You’ve decided—it’s time to start your driving lessons. Regardless of whether you’re 15 years and 9 months old (the minimum age for starting your driving licence application) or slightly older, you need to apply for a provisional driving licence—a document allowing you to learn how to drive on public roads.
But can you apply for your licence without a British passport? And if so, how do you do it? Find all the answers in this article.
For your additional information, we recommend reading the following driving-related articles:
How to get a provisional licence without a passport
If you don’t have a UK passport, worry not—you can still apply for your first provisional driving licence. However, before we outline the application process, it’s important to mention what criteria you must meet to become a driving licence candidate.
As mentioned, you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply. Apart from that, you must:
- Be able to read a number plate that’s 20 metres away AND
- Have been a resident of Great Britain for at least 185 days (with proof of a UK-based address)
Now—a British passport is not the only ID form you can use for your provisional licence application. Here’s the list of other acceptable identity documents:
- Non-UK passports
- Biometric residence permits
- Biometric residence cards
- National identity cards
Alternatively, you can also use immigration status documents, a certificate of naturalisation, or your birth or adoption certificate.
Note: You may be asked to provide your National Insurance number or other additional information.
Apply for a provisional licence without a passport: online
Using the online application service to apply for your provisional licence is the most convenient way to start your driving journey. The UK government recommends applying for your provisional licence through a Driver and Vehicles account—that way, you’ll have all your driving information in one place.
Having created your DVLA account, here are the remaining steps outlining how to apply for your provisional driving licence online:
- Visit the government website and start your application.
- Follow the instructions—remember to have your ID documents prepared.
- Upload a passport-style photograph.
- Pay the application fee (£34).
You will receive a confirmation email once the DVLA confirms the application. Additionally, you should receive your provisional licence within a week from the application date so long as no additional checks/information is required.
If you prefer to apply in person, visit your local Post Office and complete form D1. The instructions and the mailing address will be provided on the form. Send it along with a cheque or postal order for £43 to the address indicated on the form.
FAQ
Can I apply for a provisional licence without a passport?
Yes, you can. The DVLA accepts many forms of personal identification for provisional licence applications, including a valid foreign passport, residence permit, or even a birth certificate.
Can you apply for a provisional licence with an out-of-date passport?
British passports with expiry dates that do not exceed 12 months can be used as identification for provisional licence applications. However, no information about using expired non-UK passports is available. To be on the safe side, use a valid ID document during your provisional driving licence application.
Can a foreigner apply for a provisional licence?
Yes, but you must be a resident of the UK to apply for a provisional licence.
What ID can I use if I don’t have a passport or driving licence in the UK?
Instead of a passport, other acceptable forms of ID include residence permits or cards, national identity cards, birth certificates, or immigration status documents.
Provisional licence without a passport—summary
Fortunately, you can apply for a provisional driving licence without a British passport. All you need to prepare is another form of identification, such as a non-UK passport, a residence permit, or your immigration status documents, if applicable.
To complete your application without any issues, try Passport Photo Online—with our help, you’ll get the perfect passport-style photo within minutes, and you’ll be able to submit your provisional licence application entirely from home!
Sources:
- https://apply-provisional-driving-licence.service.gov.uk/
- https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence
Roxana is a writer with 3+ years of experience. As a Master in psycholinguistics, she blends her passion for language and communication with insights from diverse cultures, making her content resonate with a broad audience.
