How to renewing the photo on your driving licence

If you're a short period licence holder (over 70 or medical short period) you'll only need to renew your photo when your driving entitlement expires.

Apply online:

You can apply to renew the photo on your driving licence using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) secure and easy to use online service.

Applying at a Post Office® branch with a renewal reminder D798:

You can apply to renew the photo on your driving licence at a selected Post Office®. If you have received a D798 renewal reminder form, you will be notified of the closest Post Office® branches to your address. For other participating Post Office® branches visit the Post Office® website or telephone the Post Office® Helpline on 0845 722 3344.

You will need:

• The photo renewal form D798
• Both the photocard and counterpart of your licence if you have them
• The fee of £20.00

There will be a fee of £4.50 in addition to the renewal fee for using the Post Office® service.

The Post Office® will capture your photo, signature and details from your application form and will electronically and securely send it to DVLA to issue a new licence. Your driving licence should arrive within three weeks. It might take longer if DVLA have to check your medical or personal details.


Applying at a Post Office® branch without a renewal reminder:

If, for any reason, you don't receive your renewal reminder you may still be able to renew your photo at selected Post Offices®. You will need to have both the photocard and counterpart of your current licence. Alternatively, if you do not wish to apply online or at a selected Post Office®, you will need to complete the 'application for a driving licence' (D1) form. This is available from the DVLA form ordering service, and Post Office® branches. You can check the expiry date of your photo in section 4b on the front of your driving licence.

For short term licences and over 70s, you will be prompter by DVLA to renew your photograph and your entitlement to drive - see section 4b on your licence for the expiry date of your entitlement.

Applying by post you'll need to:

• fill in the photo renewal form D798
• include a new passport type photo of yourself that's been taken within the last month - you don't need the back of the photo signed
• return both the photocard and counterpart of your licence - if you have lost one or both parts you can still use this application but will need to tick the relevant box in part one of the D798
• enclose a cheque or postal order for £20.00 - no fee is needed if you have medical short period licence or you're aged 70 or over
• send your application and fee (if applicable) to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1DH

If you have changed your name, you'll also need to provide identity documents as proof.

Other types of DVLA reminders:

DVLA will also let you know if your photo is due to be renewed when it sends you a reminder to renew your entitlement to drive. A reminder will be sent when you are due to:

• renew after disqualification
• renew at age 70 or over
• renew your lorry or bus entitlement
• renew for medical reasons

When to expect your licence:

DVLA aims to send your new driving licence to you within three weeks of getting your application. It'll take longer if your health or personal details need to be checked. Allow at least three weeks for your driving licence to get to you before contacting DVLA.

When your licence is issued it'll have a number of added security features. One of the main differences is a laser engraved black and white photo.

Driving before your licence is returned:

You can drive before you get your licence as long as you:

• have held a Great Britain or Northern Ireland licence issued since 1 January 1976 or another exchangeable licence
• are not disqualified from driving
• haven't been refused a licence for medical reasons or for failing to comply with medical enquiries
• wouldn't be refused a licence for medical reasons - if in doubt, check with your doctor
• keep to any special conditions that apply to your licence

Source: Driving Standards Agency

Tips to drive in adverse weather conditions

You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

Before driving on the road you must learn driving theory test and hazard perception test book carefully and follow all highway code rules. For safe driving you must read the following content carefully.

Wet weather.In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road.

In wet weather:

• You should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead.
• If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
• The rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen.
• Be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery.
• Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

Icy and snowy weather:

In winter check the local weather forecast for warnings of icy or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. Take an emergency kit of de-icer and ice scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, together with a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down.


Before you set off:

• You MUST be able to see, so clear all snow and ice from all your windows.
• You MUST ensure that lights are clean and number plates are clearly visible and legible.
• Make sure the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly.
• Remove all snow that might fall off into the path of other road users.
• Check your planned route is clear of delays and that no further snowfalls or severe weather are predicted.

Visit: http://www.pass-test.co.uk/common/frm_product_info.aspx

When driving in icy or snowy weather:

• Drive with care, even if the roads have been treated.
• Keep well back from the road user in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads.
• Take care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icer, particularly if you are riding a motorcycle or cycle.
• Watch out for snowploughs which may throw out snow on either side. Do not overtake them unless the lane you intend to use has been cleared.
  
• Be prepared for the road conditions to change over relatively short distances.
• Listen to travel bulletins and take note of variable message signs that may provide information about weather, road and traffic conditions ahead.

Drive extremely carefully when the roads are icy. Avoid sudden actions as these could cause loss of control. You should:

• Drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible; accelerate and brake very gently.
• Drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions.
• Check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise.

