An all too common mistake is forgetting to obtain a provisional driving licence before attempting to start their driving lessons.
Submitting the application cannot be done through Surrey Driving Force and should be done by following the 3 step guide outlined below.
Obtaining a provisional licence is a crucial step and one that must be done before you will be eligible to take any form of driving test or start your driving lessons.
Why Do I Need a Provisional Drivers Licence?
Without a provisional licence you will be unable to legally drive on the UK roads (excluding 
motorways) whilst under the supervision of your driving instructor or another driver over the age of 21 who has held a full drivers licence for a minimum of three years.
Obtaining a provisional licence will ensure that you are eligible to take your theory, hazard perception and practical driving test along with commencing your lessons.
Step 1 – The Date
In order to eligible to submit your provisional licence application form, you must be a UK resident and be at aged at least 16 years and 10 months. This means that you can apply for your licence two months before your 17th birthday.
Step 2 – What Do I Need?
Before you start your application you will need the following items:
- Identification – The ideal form of identification to use will be in the form of your passport. This means that you will only need to provide the nine digit code for the DVLA to confirm your identity.
Alternatively there are a number of other forms of identification which can be used including a non-digital Passport, EU Identity Card or UK certificate of naturalization. You may also send your birth certificate, although further proof of identity must be supplied alongside it, such as your National Insurance Card, P45, P60 or Pay Slip.
- Passport Sized Photo – This must be a full colour, 45mm x 35mm photograph showing the full head. The criteria continue with a plain, evenly lit background with no hats, helmets or sunglasses obscuring the face.
- Money – The provisional licence has a current cost of £50.
Step 3 – Where To Submit My Application Form?
Once you have collected the necessary items required for your submission, you must now decide which of the three application methods you will use. These are:
- Online – Complete the secure online form at Direct.Gov.Uk
- In Person or By Post – Both of these methods require the D1 application form, which is available from the DVLA or your local Post Office.
Once your licence is received by the DVLA, it will generally take up to 3 weeks for it to be generated and delivered to your chosen address.
After it arrives with you, you will be eligible to start your driving lessons and sit any of the relevant tests. It is also worth noting that once you have passed all of the relevant driving tests, your licence will be exchanged for a full drivers licence without an additional charge.
