DVLA - Checks when applying for provisional licence

[PoshPineapple]

Apologies, not sure where to post this.

Does anyone know what checks the DVLA make when a new applicant applies for a provisional licence for the first time?

Do they check residency status/addresses?

Reason I'm asking is that I am aware of someone who has applied for a licence using a relative's UK address as their current residence (they don't live there - they currently live elsewhere in Europe and drive there on their home country licence). They do have dual nationality and both a UK and other country passport and have used their UK passport for identity verification with the DVLA. They have only entered the UK twice in the last 10 years and are currently deciding whether to move here permanently.

Really curious about this. Whilst I don't have any personal concerns about this person having a UK licence - it seems wrong if they are granted one as they have basically lied to obtain it. They don't seem to think the DVLA will bother to check if they are actually living at the address they've given, but surely if that's the case any Tom, Dick or Harry from anywhere could give a random address and obtain a UK licence? Given that a UK licence is classed as a solid ID document in this country, I feel it's a hefty potential security risk if this is allowed to happen.

There’s a requirement to have permission to live in the UK which they’ll have as a British citizen and be able to evidence with their passport. A non-British Tom, Dick or Harry with no entitlement to live in the UK wouldn’t be able to obtain a British driving license on that basis. Strictly speaking the address history they give should be their correct one, but a temporary UK address if they’re planning on potentially returning to the UK isn’t necessarily fraudulent. Unless asked for proof of current address it should pass.

@ComtesseDeSpair

Thank you! I guess I'm just uncomfortable that they're lying to get a licence - they ticked a box on the application form to say they've been living in the UK for the last 185 days (they definitely haven't!)

Maybe I'm reading a bit too much into this, but there is the fact that this person will have your relative's address on their license (which is obviously an ID, and in some cases valid as POA), until they get their own UK home, if at all/actually change it.
The security concious side of me wouldnt let this happen unless they were someone very trustworthy, like immediate family or very close friend (possible fraud i.e. setting up a credit card with my address), but it's really down to your relative; if they trust them enough, its their call.