Provisional License
To apply for a photo-card provisional licence you must complete two application forms. One form is an application for the provisional entitlement (D1) and the other is for the photocard (D750). Both of these forms are available from The Post Office, Vehicle Registration Office or DVLA.
The photo-card part of the licence was introduced to improve road safety by ensuring that the person driving a vehicle is qualified to do so and to eliminate impersonation at driving tests. To keep the photo-card section of the licence up to date, drivers need to update their photograph every 10 years, until the age of 70.
You can apply for your provisional licence after your 16th birthday, but the licence does not come into effect until your 17th birthday. If you have a full licence from a European Union member state (plus Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway), you may drive in the UK with your current licence.
If you are a permanent resident in the UK and you hold a full licence from your country of origin or an International Driving Permit, you may be able to drive in the UK for up to one year, however, it is advisable that you check with DVLA before doing so.
Please note that this information is intended as a guide only and it is advisable to check with DVLA on any matters concerning licensing
Theory Test
The Theory Test is conducted on a computer at a Driving Standards Agency Test Centre.
You will be asked 50 multiple choice questions, followed by a test of your hazard perception skills. You will need to pass both parts of the theory test at the same sitting to obtain your theory test pass certificate.
You answer the multiple choice questions by touching the screen. You select an answer, or answers, from the selection shown.
You have the option of working through a practice session before starting the test. After a break (max. 3 minutes), you will be shown a tutorial video of the Hazard Perception part of the test.
This uses sample footage with a sound track (headphones supplied), which will explain how to complete this part of the test. The test consists of 14 video clips featuring various types of hazards. You should respond by pressing a mouse button as soon as you see a hazard developing that may result in the driver having to take some action. The earlier the developing hazard is spotted (and a response made) the higher the score.
Candidates can score up to five marks on each hazard and the test contains 15 scoreable hazards. The pass mark for this part of the test is 44 out of 75 for car drivers and motorcycle riders. For additional information, visit Driving Standards Agency website.
Practical Test
Your examiner will want you to drive safely and competently in various road and traffic conditions. Your examiner wants you to do well and will try to put you at your ease. He/She won’t say very much while you are driving, though, so as not to distract your concentration.
Examiners do not have a quota for test passes or fails. If you demonstrate the standard required you will pass your test, it's as simple as that. If you are successful, you can apply for a full driving licence. If not, you can reapply straight away but you must wait at least 10 working days for another test. To reach the required standard you need to consistantly demonstrate the ability to drive safely and competently on your driving lessons. This is where your driving instructor's expertise comes in. Your instructor will book your practical test when he knows you have the required ability to pass, and more importantly, when you have the required expertise to avoid collisions after passing your test. For additional information, visit Driving Standards Agency website.
Before you get the vehicle moving, you need to check that your eyesight meets the minimum standard. It is a criminal offence to drive a motor vehicle if you cannot read a standard number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres (67 feet) in good daylight. If you need to wear contact lenses or glasses to do this, then you must wear them every time you drive. Please note that it is illegal to drive without meeting this standard, so it is vital that you check before your first lesson. If you have problems meeting this requirement, then a quick trip to your optician should sort out the problem!