How to apply for a provisional driver's license for a non EU

[NSDM]

Hello,

I’m in the UK on a spouse visa for the last year and eight months.
I applied June 2015, entered September 2015 and haven’t left since.

For various different reasons I saw that I might need a BRP card as a simple proof of identity.

At the time I was told here on the forum and by an advisor that I could apply for one whenever I wanted but that it’s not a requirement but merely a convenience.

Checking online now I don’t see any way to apply because they claim that I should have been given one automatically and that I should have gotten a letter with my visa telling me where to collect it from.

I’m assuming that this is all new and that the system has changed since 2015 because I did not get any such letter nor have I received any BRP card.
In fact, upon receiving the visa I was underwhelmed at getting nothing other than my passport and literally no papers at all.
They also say that unless collected you could face a fine of a thousand pounds!

I’m not sure if there was a glitch in my case (not getting a letter) or if indeed the system was different. However, I still would like to have a BRP card and can’t see how I’m supposed to go about it.

Thanks

[CR001]

Why do you want a BRP card specifically?

You will get a BRP when you apply for your spouse visa extension.

[NSDM]

Many reasons.
Because it's another form of ID.
Because then I don't need to carry around my passport which has the visa on it.
I'm always scared it'll get wet or whenever someone handles my passport like it's leftover food not realising it's precious I think how easier it would be had I had something extra
Because often when you're asked for two or more proofs of address and things like that a BRP is acceptable.
Apparently it's even good for your credit score.
So... many reasons.

So you're sure everything is indeed OK and I will simply get one on my next renewal?

[CR001]

BRP has nothing to do with your credit score.

Surely you don't need to prove your identity every single day??

Apply for a drivers license then, easier and quicker to replace if you lose it.

As you have a visa in your passport which is valid, you don't need one and will definitely get a BRP card when you extend your visa. You should not carry your BRP around either, can take months to get a replacement.

[NSDM]

Do you know the easiest way to apply for driver's license without having to send the passport for a few weeks?

[CR001]

If you live in London, you can apply at the Wimbledon office and you get to retain your passport. They charge a very small fee for this.

If you already have a drivers license, you need to check if your country is on the list of ones that can do a direct exchange for a UK one.

If you do not have a drivers license, apply for a Provisional License. It is very quick, for both, and you get your passport back within a couple of weeks.

[NSDM]

I’m trying to figure out how to apply for a provisional driver’s license all day and I haven’t found a good video or a forum post or a manual.

I’m in London.
My driver’s license from Israel can’t be replaced by a UK one so it seems I have to go through the process again after being a driver for 17 years.

I was told I can do it in person at the Wimbledon centre but that one was closed down several years ago.

My wife and I tried to go through the online application but that takes you to paying the money before even explaining to you how exactly you’re supposed to send those precious papers (including passport with visa!!) and/or what documents you even need to begin with.

Since I don’t know how or where to send it nor have I found a list of documents I will need to include I couldn’t proceed with the payment.

Similarly, we went to the post office and they too didn’t know what I’m supposed to send as an Israeli who moved here on a spouse visa.

I feel extremely uncomfortable sending my passport and visa when that holds my entire life and took 14 months of hard labor and money.
I’d much prefer to do all of it in person had I known how or where but if I must send the documents I would much appreciate it if someone could tell me what they are and how I’m supposed to do it.

I would really appreciate all the help I can get.

[CR001]

Have you thought to a) phone the DVLA or b) look on their website where all information is. You can also pick up the form at the Post Office and it contains a guide. Send it off and you get it back within 10 days with your documents. Post is 'special delivery' if you want and supply a 'special delivery' envelope for the return of your documents (if they need to be sent).

[NSDM]

Yes.
I have.
I tried calling, I tried sending an email (got no reply), I tried going to the post office but they don't have a guide (they don't know anything although they are registered on the Gov site), I tried looking online and I've tried asking in this forum.
I can't find a list of the exact documents you need and how to go about it.
When you call you get pre record messages which simply send you back to the website... no human to ask questions is offered.
I tried following the steps of the online application but was stopped when I had to pay despite no having given the list of documents needed or any other practical information.

I'd appreciate help from people who are willing to help nicely.

[CR001]

Passport and likely proof of address.

The Post Office have the forms, just ask. You are not asking for a 'guidance' you are asking for the Drivers Licence DVLA forms.

You have to pay for the provisional license online and once paid it will tell you what to do.

[poper]

Hi

I am surprised the post office couldn't help. I am a non-eu resident and a proud holder of the UK driving license
Get the forms from postoffice. The forms will detail what documents are necessary and where they need to be sent.
Once you have the filled forms and documents, your post office can again help in sending them to the DVLA.

[CR001]

Hi

I am surprised the post office couldn't help. I am a non-eu resident and a proud holder of the UK driving license
Get the forms from postoffice. The forms will detail what documents are necessary and where they need to be sent.
Once you have the filled forms and documents, your post office can again help in sending them to the DVLA.

Also depends on the questions that were asked at the PO