Get Your Full UK Driving Licence – Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your full UK driving licence is an important milestone that gives you the legal freedom to drive independently across the UK and beyond. Whether you’re a new driver or upgrading from a provisional licence, here’s everything you need to know.

Steps to Get Your Full UK Driving Licence

1. Apply for a Provisional Licence

Before you can learn to drive, you must apply for a provisional driving licence from the DVLA. This allows you to start taking lessons and book your theory test.

2. Pass the Theory Test

The UK driving theory test includes:

• Multiple-choice questions on road rules
• Hazard perception test to assess your awareness

You must pass this before booking the practical driving test.

3. Take Driving Lessons

• Learn with a DVSA-approved instructor
• Practice regularly to build confidence
• Cover all road types, from city driving to motorways

4. Book and Pass the Practical Test

The driving test includes:

• Vehicle safety questions (“show me, tell me”)
• General driving ability
• Reversing manoeuvres
• Independent driving using sat nav or road signs

5. Get Your Full UK Driving Licence

Get full UK driving licence After passing, your examiner will send your results to the DVLA, and your full UK driving licence will arrive by post within 3 weeks.

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FAQ – Full UK Driving Licence

1. How long does it take to get a full driving licence in the UK?
It usually takes 6 months to 1 year, depending on how quickly you pass your theory and practical tests.

2. How much does it cost?
The total cost (lessons, theory, practical test, and licence fees) is typically between £1,000–£1,500.

3. Can I drive abroad with a UK licence?
Yes, a full UK driving licence is widely accepted in many countries. In some places, you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

4. What if I fail the test?
You can rebook your practical test after 10 working days.

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Learn how to get your full UK driving licence. Step-by-step guide on applying, taking lessons, theory and practical tests, and receiving your licence.

• Get full UK driving licence
• Apply UK driving licence
• Pass UK driving test
• UK driving licence application
• Driving licence DVLA

Getting your full driving licence is a great achievement! 🎉

According to the GOV.UK website¹, when you pass your practical driving test, DVLA will usually send you your full licence automatically. You can start driving as soon as you’ve passed the test. 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, or if you changed your name, or if you have an old-style provisional driving licence.

Get full UK driving licence If you need to apply for your full licence, you have to fill in a form D1, provide original documents confirming your identity, include a passport photograph (only if you have a paper provisional licence), and send all documents to DVLA Swansea SA99 1BN¹. You must do this within 2 years of passing your test or you’ll have to take it again².

I hope this helps. Do you have any other questions about getting your full driving licence?

Source: Conversation with Bing, 5/9/2023
(1) Getting your full driving licence – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-your-full-driving-licence.
(2) UK Full Driving Licence Made Easy: Step-by-Step 2023 Guide – Smartphone ID. https://www.smartphone-id.com/en_GB/uk-full-driving-licence/.
(3) Driving licences – GOV.UK. https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/driving-licences.