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In UK, driving licence is an authorised document, which authenticates the licence holders to drive and operate different motor vehicles on the private roads as well as on the motorways. In Great Britain, the department of The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) provides driving licences. But in NI, the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) has the authority to approve licences in different driving licence categories. As per the Road Traffic Act UK of 1988; s.192, a valid driving licence is a must in Great Britain for an individual to ride a vehicle on the highways and other roads. As per the applicable clauses related to driving licence regulatory, similar requirements are in practice in Northern Ireland also under the different sections of 1981 Northern Ireland Road Traffic Order.
In order to drive a car or a van or 4 or more wheelers a person needs to be 17 years and above. However, at the age of 16, one can start riding a moped, scooter, or a limited-power motorcycle. Those citizens who receive the Disability Living Allowance have an exemption in the age restriction and they can start driving a 4-wheeler from age 16. The licence aspirants have to first get a provisional licence first. The provisional driving licence holders have to then pass the main UK driving licence test that consists of three sections as theory, perception of real-time road hazards test, as well as driving examination with a supervisor. On passing this test, the provisional licence gets upgraded to the full UK driving licence. While holding just a provisional licence, the driver has to abide by certain restrictions as follows;
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There are several different driving licence categories in United Kingdom, which are issued based on the category of vehicles handled. The major driving licence categories are as described below.
Apart from the above driving licence categories for general-purpose vehicles, there are special driving licence categories also;
Category L and Category N were also there previously for electric vehicles and other short-distance vehicles; however, these driving licence categories were then deprecated and dissolved into Category B and B1.
It is very easy now to apply for the UK provisional driving licence online. One can apply using the Government Gateway ID. However, if you don't have an ID, you will be able to re-register and can get an ID as part of your application process. The following conditions are applicable.
In case of normal licences, you can forward your application three months before you start driving a vehicle. In case of a car licence, you can start driving on your 17th birthday and on your 16th birthday in case of a moped or motorcycles. Apart from online application, one can also apply through post by filling the D1 application form, which is available through DVLA form order service or the post offices. Along with the application form, you have to submit the needed documents as well as £50 cheque or postal order payable to DVLA. Application needs to be sent to DVLA, Swansea, SA99, 1AD.
Different rates are applicable to apply for new driving licence for different driving licence categories or if you want to renew, amend, or exchange existing driving licence. For the first provisional driving licence for car, motorcycle, moped, the fee is £50. However, photocard licences are valid up to 10 years only or up to 70 years of age, and you need to renew it thereafter. The renewal rates applicable at different cases are:
Age 70 renewal: Free
Medical reasons: Free
Bus or lorry drivers: Free
After disqualification: £65
Disqualified due to drunken driving etc: £90
After revocation: £50
Renewal of expired driving licence: £20
Now as you are aware of the different aspects of UK driving licence, you can go ahead and confidently apply for driving licence and start your driving experiences.