Windy weather:

High-sided vehicles are most affected by windy weather, but strong gusts can also blow a car, cyclist, motorcyclist or horse rider off course. This can happen on open stretches of road exposed to strong crosswinds, or when passing bridges or gaps in hedges.

In very windy weather your vehicle may be affected by turbulence created by large vehicles. Motorcyclists are particularly affected, so keep well back from them when they are overtaking a high-sided vehicle.

Fog:

Before entering fog check your mirrors then slow down. If the word 'Fog' is shown on a roadside signal but the road is clear, be prepared for a bank of fog or drifting patchy fog ahead. Even if it seems to be clearing, you can suddenly find yourself in thick fog.

When driving in fog you should:

• Use your lights as required.
• Keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. Rear lights can give a false sense of security.
• Be able to pull up within the distance you can see clearly. This is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster.
• Use your windscreen wipers and demisters.
• Beware of other drivers not using headlights.
• Not accelerate to get away from a vehicle which is too close behind you.
• Check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down.
• Stop in the correct position at a junction with limited visibility and listen for traffic. When you are sure it is safe to emerge, do so positively and do not hesitate in a position that puts you directly in the path of approaching vehicles.

You MUST NOT use front or rear fog lights unless visibility is seriously reduced as they dazzle other road users and can obscure your brake lights. You MUST switch them off when visibility improves.

Visit: http://www.pass-test.co.uk/common/frm_hazard_perception_test.aspx

Hot weather:

Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Be aware that the road surface may become soft or if it rains after a dry spell it may become slippery. These conditions could affect your steering and braking. If you are dazzled by bright sunlight, slow down and if necessary, stop.

Things to be remember before taking your driving theory test

If you are a learner driver you must take and pass your DSA driving theory test comprising multiple choice questions and Hazard perception test. Before you book your driving practical test. If you already have a driving licence you might not have to take another theory test if you want to start driving a different vehicle.

UK license holders:
You will need to take a driving theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle, for example, if you have a car licence and you want a motorcycle licence you will need to take a theory test.

If, however, you want to upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally need to take a theory test, for example, if you have a full automatic car licence and you want a manual car licence you will not have to take a theory test.

It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct licence for the vehicle you are driving. If you are unsure if you need to take a driving theory test please contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) or the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

Exchanging or updating your driving licence:
Driving passenger carrying vehicles (PCV) on a car driving licence Vehicles you can drive and how old you must be to drive them Foreign license holders If you hold a valid Community licence and you are visiting Great Britain, you can drive any vehicle for as long as your license remains valid. The appropriate full entitlement for the vehicle you wish to drive must be shown on your license.

The EEA countries are as follows:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom.

Outside Europe:
If you hold a full driving licence issued outside the EEA it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent British licence. You should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to find out if you can exchange your foreign licence. If you cannot exchange your foreign licence you will have to apply for a British provisional licence and take a theory and practical test.

There are various sources through which you can get details or information About driving test i.e. Driving theory test, driving test cd, theory test download, theory test CD rom and driving test CD rom.

Important note:
It is compulsory to wear a protective helmet to the riders and pillion passenger on a motorcycle, scooter or moped. For the followers Sikh religion who wear turban this rule does not apply. Helmets MUST comply with the regulations and they MUST be secure. Riders and passengers of motor tricycles and quadricycles, also called quadbikes, should also wear a protective helmet. Before each journey checks that your helmet visor is clean and in good condition.

Driving practical test for car drivers

The driving test for a car is designed for you to show you understand and can demonstrate your knowledge of the Highway Code and the theory of driving safely. Throughout the test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises.

Before applying for the practical test:
Before applying for the practical test, you need to pass the driving theory test. Your practical driving test will start with an eyesight check and some vehicle safety checks. You will then start your car practical driving test which will include some specific driving manoeuvres.

The driving part of your test will last about 40 minutes. Throughout the practical test your examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving, including when you are carrying out the set exercises. You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the practical test.

The practical driving test (car):
The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) is now able to offer tests outside the normal test times at a number of test centres. This provides customers a wider range of appointments over an extended working day.

Car practical test is generally available at all permanent test centres. Saturday and weekday evening tests, subject to resources being available, are offered at a premium rate. Non premium rate tests are available at various times between 7.30 am and 3.27 pm Monday to Friday.

The car driving test is straightforward and has been designed to see if you:

• Can drive safely
• Know the highway code and can demonstrate this through your driving practical test

What will the test include?
The practical test will include an eyesight check (if you fail this, your test will not continue). The eyesight test requires you to read a number plate that is a certain distance away.

