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How to get a UK driving license? (Updated in September 2022)
If a UK driving license accumulates 6 or more penalty points within two years of passing the test, the driver's license will be revoked. This includes any points given before passing the test. Penalty points have a validity period of three years. Initially, upon obtaining the driving license, every individual starts with 6 points, and it increases to 12 points after two years. So, for the first two years, there are only 6 points available. If fined for speeding, there is generally one opportunity every three years to attend a traffic safety course to avoid penalty points.
Reminder: Purchased cars need to be insured, registered, taxed, and undergo an annual MOT inspection.
Reminder: If there are children below 12 years old or with a height below 135 cm in the vehicle, it is mandatory to use a child safety seat.
For foreign passport holders entering the UK for the first time, if they have a driving license, they can use it for 12 months. For example, Chinese students studying in the UK can use their domestic driving license for 12 months, but it requires translation and notarization. After 12 months, it cannot be used anymore. Therefore, if you wish to continue driving, you need to apply for a UK driving license before the 12-month period expires.
The process of getting a driving license in the UK consists of 4 steps:
Apply for a provisional license.
Practice driving.
Take the theory test.
Take the practical driving test.
However, according to the official website, the process is divided into separate detailed steps, making it a total of 6 steps:
Check if you're allowed to drive.
Get your provisional license.
Driving lessons and practice.
Arrange your theory test.
Book and manage your driving test.
Pass your driving test.
First, apply for a provisional license.
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old (but driving is only permitted from the age of 17).
You should have good enough eyesight to read a license plate from a distance of 20 meters.
You must have been a resident in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) for at least 185 days and hold a valid visa for the UK, such as a student visa or work visa.
The online application fee is £34 (the price is subject to change, please refer to the official website for the latest information).
You will need the following documents:
Passport (with a validity of at least 12 months).
Residential address.
You may be required to provide additional information, such as your National Insurance number (some students may already have an NIN on their BRP and don't need to apply separately).
You will also need a valid and correctly sized photograph.
There are two ways to apply: through the Post Office and online application.
Post Office Application:
Visit your nearest Post Office and obtain a free form for the Provisional Driving Licence. There are two types of forms available: D1 for applying for a license for small vehicles, and D2 for applying for a license for trucks or large vehicles. If you intend to drive a small vehicle, please fill out the D1 form.
Official Post Office Link：https://www.postoffice.co.uk/identity/provisional-driving-licence
In the D1 form, you will encounter a question regarding "Signing a photo to verify identity" (finding an acquaintance who has known the applicant personally for 2 years to sign on the photo and form). However, for those who are coming to the UK for the first time and do not have friends or relatives who have known them for 2 years in the country, in such cases, you need to search online for the location of the DVLA Office in your area. Please enter the website address:
https://www.gov.uk/contact-the-dvla
The full name of DVLA is Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. It is responsible for tasks such as issuing driving licenses, vehicle registration, and changing license plates, similar to the government departments in charge of vehicle management in many countries.
Then, take your completed D1 form, passport, and BRP (Biometric Residence Permit) to your local DVLA office, where the staff will assist you with the signature.
After filling out the form, follow the instructions on the form to mail the application form, fees, and other required documents to the address provided on the form. Pay attention to the specified mailing method mentioned on the form, and you can use a check or purchase a Post Order at the Post Office. Remember that your documents are being sent as original copies, so for added security, it's advisable to purchase an additional Special Delivery envelope. Write your address and name on it, and enclose it along with the documents in the envelope to be mailed to the DVLA.
Online Application
Applying online is now very convenient and is generally recommended.
The online application link is: https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence (Note: This link is a new link, so if you are applying for a first-time provisional driving license and you are not a British citizen, as of September 21, 2022, you may not be able to use this new system temporarily and should use the old online application system instead.)
For first-time applicants of a provisional driving license who are not British citizens, as of September 21, 2022, you cannot use the new system mentioned above temporarily. Instead, you should use the old online application system. Here is the link to the old system:
https://motoring.dvla.gov.uk/service/DvoConsumer.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=FAP&_nfls=false
If you find that the link is not accessible, don't worry. You can simply click on the link for the new system, proceed with the application steps in the new system, and the system will ask you questions regarding your British passport status, among others. If you indicate that you do not have a British passport, the official website will automatically provide a button guiding you to the old application system.
The following image is of the old application system.
After filling out all the information online, you can make a payment of £34 using a debit or credit card. Then, as instructed, you need to mail your passport, photo, and other required documents to the specified address. After approximately 10 working days, you will receive a temporary driving license sent by DVLA through mail. The temporary license is valid for 10 years. If DVLA requests you to mail additional original documents, such as the BRP, you should follow the instructions. DVLA will return your original documents, but they might be sent separately from your temporary driving license, with a time gap of 2 to 3 weeks.
