Getting your full driving licence

When you pass your practical driving test, DVLA will usually send you your full licence automatically.

After the test, the examiner will:

  1. Take your provisional photocard driving licence.

  2. Give you a driving test pass certificate.

  3. Arrange for DVLA to send you your full licence.

You can start driving as soon as you’ve passed the practical test.

While you wait for the full licence to arrive, you can use the driving test pass certificate to prove you passed.

When you need to apply for a full licence

You only need to apply for your full licence if:

  • you did not give your provisional photocard driving licence to the examiner after the test, for example because you need to use it as ID
  • you changed your name or address and it’s now different from the name or address on the provisional photocard driving licence
  • you have an old-style provisional driving licence (one issued before 1998)

Otherwise, it’ll be sent to you automatically.

How to apply

If you’re applying for a full licence, you need to:

  • sign the declaration on your driving test pass certificate
  • fill in form D1 ‘application for a driving licence’ - you can get one from a Post Office that offers DVLA services
  • include original documents confirming your identity
  • include a passport photograph (only if you have a paper provisional licence)
  • include your provisional licence

Send all documents to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BN

If you’re applying for a full licence by post, you must send documents to the DVLA within 2 years of passing your test or you’ll have to take it again.

Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules

  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

    1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practise.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test £23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test £62 to £75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses