Drivers warned they may have to re-take test even if they've passed

Some drivers in the UK who have passed their test have been warned that they may need to act fast, or risk sitting their test again. Writing to motorists on social media, travel experts are reminding people that although your licence application is usually done automatically, it's not always possible.

As warned by the official Roads & Transport MPS account on X, formerly Twitter, the government account revealed: "If you pass your driving test then remember to notify the DVLA.

"Unfortunately one person missed the deadline and will now have to take their test again. Things may have changed since they last passed in.......1984 You read that right....41 years on a provisional licence."

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The officialGOV.UK website explained: They say: "If you’re applying for a full licence by post, you must send documents to the DVLA within 2 years of passing your test or you’ll have to take it again."

There's no need to worry too much as your full licence is usually sent to you automatically by the DVLA once you pass your practical driving test. And this means you should not have to take action as after the test, the examiner should:

Take your provisional photocard driving licence

Give you a driving test pass certificate

Arrange for DVLA to send you your full licence

When you need to apply for a full licence and act before deadline

You only need to apply for your full licence if:

• you did not give your provisional photocard driving licence to the examiner after the test, for example because you need to use it as ID
• you changed your name or address and it’s now different from the name or address on the provisional photocard driving licence
• you have an old-style provisional driving licence (one issued before 1998)

GOV.UK reassure drivers that if you don't fit this, "it’ll be sent to you automatically."

How to apply for a driving licence

If you’re applying for a full licence, you need to:

• sign the declaration on your driving test pass certificate
• fill in form D1 ‘application for a driving licence’ - you can get one from a Post Office that offers DVLA services
• include original documents confirming your identity
• include a passport photograph (only if you have a paper provisional licence)
• include your provisional licence

Send all documents to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BN