Introduction
The first step to getting a full driving licence is to apply for a provisional driving licence to enable you to take the theory and practical driving tests. You can apply for your provisional driving licence shortly before your 17th birthday.
Driving aged 16
If you receive the enhanced rate mobility component of the Personal Independent Payment (PIP), or the high rate (mobility component) of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA), you can apply for your provisional driving licence before your 16th birthday and start driving lessons on your 16th birthday (always check the dates on the licence for accuracy).
Provisional Disability Assessment Licence (PDAL)
A PDAL is issued if your driving licence has been revoked for medical reasons and you have re-applied for your driving licence. DVLA issue a PDAL to enable you to take a driving assessment as part of their information gathering process to ascertain if it would be suitable for you to have your driving licence returned.
On completion of your driving assessment, the PDAL expires and you are not allowed to drive until DVLA tell you that you can. Your assessor(s) will retain your PDAL and return it to DVLA and this means you will not be allowed to drive home after your driving assessment.
It is important that you bring someone with you to the Driving Assessment Centre that can legally drive you home afterwards.
Occasionally, DVLA will issue you with a PDAL that covers a period of time to enable you to take driving tuition prior to your driving assessment. It is important that you read and understand the letter that accompanies your PDAL as this will stipulate the terms on which you may drive (for a period of time, or only for the day of your driving assessment).
Please contact your nearest Mobility Centre for more information or advice.