The 6 Essential Things You Need To Get Your Driving License

Whether you buy your own car or want a job as a driver, one thing is for sure. Operating a motor vehicle requires you to have a driver’s license. The document precisely shows that you are trained and qualified for the vehicle you are driving, so driving without it in your possession can land you on the wrong side of the law. As a matter of fact, a driving license is also considered a form of identification in many countries.

Nonetheless, you just don’t walk into an office and come out with a driving license. You take several theoretical and practical classes and pass exams in both before you can be considered a trained amateur driver. While at it, you will also need to provide several items before finally getting your DL. With this being said, here are 6 essential things you need to get your driving license.

1. Identification Documents

The process cannot start until you show proof of identification. This is done to ascertain that you are a citizen or a legal resident of the state or country. The documents should clearly show your date of birth and full names. Only original copies of the documents will be required, so avoid carrying just the photocopies. You can use one of the following;

• Identification card
• Birth certificate
• Passport
• Student documents or residency document

Once you produce these documents, your application for a driving course becomes a breeze. They are a basic requirement after taking automatic driving lessons, basic, pass plus, or intensive driving lessons when applying for the DL. The process is often easier when taking lessons from a reputed driving school. This is basically because a DL itself can serve as an identification document, thus the need to get your ID information right the first time. If you have done name changes, you might need to provide supporting documents.

2. Proof of Residency

This is a document showing where you live. Alongside other information, it carries your name and address details. The address listed in this document should match the one in the application form. The DVLA or DMV office may require you to give two documents for this category. These can be photocopies but should not be issued by the same company or service provider. In some places, you may want to renew your driver’s license if you change your address or residency. For first-time applicants, variances might cause delays in your license application process. Some proof-of-address documents to use in this category include:

• Mortgage or lease agreement
• Medical or health card
• Utility bills (water, electricity, TV cable)
• Mail from a government agency or finance institution
• School documents

3. Social Security Number

You will be required to present proof of your SSN. However, if you do not have one, you are supposed to have a letter from the social security administration explaining that it was never issued. The document to have can be a social security card or any other showing your pre-printed number.

4. Proof of Insurance and Registration

This is the registration number and insurance of the car you use or used during the driving test. If you do not have these, it raises red flags on what you used during the training. Having this once you get a license is important to avoid having an altercation with the traffic authorities. Besides, it offers you coverage in case of road accidents.

5. Completion Certificates

You cannot be offered a driving license unless you have passed the driving tests. If it is done, you are endangering the lives of many people on the road. Therefore, for safety purposes, this document is critical. Ensure you carry a certificate showing you have completed the driver’s education as well as in-car lessons. The certificate is only accepted if it was offered by a licensed driving school or a verified online site. It indicates the nature of training and the number of hours spent. Only an original copy of this document is accepted.

6. Registration Fee

You are required to pay a certain amount as a license fee. It is an established rule and therefore not a case of bias. The amount to be charged however varies with the nature of the license required. For this reason, you should check beforehand on the relevant DMV or DVLA website to avoid surprises. Accepted modes of payments include cash, checks, and credit cards. However, a payment plan involving a combination of two methods cannot be allowed. Some offices will charge you penalty fees in case an uncollectable check is issued.

And there you pretty much have it. Getting a DL doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. With the few essential items above, all you need is to attend classes at a reputed driving school and pass your exams. The requirements may be a bit different for foreigners who hold an international DL or driving license from their home countries.