GETTING A LICENCE >>>>

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Every person needs to have a licence to legally drive on the UK’s roads. If you don’t have one and you get caught, you could end up with a hefty fine and a ban before you’ve even started.

>> > Before you begin

Before you begin driving you need to get your provisional licence. Although this will set you back £50, you can upgrade it to a full licence for nothing when you pass your test. This can be done online at www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring. Alternatively you can get the D1 application form from the DVLA form ordering service or by nipping in to the Post Office. Applications need to include documentation confirming your identity* and a passport style colour photograph. And don’t forget the £50. You will then need to send this to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD.

* The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will accept either of the following;

• full valid passport
• identity card issued by a member state of the European Community
• travel documents issued by the Home Office
• UK certificate of naturalisation

Alternatively, if you have a digital passport (where the photograph and signature appear on the same page) the DVLA can confirm your identity with the Identity and Passport Service. When applying online use your nine digit passport number or write this number and signature in the ‘confirming your identity’ section of the D1 form.

The DVLA will try to get this back to you within three weeks of receiving your application and you will need to wait for your licence to arrive before driving. So apply a month before you are due to start to make sure you’re covered.

For more detailed information on licences for different vehicles, go to www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring.

>> > Changing your name or address

The DVLA will need to know if you change your name or move house. Again you can do this online at www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring or by sending your licence to the DVLA. The good news is that this will be done free of charge (unless your photograph is up for renewal).

> > > Replacing your licence

If your licence is lost, stolen, defaced, destroyed or left in your jeans on a hot wash then you must replace it. This can be done - you guessed it - online at www.direct.gov.uk/en/motoring. You can also apply by phone or by post, again completing the D1 form and sending it to the DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB (note the postcode is different from above). The bad news is that a replacement in this case will cost you £17.50.

As opposed to waiting for your provisional licence to return, you can drive before your replacement licence comes back, as long as you;

• have held a Great Britain or Northern Ireland licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence
• aren't disqualified from driving
• haven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquiries
• wouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons (if in doubt, check with your doctor)
• keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence

If you then find your old licence you must return this to the DVLA, with an explanatory letter.

>> >> After disqualification

You’ll need to apply for a new licence before driving after disqualification. This can be done up to 56 days before the disqualification ends. The DVLA will send you a D27P, which you’ll need to complete, enclose payment and send to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB.