Driving Licence

At the end of the driving test there are two options for receiving your full driving licence. Give your provisional licence to the examiner and they will process it so your upgraded licence will be automatically sent to you in the post. You will be given a pass certificate as proof of success until you receive your new licence. If there is a specific reason for not using the automatic upgrade service (if other details need changed as well) you will be given your provisional back, with the pass certificate and you will need to post these to the DVLA and they will send out your full licence.

If you passed your test in a manual car you are able to drive manual and automatic cars. If you passed your test in an automatic car you can only drive automatic cars.

Your licence shows what category of vehicle you are allowed to drive and if you have provisional entitlement for any other categories. Should you wish to drive another category of vehicle – such as motorbike, bus, tow a trailer – you will require to sit the relevant test for that category.

You are required to update the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) with any changes in name and/or address. You can do this online or via the post.

Should your licence be lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed you can arrange a replacement licence from the DVLA via internet, telephone or post. There is a fee for a replacement licence.

The photo on your licence is only valid for 10 years and will require to be renewed at that time. This can be done at the post office or via the post and there is a fee to be paid.

Your driving licence entitlement expires at the age of 70. This involves completing a form and returning your driving licence in order for a new one to be issued. You can do this online or via the post. Your renewed licence will normally be valid for three years.

Having just passed your driving test, bear in mind the New Drivers Act. This piece of law means your licence will be revoked if you receive six or more penalty points (including paying by fixed penalty) within two years of passing your first practical test. If your licence is revoked you will need to re-apply for a provisional licence and drive under the rules of a learner until you pass the theory and driving tests again.