Driving Lessons
Once you have obtained the provisional driving license, you can find a driving instructor to start taking driving lessons. There are three well-known driving schools in the UK: AA Driving School, BSM Driving School, and RED Driving School. Additionally, there are private instructors who may offer lower rates. In most cases, AA Driving School is recommended as it offers better value for money, and their instructors provide pick-up and drop-off services, making it convenient for learners.
One of my classmates, who is from Russia, started studying with a driving theory book right at the beginning of the school year. Within a few weeks, she had obtained her driving license. She chose AA Driving School, and I was really impressed by her speed of progress. She was also one of the top students in our class. I asked her about the driving test process, and she excitedly told me that it was super easy and encouraged me to start learning as well.
Note that if you have a driving license from another country and are proficient in driving, you may not need to take driving lessons and can directly participate in the driving test. If you choose to take driving lessons, the duration and timing of the lessons can be arranged based on your availability. Lessons are charged per hour. It's worth mentioning that automatic transmission cars are less common in the UK, and most cars have manual transmission. So, if you prefer automatic transmission, there may be fewer instructors available. When booking your lessons, make sure to specify whether you prefer manual or automatic transmission.
Theory Test
In the UK, the theory test was previously known as the "Driving Theory Test" and is now renamed as the "Practice Theory Test."
Unlike in some other countries, the theory test in the UK consists of two parts: Multiple-choice questions and Hazard Perception Test.
The multiple-choice questions are similar to those in other countries. There are a total of 50 questions, and you need to answer at least 43 correctly within one hour to pass. The questions cover traffic regulations and road signs, requiring you to memorize a large number of words.
The Hazard Perception Test is different. It involves watching several short videos of driving scenarios and identifying potential hazards by clicking the mouse at the appropriate time. You need to quickly recognize dangerous situations such as pedestrians, cyclists, and rainy conditions.
Therefore, it is essential to practice repeatedly in advance, including studying the theory knowledge, practicing multiple-choice questions, and simulating hazard perception scenarios.
You can download the official recommended theory test app, "Official DVSA Theory Test Kit" and "DVSA Hazard Perception," which allow you to practice simulated tests. However, please note that these apps are paid. There are also free apps available, which you can find by searching in your app store.
If you want to experience a free mock exam, simply open the link.
If you want to buy books, the official book purchase link is:
：https://www.safedrivingforlife.info/shop
当然亚马逊ebay也有卖的。
After buying the book and reviewing it thoroughly, and when you feel confident, you can proceed with registration.
First, log in to the website:
https://www.gov.uk/find-theory-test-centre
Search for a test centre near you.
Please note that you should find a reliable test centre that is closest and most convenient for you to reach. You will have to come to this centre for the exam. Almost all towns in the UK have test centres.
Then, proceed with booking the exam online.
Log in to the website for scheduling the exam time:
https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test
Whether you want to make an appointment, check, modify, or cancel your theory test, you need to log in to this online booking website to do so.
Please note that on the day of the exam, you need to bring your Provisional Driving Licence. Remember to arrive at the test center half an hour in advance. Unlike in some other countries, in the UK, the exam time starts when you begin entering your information into the computer. It's a "first come, first served" system.
Once the exam time arrives, the system will close, and you won't be able to check or modify anything. Typically, most people can complete the exam within 20 minutes, so there is ample time. If there are any technical issues or computer crashes during the exam, immediately inform the invigilator to avoid wasting your exam time.
After completing the exam, you will receive the results immediately. If you pass, you can book your practical driving test within two years. The theory test score is valid for two years, and if you don't take or pass the practical test within that time or fail to obtain your driving license, you will need to retake the theory test. If you fail, you can book another theory test a few days later.
Driving Test
The UK driving test primarily focuses on safety awareness and evaluates whether you can drive safely and respond correctly to various situations. Your instructor will inform you where the driving test will take place, and they will also provide transportation on the day of the test. You can request your instructor to accompany you in the backseat during the test, but this option may incur additional costs.
The link to book your practical driving test is:
：https://www.gov.uk/book-driving-test
The exam duration is approximately 40 minutes and may vary depending on the specific traffic conditions on the day. I once failed the test because I got stuck in traffic for an hour. During the driving test, candidates are allowed to make up to 15 minor errors, but committing a major error results in a failed test. For example, you must not stop at a Yellow box or at a Junction. When encountering double solid lines, you should slow down and give way. You should also yield to bicycles and perform a thorough observation when reversing or making a U-turn.
The examiner will have a copy of the driving test assessment form, consisting of 7 pages. The driving test primarily focuses on the contents of this form.
Here is the link to access the complete assessment form:：
If you pass the practical driving test, you will receive the results on the spot. If you don't pass, you can reschedule the test after a waiting period of 10 working days.
Note: When practicing driving with a Provisional Driving Licence, it is important to display "L" plates on both the front and rear of the vehicle. You can purchase these plates at Wilko or similar stores.
After passing, the driving license you will receive looks something like this:：
