Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency
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When you pass your practical driving test, DVLA will usually send you your full licence automatically.
After the test, the examiner will:
Take your provisional photocard driving licence.
Give you a driving test pass certificate.
Arrange for DVLA to send you your full licence.
You can start driving as soon as youve 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.
This page is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).
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 its 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, itll be sent to you automatically.
How to apply
If youre 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 youre applying for a full licence by post, you must send documents to the DVLA within 2 years of passing your test or youll have to take it again.