For a normal application by post, you can expect to wait around 3 to 4 weeks to get your licence issued, while online applications can be processed within 5 days.
However, people with certain medical conditions that have applied for a new licence, or to renew their existing licence will have to wait much longer for medical clearance to be allowed to drive in the UK legally.
Those applying for their first provisional licence, or hoping to renew their licence due to it being revoked, can also expect a longer turnaround time of up to 2 months.
Due to these extreme delays, the DVLA recommends that people apply online instead of in person, and they also advise against contacting them to inquire about why your application might be delayed.
However, if you want to remain updated on where the DVLA stands with certain applications and services you can check out their latest updates here.
How to Track My Provisional License and Full Driving Licence
If you have already applied for either your full or provisional licence and your driving licence has not arrived, you can check out the status of your application by using the following steps:
- To check the progress of your application, you will need the 14-digit reference number that was emailed to you when you made your application.
- Next, enter your details such as your application number, surname and postcode on the following DVLA page.
For Provisional licence applications with an ‘FP’ reference number, you will have to use a different service to track your application.
- First, have your reference number prepared which begins with FP followed by 10 letters.
- Enter your National Insurance number, your home address for the last 3 years, and your UK passport number.
- You will then need to sign in here, in order to check the status of your application.
Keep in mind that your online application might take up to one week to be processed, and longer if there are additional checks that need to be made.
FAQ:
What if I haven’t been sent a reference number?
Sometimes there are many emails in your inbox, you can search DVLA in your email search bar to confirm whether you have been sent the email. Don’t forget to check your spam inbox. After confirming that, I suggest that you contact the DVLA for more details.
Further Reading for Driving in the UK.
- Driving in London is one of the best options if you plan to have a road trip within London.
- Pay attention to the Congestion Charge when driving in London.
- Want to drive in the UK legally? You need a driving licence first. Follow these Steps to Get a Driving Licence in the UK.
- Before you decide to get a driving licence, you may want to know how much you are going to spend before applying for one. Check out our guide to how much for a driving licence.
- Choose one of the Best Driving Schools in London if you decide to learn to drive and get a full driving licence.
- You may want to know How Many Driving Lessons You Need to Pass the Driving Test.
- How much time should I spend on learning to drive? Read our guide to How Long Does It Take To Learn to Drive.
- Applying for the driving licence, but don’t know how to fill in the form? Download INF1D Booklet and read our guide to solve the problem.
- After getting your driving licence, you may be happy to learn more about it. Check out our guide to UK Driving Licence Explained.
- Want to check your driving licence online? Check out our guide to How To Check Status Of Driving Licence.
- If you are unlucky Losing your driving licence, it is not the world’s end, follow our detailed guide to Lost Driving licence UK | How To Replace And Apply.
- Can’t find out your Driving Licence Number? Don’t worry about it, here is a step-by-step guide to How to Get Driving Licence Number if Lost.
- Unfortunately, you get a Private Parking Ticket, but you don’t know how to deal with it. Should you pay for it? Check out our guide to Do You Have To Pay Private Parking Tickets.
- You may want to buy Car Insurance but don’t know how to buy it. Check out our guide to A Comprehensive Guide on Car Insurance in the UK.
- Can’t Remember your Car Insurance Company? Check out our guide to Who Am I Insured With.
- If you forgot your Car Insurance Expiry Date and want to find it out, here is our guide to 5 Ways To Check your Car Insurance Expiry Date.
