Replacement Driving Licence

[TerryandGaby]

Would I be able to get a replacement driving licence from my local DVLA office?

[anewman]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_4022085

[TerryandGaby]

I ask only because it doesn't specify on the site - it's been suggested to me that if I were willing to wait that they could produce both parts for me that day!

[donkingkong]

I have lost my provisional driving license photocard. I still have the paper bit of the license. I haven't started lessons, taken my theory or test yet. Will I need to order a replacement license or will I be able to get by using the paper bit of the license until I pass my test and have a full license sent to me.

If it makes any difference I reported the loss of the license to the police.

[cajef]

You need both parts of the licence to take any part of the driving test, and any driving instructor will require to see both before they will give any lessons, they should be kept together as both parts make up the complete licence.

[donkingkong]

Thanks for posting cajef.

Ill give the police a ring and see if it has been handed in, which is doubtful. If not looks like I'll just have to buy a replacement and @ £17.50 it isn't cheap!

[donkingkong]

You need both parts of the licence to take any part of the driving test, and any driving instructor will require to see both before they will give any lessons, they should be kept together as both parts make up the complete licence.

Well I went through and bought a replacement but at the end of the process it tells you this;

Driving before your new licence arrives
The law allows you to drive before you receive your driving licence as long as:


you have held a Great Britain or Northern Ireland licence issued since 1 January 1976
you are not disqualified from driving (there are different rules for medium or large vehicles, minibus or bus drivers - the traffic commissioner for your area will decide whether to grant your entitlement to drive these vehicles)
you have not been, and would not be, refused a licence for medical reasons
you keep to any special conditions which apply to the licence
the entitlement on your licence has not expiredCould I not have got away without actually having the photocard bit?

[cajef]

Could I not have got away without actually having the photocard bit?

Unfortunately no, if you read the top of your paper counterpart you will see the following:-

Important Document - The photocard and paper counterpart together make up the complete driving licence and should be kept together. Both must be produced when require.

By only having the paper part you did not have a complete driving licence, when you go for a test either theory or practical the examiners by law are required to see both parts of the licence, the photocard as proof by the photograph that it is you and not somebody else taking the test in your name and the paper part to ensure you are not a banned driver with penalty points.

As a driving instructor I would not give lessons until I had seen a complete licence for exactly the same reasons, also if stopped by the police you would be required to produce both parts.

The quote you have given only applies to people updating or renewing their licence, technically without both parts of the licence you do not have a licence.