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Original poster

First provisional driving licence confusion

19 replies

middleager · 15/10/2022 12:19

The Government website states you can apply for your first driving licence/moped licence at 15 years 9 months.

My twins ate 16 years and 6 months.

Yet when we apply for a licence online (despite having new passport and NI number, the new online site says ii can't verify their ID so says we have to use their old style digital site) we get an orange triangle to say we will only be eligible for a moped licence (see image).

I've got as far as the payment page, but obviously don't want to pay 2x £34 only to find the provisional licence is moped only.

I'm confused because a friend's son, who is a similar age says he's had his provisional licence for ages!

First provisional driving licence confusion
First provisional driving licence confusion
OP posts:
thelobsterquadrille · 15/10/2022 12:25

I don't think you can apply for a provisional car license until you're 16y, 9 months old, or maybe even 17.

Original poster
middleager · 15/10/2022 12:36

It's confusing as Gov.uk says you can at 15yrs 9 months. I've done a quick search and this seems a common confusion with no definitive answer. Some people are saying 15 yrs 9 months, and others are saying 16 yrs 9 months.
Why have they made it so confusing?

OP posts:
ApolloandDaphne · 15/10/2022 12:39

I think it means that it is only a moped they can drive drive right now because of their age but once they are they reach 17 it becomes valid for cars.

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Notplayingball · 15/10/2022 12:43

Apply for them when they turn 17.

MissBattleaxe · 15/10/2022 12:43

watching with interest. I always thought you could have a provisional at 16 and lessons but just no test yet. I had the same result as you OP.

VanCleefArpels · 15/10/2022 12:46

You can’t have car driving lessons at 16 unless it’s on private land. You need to be 17 to be on public roads in a car. Not sure the situation re mopeds

dementedpixie · 15/10/2022 12:55

Looks like you get a provisional moped licence to start with due to their age but don't have to reapply for a car one when they turn 17

First provisional driving licence confusion
shazkevincarrotlover · 15/10/2022 12:58

Maybe the website is playing silly beggars ?? it can over the weekend whennooneis there to reset it, try again on Monday? We found this especially when trying to book tests.
My twinnies were 16 yrs and 8 mths when their provisionals started but couldnt have lessons until thier 17th birthday and 1 is actually on his test right now 😖keeping everything crossed.

Original poster
middleager · 15/10/2022 13:00

I called the DVLA but even the advisor did not seem completely sure!
He said he thought it was 16 years and 9 months.

I mentioned somebody else (on MN) had previously called them too and been told that if they get the moped only provisional, this auto updates to car provisional too when they're 16 yrs 9 months. He wasn't sure!

My take is that 15 years 9 months is when those qualifying for the disability aspect might be able to get a licence? Anyone who doesn't qualify must wait until 16 and 9 months, or can receive a moped licence only (but whether this then auto updates to a car at 16 9 months, is unconfirmed. Surely you'd still need a new photo card regardless).

I'm not alone in this confusion I can see, and wonder why it can't be clearer on official channels.

OP posts:
Original poster
middleager · 15/10/2022 13:03

shazkevincarrotlover · 15/10/2022 12:58

Maybe the website is playing silly beggars ?? it can over the weekend whennooneis there to reset it, try again on Monday? We found this especially when trying to book tests.
My twinnies were 16 yrs and 8 mths when their provisionals started but couldnt have lessons until thier 17th birthday and 1 is actually on his test right now 😖keeping everything crossed.

No, we tried the website last month too. Same thing.

I don't think it helps that some people can access the new online application system, where others (like us) are directed to the older digital system. Maybe those on the newer system don't face the same orange exclamation mark?
It's interesting that your twins are 16 years 8 months. Does the provisional definitely have the car category on the back, not just moped?

OP posts:
Original poster
middleager · 15/10/2022 13:04

Oh and fingers crossed he passes his test!

OP posts:
shazkevincarrotlover · 15/10/2022 13:07

They were 16yrs 8 mths when they were issued they are 17yrs 3mths now.
Thank you middleager I he should be done in 15 mins I'm wearing a path in my new carpet waiting 😬

shazkevincarrotlover · 15/10/2022 13:10

My only other suggestion would be try again in a couple of months.They can't have car lessons until 17th birthday anyways.
Unless they are wanting to drive mopeds of course.

thelobsterquadrille · 15/10/2022 13:10

middleager · 15/10/2022 12:36

It's confusing as Gov.uk says you can at 15yrs 9 months. I've done a quick search and this seems a common confusion with no definitive answer. Some people are saying 15 yrs 9 months, and others are saying 16 yrs 9 months.
Why have they made it so confusing?

But as it says - that's only for mopeds.

You can't drive a car on public roads until you're seventeen years old.

Original poster
middleager · 15/10/2022 13:12

I can't imagine the tension.
And with twins it's always hard when 2 are taking exams around the same time!

OP posts:
shazkevincarrotlover · 15/10/2022 13:19

I agree they should be clearer.
You can have a provisional to drive mopeds only from 16 yrs old(hence applying at 15 yrs) but for cars only it's 17 yrs.
It is my understanding that they only issue them a few months before the qualifying birthday.(having done all this with their elder brother a few yrs ago) so I didn't bother applying for theirs until closer to their birthday iykwim

WeAllHaveWings · 15/10/2022 13:21

https://www.gov.uk/vehicles-can-drive/y/moped-category-p-or-am/no/under-16

seems clear enough here

First provisional driving licence confusion
Original poster
middleager · 15/10/2022 13:26

Yes that's clear, yet the DVLA telephone advisor today did not say that when I told him some wrre saying that's the case.

He read off his infotmation '16 yrs, 9 months' which threw me!

OP posts:
Original poster
middleager · 15/10/2022 13:47

Phoned up DVLA again with WeAllHave's screenshot to hand. The advisor was very knowelegable this time and said this is correct. She knows, because her son is 17 in January and he did this. You won't need to apply for another photo card as it will have category B (cars on the back) and be vslid for cars from 17.

OP posts:
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