After the eyesight test, you will be asked two vehicle safety checks. You will then be examined on your general driving and on two reversing exercises.

The reversing exercises will be chosen from:

• Reversing around a corner
• Turning in the road
• Reverse parking

Vehicle safety questions:
These are basic safety checks that a driver should carry out to ensure the vehicle is safe for use. Although some checks may involve the candidate in opening the bonnet to identify where fluid levels would be checked, pupils will not be asked to touch a hot engine or physically check fluid levels.

As vehicle technology advances, more and more vehicles are being equipped with electronic diagnostic systems, which inform the driver of the state of the engine fluid levels and tyre pressures. It will be acceptable for a candidate to refer to the vehicle information system (if fitted) when answering questions on fluid levels or tyre pressures.

Candidates will be asked two questions, one 'show me' and one 'tell me'. One or both questions answered incorrectly will result in one driving fault being recorded.

What happens during the car driving practical test?
During the driving test the examiner will give you directions which you should follow. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and will include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. During the practical test, the examiner will ask you to carry out set exercises.

Throughout the test you should drive in the way your instructor has taught you. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it, it might be a less serious driving fault and may not affect your result. The examiner will be looking for an overall safe standard of driving.

You can make up to 15 driving faults and still pass the test (16 or more results in failure). However, if you commit one serious or dangerous fault you will fail the test. If at any time your examiner considers you to be a danger to other road users your test will be stopped.

The Highway Code - Parking at night

248)	You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of  the traffic flow unless in a recognized parking space.   Laws CUR reg 101 & RVLR reg 24
249)	All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h). Law RVLR reg 24 Visit: http://www.pass-test.co.uk
250)	Cars, goods vehicles not exceeding 1525 kg unladen weight, invalid carriages, motorcycles and pedal cycles may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow in a recognised parking place or lay-by. Other vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with projecting loads, MUST NOT be left on a road at night without lights.  Law RVLR reg 24 & CUR reg 82(7)
251)	Parking in fog. It is especially dangerous to park on the road in fog. If it is unavoidable, leave your parking lights or sidelights on.
252)	Parking on hills. If you park on a hill you should park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake firmly select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away from the kerb when facing uphill select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb when facing downhill use 'park' if your car has an automatic gearbox.

Related Post:

The Highway Code - Latest edition

The Highway Code - Rules for Tramways( 300-307 )

The Highway Code - Rules for level crossings

Driving test day: Are you nervous?

It has been observed that people who are usually cool and calm, they also get worried as the day of their driving theory test day gets nearer and their nervousness gets worse.

People get nervous about taking their test because :

• Pressure from friends/family
• Fear of failure
• Self-doubts and lack of confidence in your driving
• Lack of preparation
• Previous test failure(s)

Things to remember while appearing for the driving test :

• Practice and practice and practice - The main reason of failure in a test is lack of preparation and practice. So don't rush into taking your driving theory test unless and until you're properly prepared and confident about your preparation.
• Before appearing for the test at least once have a mock driving test with your instructor.
• Avoid listening to 'failure stories'. This would make you more nervous. Just focus on your performance.
• Think positive about your driving test. Thinking can build an actual difference to overcoming driving test nerves
• It's ok if you make mistake - Your mistake could be minor driving fault, wont necessary fail you in test. If you make a mistake,
  keep calm and focus on your driving.
• Believe in yourself - Be confident in your own abilities.
• Don't panic - Say to yourself in your head 'I CAN do this test'.
• Don't take medicines to calm your nerves.
• One day before your test get a good rest.
• Don't drink too much coffee, tea and fizzy drinks; the caffeine will 'hype' you and make your thinking less clear.
• Taking test in the early morning will give you less time to worry about it.
• Do not spread the news - Don't tell your friends and other people that you've booked your driving theory test. This will build the extra stress of trying to live up to your friends and others expectations. Letting your parents know will do as they will give you all the support you want.
• Revise in mind - Perform coordinated tasks by imagining doing them, by practicing in your head.
• Perspective - Overall, remember that although exams are important, they are not the be all and end all. You can always re-take the test.

