Provisional driving licence as ID

benjus

Just asking out of curiosity really. I'm sending some ID in the post, and I've been told that my wife's provisional UK photocard driving licence is not acceptable, so I'll have to send her passport (which is OK, although we'd prefer not to as it's an Italian passport which would be a minor nightmare to replace if lost).

Now she had to go through strict ID checks to get the provisional licence, including sending her passport to the DVLA. So why is it not accepted? When she passes her driving test she'll simply send it back to the DVLA to get a full licence. So why does it matter whether or not she's passed a driving test? The only thing I can think of is that the test examiner will check her ID to make sure that no-one else is sitting the driving test on her behalf. Is this the reason?

glentoran99

Whats it for?

Mummyto4kids

Provisional licenses haven't ever been acceptable I don't think as proof of id for places like banks. I know I have always had to provide a passport or full UK license. Send the passport special delivery to make sure it arrives and request the same for return possibly?

kingstreet

The old provisional licence was not acceptable as evidence of identity or address, but the new photocard version certainly is/should be.

As noted, the hoops to be jumped through to get one are as onerous as they are for the full version.

Which organisation is refusing to accept it?

benjus

We're getting a remortgage. It's a simple £ for £ remortgage with nothing non-standard, comfortable affordability etc. I was planning to apply direct, but the best overall package I found was with Platform, so I've applied via L&C. I'm not sure whether it's Platform or L&C policy not to accept a provisional licence.

Anyway, it's no big deal to send the passport by special delivery, I was just curious. (In fact, she's planning to take her driving test soon, so she can't really afford to be without the licence)

davidmcn

Clutching at straws here, but I suppose a full licence at least proves that a real person claiming to be you has turned up for the test(s). Otherwise it seems overly pedantic to refuse provisional licences.

But there are no official rules one way or another, it's up to each organisation what they'll accept as ID.

RedheadFred

I've never had a passport and I only passed my test a couple of months ago, never been a problem.