Hoot guide to driving licences
It is essential to have a valid driving licence for the category of vehicle you are driving. The minimum legal driving age in the UK is 17 years old.
The current law states that all drivers must take a practical driving test with a qualified driving instructor as well as a written test on the theoretical practice of driving in order for a valid driving licence to be obtained.
The paper licences are no longer issued in Great Britain so any newly qualified drivers will receive a photocard driving licence. You can obtain a form to apply for a provisional driving licence from the DVLA or from the Post Office. Once you have passed your driving test you must send your test certificate and your provisional licence to the DVLA so that they can exchange it for a full driving licence.
The cost of a driving licence
- First provisional – car, motorcycle, moped - £38.00
- First full GB licence in exchange of a full European Community/European Economic Area (EC/EEC) or other foreign licence (including Channel Island and Isle of Man) - £38.00
- Provisional to full car, motorcycle, moped if first provisional licence issued before 1/03/2004 - £9.00
- Provisional to full car, motorcycle, moped if first provisional licence issued from 1/03/2004 - Free
- Provisional to full car, motorcycle, moped after disqualified until test pass - Free
- Replace lost or stolen licence - £19.00
- Add entitlement to full licence - Free
- Remove expired endorsements - £19.00
- Paper licence for a photocard licence - £19.00
- Full Northern Ireland licence – Free
- To change name and or address, you must surrender your existing licence - Free
How to pay for your driving licence
- Make a cheque or postal order(s) payable to 'DVLA Swansea'
- Do not post-date your cheque, DVLA cannot accept it
- Sign and date your cheque and make it payable for the correct amount ensuring that the amount written in words matches the amount written in figures
- Write your full name, address, date of birth and or driver’s number if known on the back of your payment
Personal changes that affect your driving licence
It is your responsibility to inform the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVLA) if there are any changes to your name, address or any other personal details so that your driving licence can be updated.
If you currently hold a paper licence your details will be updated onto a photocard driving licence so you will also need to send original documentation confirming your name and address along with a passport style colour photograph.
The DVLA will aim to return your driving licence within three weeks of receiving your application although this may take longer when checking your personal or health details. You may continue driving before you receive your licence back as long as you have been driving with a valid licence up to this point.
Also, if you suffer any changes to your health or any disabilities that will affect your driving you must let the DVLA know. You can be fined up to £1000 for withholding this information.
Driving outside the UK
When driving in another country you will need your Great Britain driving licence. Before setting off you must make sure that the details on your driving licence are up to date and that you have your driving licence with you.
You may also need an International Driving Permit in some non EC/EEA countries. This is a formal document which translates the details of a visitor’s driving licence into several languages for the benefit of the foreign authorities. An IDP is available to GB residents over the age of 18 years at a fee of £5.50 from the AA and RAC.
Young driver car insurance
Once you pass your test and receive your driving licence you will want to get on the road as soon as possible but first you must make sure that you have a great deal on young driver car insurance.
Hoot Car Insurance Services specialise in young driver car insurance. We keep our costs down by operating online and can afford to offer fantastic motor insurance rates to drivers aged between 18 and 35 years old.
We also offer free legal expenses insurance to ensure that you are covered for any eventuality and have great deals on breakdown cover.
To get an instant online insurance quote click below or call our team on 0800 954 97 55 to find out more about young driver car insurance.
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