In the UK, anyone can apply for a UK driving licence, either a provisional or a full licence, under specific circumstances. A provisional driving licence in the UK allows you to drive under supervision, while a full driving licence allows you to drive independently without supervision. To get a provisional licence, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and meet certain eyesight and residency requirements. Full licences are typically applied for after passing the driving test. To know how to get driving licence in UK, you can read further.
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To get a UK driving licence, check the eligibility criteria first. However, you can apply for a provisional licence from the age of 15 years and 9 months. To start driving in the UK, you must be at least 17 years old. Additionally, you must be able to read a number plate at 20 meters. Also, your stay must be in the UK for at least 185 days in the past year to get a UK licence and drive.
There are some ways to apply for a provisional and then a full UK driving licence. You can apply online through GOV.UK. For that, you will need your identity documents, such as a passport or birth certificate, proof of address, and your National Insurance number.
In this step, you’ll also need to pay a fee, which is currently £34 to £43 when applying online. In case you do not have a UK passport for a licence in UK or share code for proving your identity, you may need someone to sign your application (UK resident) and photo to verify your identity.
To know how to get driving licence in UK, knowing all the steps is crucial. However, in the third step, you have to prepare for the theory test to get a licence. It involves studying the Highway Code, utilising DVSA study materials, practising with mock tests to prepare for the multiple-choice and hazard perception sections.
This ensures that to car drives in UK, you understand road rules, signs, and can identify potential hazards. Though once you have your provisional licence, you can start learning the theory. You can find resources online, in books, or through driving schools.
Once you are prepared for the theory test, you can book it through GOV.UK. As mentioned earlier, the theory test for a driving licence in the UK includes a multiple-choice section and a hazard perception test. To pass, you need to score at least 43 out of 50 on the multiple-choice section and 44 out of 75 on the hazard perception.
You can take the theory test from your 17th birthday to book the test. Additionally, you must pass the theory test before you can book your practical driving test.
To apply for the UK licence, this step is crucial. It involves learning the rules of the road, developing driving skills, and preparing for the theory and practical driving tests. This usually involves lessons with a qualified driving instructor and may also include private practice with a supervisor driver.
For that, you have to find a qualified driving instructor, schedule lessons, learn the Highway Code well, and practice developing practical driving skills. Then you have to practice and prepare for the practical test. Once you feel confident, you can book your practical test.
To start driving in UK, you must have a full licence. In this step, you have to register for your practical driving test, which you have to book through GOV.UK. The practical test includes a series of manoeuvres, and you will be assessed on your overall driving ability.
This step is crucial because here, you schedule and complete your practical driving exam. It also assesses your ability to drive safely and competently on the road. Without passing the theory test, you can not book your practical test. Moreover, if you pass, you can start driving unsupervised as soon as you have your full licence.
This is the last step to getting a driving licence in the UK. If you pass your practical test in a car, your examiner will give you a certificate. He/She will also inform you how your full UK driving licence will be sent to you. However, to get your full licence, you need to sign the declaration on your pass certificate and complete a form D1, available at the Post Office.
Additionally, you have to include your provisional licence and original documents to confirm your identity. Here, you may also need to include a passport photograph if you have a paper provisional licence. After this, you will receive your full licence within a few weeks.
So, these were the complete steps of obtaining a licence to drive in the UK. Students who were unaware of how to get a driving licence in UK are now clear with all the steps, till now. If you are a student and living in this country for exactly 185 or more days, you can apply for the licence. Near your student accommodation in UK, you can also start driving lessons so that you can easily pass the tests and get a licence!
It generally takes around 6-8 weeks to get a UK driving licence, but this timeframe can vary significantly. Factors like the type of licence, individual learning pace, practice time, and test availability all play a role.
Yes, international students can apply for a UK driving licence. They can drive on their existing valid foreign licence for up to 12 months from the date they became a resident in the UK. After that, they need to apply for a UK provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical driving tests to get a full UK licence.
In the UK, the minimum age to start driving lessons and take your theory and practice test is 17 years old. Candidates can apply for a provisional licence at 15 years and 9 months old.
If you fail the theory and practical driving test in the UK, you will need to book and pass another test and pay the fee again. For the theory test, you will receive a feedback report which indicates the area you need to improve. For the practical test, the examiner will inform you of your faults. To retest, you must wait for 3 working days (theory test) and 10 working days (practical test).
Well, you do not have to take lessons with a professional driving instructor to get your licence, but it is generally recommended. You can also learn with your family member or a friend who meets specific requirements.
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