points can disqualify their provisional licence and the need to perform the whole test again. So whether you are a new or learner or existing drivers, adopt safe driving practices to protect your life along with other people’s life too.

Learn About The Various Important Changes And Categories Of Driving License

It is very important to aware about the changes and ensure that your new driving license reflect these amendments. Let us know about the current changes and categories of driving license in detail.

Modification to the front section of the license

There are few changes that are required to be done in the front section of new driving license, these are

• From January 2013, it is mandatory to display all dates in the format of DD.MM.YYYY 
• Driving categories has to be displayed separated by a slash 
• The date mentioned in 4b will display the expiry date of the license

Modifications to the back section of the license

The new look of the license will appear different. The various categories of the vehicle will be displayed on the back side of the license with dates mentioning those vehicles you are authorized to drive.

A person is not entitled to drive any vehicle category that has lines in place of dates. On successfully passing a test in a large sized vehicle you will be authorized to drive small sized vehicles in that category, which have lines in place of dates.

Different categories of vehicle

Mopeds

Mopeds are classified into following three categories:

• Category AM allows a driver to drive two or three wheeled vehicles with a speed maximum speed of more than 25km/h or 15.5mph but not beyond 45km/h or 28mph. Vehicles permitted to be driven under this category are light quad electric bikes with weight not more than mass of not beyond 350kg (without carrying goods).
• In Category P, a person can drive two wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed of more than 45km/h or 28mph but not beyond 50km/h or 31mph.
• In Category Q, a person can drive two wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed not beyond 25km/h or 15.5mph.

Motorcycles

Motorcycles are classified into following four categories:

• In Category A1, a driver is permitted to drive light weight motorbikes and tricycles with has maximum engine size of 125cc.
• In Category A2, a driver can drive motorbikes with maximum power output of 35kW, maximum limit of power to weight ratio as 0.2kW/kg.
• In Category A, a driver can ride motorbikes, light vehicles and quad bikes with a maximum power output of 35kW or maximum permissible power to weight ratio of 0.2kW/kg.
• In Category B1, as per the B1 driving license a driver is allowed to drive four wheeled motor vehicles up to 400kg (without goods) or 550kg (if designed for carrying goods).

Medium sized vehicle 

Such types of vehicles are put into following three categories:

• In Category C1, C1 driving license category codes UK permits a driver to drive vehicles that weighs ranging between 3,500kg and 7,500kg (with a maximum trailer of 750kg).
• In Category C1+E, a driver can ride C1 category vehicles having a trailer weighing more than 750kg. The combined weight of trailer and vehicle should not go beyond 12,000kg.

New license design displays complete table of categories, start date of license and entitlements, expiry date of license and entitlements, pictograms and any codes such as overflow of information or restriction codes, which are missing in the old design. So change your old license design with new one immediately.

How To Deal With The Situation Of Losing Your Driving License

Driving license is an indispensable need for a person to drive carefree. Without a valid UK driving license in proper condition you may be entitled for a fine and penalty points. If the reason for not having driving license is because you have lost it or it has got broken accidently then you definitely need to apply for its replacement quickly. Know about the process of application for a replacement driving license with the DVLA online on their official website.

What to do in case of losing a driving license

Driving licenses are generally made up of two important parts, one is a photo card and other is a paper counterpart. For your driving license to be correct, you are required to keep both these parts safely. License checking identifies if any of these parts are damaged. If due to any reason you lose them then there will be a need to apply for a replacement.

Prerequisites for applying for a replacement card

Performing a license check can help you decide whether you need to go for a replacement card or not.

• To apply for a replacement driving license card, one has to be a legal resident of that country.

• You must not be disqualified from driving due to any reason.

If both of these conditions are met, then one can easily apply for a replacement driving license online.

Documents required

In order to get a replacement driving license you need to show a valid UK passport or any other document that reveals your identity. Also you need to provide the addresses at which you have lived in the last 3 years as a proof of your nationality. If you have your National Insurance number and your license number handy with you then provide the details at the time of online application.

How much time it takes to get a new driving license when applied online

Online application for your driving license is the fastest way to receive a replacement driving license with no hassles of paper work. Once the online application process is performed successfully then a person can expect a new driving license to arrive at your address within a week’s period.

Other ways to apply for a replacement license

Over Phone

If you do not wish to use the online mode of application, then you can also apply for a replacement license over the phone. You can call DVLA provided that none of your details on then existing driving license has changed. 

By Post

Application for a replacement license can be done by sending duly filled D1 application form by the post to the DVLA centre. This form can easily be obtained from the local post office. If any one of the part is missing, then you need to send the part that you still have with you to the DVLA along with the application form.

The DVLA uses the license checker system and will re-issue both parts. The time taken for processing of your replacement license when applied through the postal mode can take up to 3 weeks.

Being a responsible citizen of the country it is very important to drive with a valid British driving license at all times. Following these important tips and advice you are assured to get a replacement driving license easily and effortlessly.

Consequences When A Driver Gets Pulled Over And Does Not Have A Driving License

Driving license is a way to show that a person has taken specific driving training, undergone driving theory and practical tests. On the basis of these test results the candidate is considered to be certified and efficient driver by government authority. Driving without a valid driving license is considered to be a serious crime, all over the world.

The charges for driving without valid license are dissimilar in different states. A driver without a license is mostly punished in the form of fine, community service action or put into a jail. In this article, we will look into consequences when a driver does not carry a valid driving license.

Forget to carry a license

Many people are commonly seen to forget their driving license, when they drive. If a person does not have a driving license to provide to the police officer when they are caught due to their forgetfulness, then they will be issued with a less severe punishment for not being to show their licenses.

In many cases, when the driver shows the court their valid licenses when they appear for hearing then they bear less consequences. With the advent of internet facility, it is possible to perform driving license check online.

Driving on cancelled licenses

People who drive with the suspended license when caught by the police officers are severely punished. The possible consequence for them is that they get arrested. Driving on revoked license is unpardonable offense than driving without driver’s license or forgetting to carry it. License gets cancelled for some reason and till the driver does not resolve those issues they won’t be able to resume their driving privileges. They have to serve time in jail and pay huge fines.

Driving without having a license

A driver who has never undergone a driving test and has no entitlement to drive if drives a vehicle is entitled for a serious offense. Driving without an authentic license or a driving license number is treated as an offence and the person has to pay the penalty for it. Mostly they accrue three to six penalty points or fine summing up to a thousand dollars along with disqualification.

Requirements for a learner

A learner driver having a provisional license need to display “L” sign on the backside of their vehicle and driving by such drivers can be done only if they are of at least 21 years of age and who has also a full driving license for minimum three years. If you do not fulfil any of these conditions, then you could have to suffer the consequences when caught by a policeman.

Driving without a license has been a serious offence leading to significant penalties. The fundamental reason behind the strict provision of punishment is the danger that an unlicensed driver causes to other road users, pedestrians and passengers. Thus to save yourself from these penalties it is advisable to always carry a valid driving license, while driving and follow safe driving rules.