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The Highway Code - Waiting and parking

238) You MUST NOT wait or park on yellow lines during the times of operation shown on nearby time plates (or zone entry signs if in a Controlled Parking Zone) - see 'Information signs' and 'Road markings'. Double yellow lines indicate a prohibition of waiting at any time even if there are no upright signs. You MUST NOT wait or park, or stop to set down and pick up passengers, on school entrance markings (see 'Road markings') when upright signs indicate a prohibition of stopping. Law RTRA sects 5&8       Parking 239) Use off-street parking areas, or bays marked out with white lines on the road as parking places, wherever possible. If you have to stop on the roadside do not park facing against the traffic flow stop as close as you can to the side do not stop too close to a vehicle displaying a Blue Badge: remember, the occupant may need more room to get in or out you MUST switch off the engine, headlights and fog lights you MUST apply the handbrake before leaving the vehicle you MUST ensure you do not hit anyone when you open your door. Check for cyclists or other traffic it is safer for your passengers (especially children) to get out of the vehicle on the side next to the kerb put all valuables out of sight and make sure your vehicle is secure lock your vehicle. Laws CUR reg 98, 105 & 107, RVLR reg 27 &  RTA 1988 sect 42 240) You MUST NOT stop or park on the carriageway or the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency (see Rule 270) a pedestrian crossing, including the area marked by the zig-zag lines (see Rule 191) a clearway (see 'Traffic signs') taxi bays as indicated by upright signs and markings an urban clearway within its hours of operation, even when a broken white line is on your side of the road, except to pick up or set down passengers (see 'Traffic signs') a road marked with double white lines, except to pick up or set down passengers a tram or cycle lane during its period of operation a cycle track red lines, in the case of specially designated 'red routes', unless otherwise indicated by signs Any vehicle may enter a bus lane to stop, load or unload where this is not prohibited (see Rule 141). Laws MT(E&W)R regs 7 &9,  MT(S)R regs 6 & 8, ZPPPCRGD regs 18 & 20 RTRA  sects 5, 6 & 8, TSRGD regs 10, 26 & 27, RTA 1988  sects 21(1) & 36 Visit: http://www.pass-test.co.uk/ 241) You MUST NOT park in parking spaces reserved for specific users, such as Blue Badge holders, residents or motorcycles, unless entitled to do so. Law CSDPA sect 21 & RTRA sects 5 & 8 242) You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road. Law RTA 1988, sects 22 & CUR reg 103 243) DO NOT stop or park near a school entrance anywhere you would prevent access for Emergency Services at or near a bus or tram stop or taxi rank on the approach to a level crossing/tramway crossing opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space near the brow of a hill or hump bridge opposite a traffic island or (if this would cause an obstruction) another parked vehicle where you would force other traffic to enter a tram lane where the kerb has been lowered to help wheelchair users and powered mobility vehicles in front of an entrance to a property on a bend. where you would obstruct cyclists' use of cycle facilities except when forced to do so by stationary traffic. 244) You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs. Law GL(GP)A sect 15 245) Controlled Parking Zones. The zone entry signs indicate the times when the waiting restrictions within the zone are in force. Parking may be allowed in some places at other times. Otherwise parking will be within separately signed and marked bays. 246) Goods vehicles. Vehicles with a maximum laden weight of over 7.5 tonnes (including any trailer) MUST NOT be parked on a verge, pavement or any land situated between carriageways, without police permission. The only exception is when parking is essential for loading and unloading, in which case the vehicle MUST NOT be left unattended. Law RTA 1988 sect 19 247) Loading and unloading. Do not load or unload where there are yellow markings on the kerb and upright signs advise restrictions are in place (see 'Road markings'). This may be permitted where parking is otherwise restricted. On red routes, specially marked and signed bays indicate where and when loading and unloading is permitted. Law RTRA sects 5 & 8        Parking at night 248) You MUST NOT park on a road at night facing against the direction of the traffic flow unless in a recognised parking space. Laws CUR reg 101 & RVLR reg 24 249) All vehicles MUST display parking lights when parked on a road or a lay-by on a road with a speed limit greater than 30 mph (48 km/h). Law RVLR reg 24 250) Cars, goods vehicles not exceeding 1525 kg unladen weight, invalid carriages, motorcycles and pedal cycles may be parked without lights on a road (or lay-by) with a speed limit of 30 mph (48 km/h) or less if they are at least 10 metres (32 feet) away from any junction, close to the kerb and facing in the direction of the traffic flow in a recognised parking place or lay-by. Other vehicles and trailers, and all vehicles with projecting loads, MUST NOT be left on a road at night without lights. Law RVLR reg 24 & CUR reg 82(7) 251) Parking in fog. It is especially dangerous to park on the road in fog. If it is unavoidable, leave your parking lights or sidelights on. 252) Parking on hills. If you park on a hill you should park close to the kerb and apply the handbrake firmly select a forward gear and turn your steering wheel away from the kerb when facing uphill select reverse gear and turn your steering wheel towards the kerb when facing downhill use 'park' if your car has an automatic gearbox.

Related Post:

The Highway Code - Latest edition

The Highway Code - Rules for Tramways( 300-307 )

The Highway Code - Rules for level crossings