driving license newby question

Orennayar · Scooby Slapper Joined: 08 Apr 2014 Karma :

Hi everyone!

First I'd like to thank everybody who's been posting here as I've been lurking this forum for a few months now and it's been really helpful. But now it's my time to post here Mr. Green

I'm 25 from france and I've been living in london for 3 years now and I couldn't cope with the tube anymore so I decided to get my motorcycle license and commute by bike instead of squishing myself in an overcrowded, over-late, sweat smelling can (no offense, if some people from the tfl read that Surprised

.

Anyway, I got my CBT in january and since then I'm happily taking my YBR125 everyday to work and I'm loving it. However I'd like to get into the serious things (mostly tired of drooling while looking at the "real" bikes stopping next to me at traffic lights) and I'm now looking into getting the full license.
That's were the troubles start.

As I'm french I had to exchange my french driving license (category B) to a UK counterpart in order to be able to get my CBT.
So far so good, but then when I try to book the theory test online on the DVLA website I got a message saying they don't support CLH licenses. So my guess is I need a provisionnal driving license instead? Which seems a bit odd because that's what I thought I had with my counterpart (it clearly says "additionnal provisionnal license: A"). I don't have any of those fancy photo cards you guys seems to have though.
I tried to make a few research on that but couldn't find anything and after my brain started melting I decided to post here for help.
So if anybody could help me on that it would be greatly appreciated! Mr. Green

Tl;DR: Why can't I book my theory test with my driving counterpart license?

thanks!

Copycat73 · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jan 2013 Karma :

first thing they ask for is your photo id card part of your licence when you do your theory.. you could try & blagg it wit your passport... most likely they will fcuk you off..
time to get uk photo id licence

guide to exchange licences

https://www.gov.uk/exchange-foreign-driving-licence
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Orennayar · Scooby Slapper Joined: 08 Apr 2014 Karma :

sidewinder · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Aug 2011 Karma :

Easiest way is to apply for a uk. Provisional license. There not to expensive.and when you pass your tests it will be upgraded Thumbs Up

azulene · Derestricted Danger Joined: 24 Mar 2013 Karma :

gavbriggs · Crazy Courier Joined: 11 Jun 2013 Karma :

Is the French motorbike test easier than the uk one? If so go there, take the test and then exchange your full licence for a uk one! Simples

Orennayar · Scooby Slapper Joined: 08 Apr 2014 Karma :

Thanks for the infos!
I guess I got confused with that counterpart thing, I actually thought this was like a proper exchange of my license (it does say I'll have to swap my french license for a UK one in 2059 though so I don't really get the point of this document Mr. Green

)
I'll just swap my license then.
Do I need to apply for a provisionnal A once I got my UK car license?

As for the test in france, if it's like the car one it's a real pain in the *ss. You need to register to a school and then have to go there for "lessons" every week. You can't take the actual test until they think you're ready (most of the time that means getting 100% good answer all the time so it can takes months of that..).

azulene · Derestricted Danger Joined: 24 Mar 2013 Karma :

Orennayar · Scooby Slapper Joined: 08 Apr 2014 Karma :

Awesome! I just need to fill that d1 thing then and I should be good to go Mr. Green

I was wondering, do I need to change my insurance or update anything once I get my full license (but keep the same bike)?

sabian92 · World Chat Champion Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Karma :

Squarcitto · L Plate Warrior Joined: 28 Apr 2014 Karma :

Orennayar · Scooby Slapper Joined: 08 Apr 2014 Karma :

Hey dude,
Basically I just followed the instructions on their webpage. I filled the form and sent it with my license to the dvla. I don't know why they would reject your application though :/ they didn't say anything about it?

Orennayar · Scooby Slapper Joined: 08 Apr 2014 Karma :

Small update: I received my license, it looks way cooler than the french one.
Just one weird thing, they didn't send me back my passport with it.
Is that an usual thing? I thought maybe they're sending it separately so you're not screwed in case the letter get lost but I only received the license so far.
beside that, theory is booked for the 21st, looking forward to the next steps Very Happy

Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :

They do send them separately for security. Give it a few days to see if it turns up.

They have a history of losing passports and they don't (as far as I know) return them by recorded mail.
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Orennayar · Scooby Slapper Joined: 08 Apr 2014 Karma :

I recevied the passport finally, I found it quite ballsy to send that kind of documents not tracked but meh.
Can't wait for the theory so I can start looking forward to my DAS. I enjoy so much going to work since I have a bike, I even surprised myself being glad to work on a bank holiday because I knew there would be nobody on the roads and I'll have a extra fun ride Mr. Green