Ryan Barham
Last updated: 01/10/2025
When was the last time you properly looked at your driving licence? You might be surprised at just how much information is on there. Have you ever wondered what the long number across the middle is actually used for?
Driving licences (or driver licences, as they were called back then) were first introduced in Britain by The Motor Car Act 1903. They were introduced to identify vehicles and their drivers – and the purpose remains very similar today.
Modern UK driving licences are needed to keep track of your driving record and any penalties etc that you may have.
We occasionally ask for your driving licence number when compiling your quote. You can find it on your driving licence photocard. It is the 16-digit number across the middle of your licence.
We ask for your licence number as part of our anti-fraud checks. Checking this during the quote process helps us ensure that everyone requesting a quote has a driving licence that qualifies for our acceptance criteria.
Your licence number should be on the photocard licence you hold. For UK licences it is listed as point 5. If you can’t locate this, you can log into the DVLA website to retrieve it.
If you lose or misplace your licence, there are still ways of finding your licence number. Just make sure you report a lost or stolen driving licence to the DVLA and apply for your replacement as soon as you can.
Head to the driving licence information page on gov.uk and enter the following details:
After filling in this information, you’ll be able to access your driving record details, including licence number.
When you apply for your provisional driving licence number to learn to drive, you’ll receive a card with a unique 16-code. This will be your driving licence number for as long as you drive.
Example: TEMPC001047TC182
There’s also occasionally a two-digit number to the right of the driving licence number. This is the licence issue number and it increases every time you get a new UK driving licence.
No, your driving licence number won’t normally change. Your provisional licence number should carry over to your full licence after passing your test. The only times a driving licence number might change are:
Many of us use driving licences as a form of ID in addition to driving. When you lose, misplace or have your licence stolen, it can impact different areas of your life.
If you suspect your driving licence was stolen, one of the first things you should do is contact the police.
You can apply for a replacement licence by doing the following:
The cost of a replacement licence is £20. You must replace your licence if it’s been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed.
Digital driving licences will be introduced in the UK in summer, 2025. Designed to work alongside the physical licence, they will be accessed on a new government smartphone app and are planned to be accepted as a form of ID when buying alcohol, voting, or boarding domestic flights.
Why not check your driving licence details now? You don’t want to be caught out if they are requested next time you get a quote for annual or temporary car insurance.
https://www.confused.com/compare-car-insurance/guides/how-to-check-your-driving-licence
No, your driving licence number contains 16 characters. The last two digits are the licence issue number. This increases every time a new licence is issued.
You can find your 16-digit driving licence number on the front of your photocard driving licence. It is featured on the fifth line, underneath your name, date of birth and licence expiry date.
You do not always need to share your driving licence number when claiming or renewing your insurance but some insurers do require this information. Sharing your driving licence number does help reduce the risk of fraud and mistakes being made while an insurer calculates your premium.
To obtain temporary car insurance, a full UK driving licence held for a minimum of six months is typically required, or three months if over 25. Some insurers may cover provisional licence holders. Eligibility can depend on age and insurer's specific requirements. Learner drivers or valid international licence holders may also qualify. However, passing your test invalidates temporary policies, necessitating new coverage. Always check your documentation before driving with temporary insurance.
To set up temporary car insurance, you must provide your personal details (name, address, contact number) and car information (make, model, registration plate). You can then decide on the length of time needed for you to cover this vehicle. Tempcover’s UK policies come comprehensive as standard.
In the UK, you should always carry your driving licence, a valid insurance certificate, and if applicable, a valid MOT certificate when driving. The licence confirms your driving eligibility, the insurance certificate ensures vehicle coverage, and the MOT certificate, required for cars over three years old, verifies roadworthiness. Neglecting these documents can cause issues if stopped by the police.
Temporary car insurance can be secured for a vehicle without an existing policy, allowing legal driving without a year-long commitment. Prerequisites include the car owner's permission, meeting insurer eligibility criteria, holding a valid UK driving licence, and ensuring the car isn't declared SORN. Temporary car insurance is a flexible solution that is ideal for borrowing a car, test driving, or bridging gaps between annual policies.
For car insurance, you will need to provide personal details (name, address, date of birth, occupation), driving history, license details, past claims or convictions. Vehicle details (make, model, year, estimated annual mileage, modifications) are also required. You should also specify additional drivers and desired cover level. Accurate information ensures a precise quote.
If you've lost your driving licence, you can retrieve its number online using your National Insurance number via the DVLA's online services or by phone. For Northern Ireland residents, contact the DVA. The licence number is found on line five of your physical licence, between your name, birth date, expiry date, and signature.
You can check your driving licence information online if it's issued in England, Wales, or Scotland. However, accessing another person's details without consent is illegal. The online service lets you view your driving record and the vehicle types you can drive, helping you stay informed and keeping your licence details up to date.
Soon to be launched, a digital driving licence will be stored in your smartphone's GOV.UK Wallet app, mirrors your physical licence details, including name, licence number, and expiry date. This secure, mobile-friendly method confirms your identity and driving eligibility without the need for a physical card. While not mandatory, it provides a convenient alternative to the traditional card. The choice between digital and physical formats is yours.
Not yet but soon you’ll be able to download a digital copy of your driving licence, and securely store it in the GOV.UK wallet app. This digital version will mirror your traditional photocard, displaying your name, licence number, and expiry date. It's automatically updated with any changes, ensuring it's always current and convenient.
If you've lost your driving licence, you can apply for a replacement online via www.gov.uk/apply-online-to-replace-a-driving-licence or call 0300 790 6801 (8am-7pm, Mon-Fri; 8am-2pm, Sat). This service is only for those whose licence details remain unchanged. Replacing your licence, whether misplaced or lost, is straightforward.
Your provisional driving licence number is on the front of your green photocard, row 5, between your signature and expiry date. This unique 16-digit number remains the same even after upgrading to a full licence. If you lose your photocard, contact the DVLA or use the GOV.UK online service with your National Insurance number and postcode. Safeguard this crucial information.
If you've lost your provisional licence, contact the DVLA immediately. You can apply for a replacement over the phone if you have a photocard licence, your details are unchanged, and your licence isn't due to expire within 56 days. Always keep your licence with you, particularly when using temporary car insurance. Without it, you may encounter issues if stopped by police or in an accident.
Visit the gov.uk website to check your UK driving licence online. This platform provides crucial details like your birth date, address, licensed vehicle types, penalty points, and any disqualification periods. It's a simple process to ensure you have accurate, current information about your driving status.
You can apply for your provisional licence online via the DVLA's website or in person at your local post office, where you can obtain a free application form. Ensure you have your personal details and documents prepared. After submitting your application, you'll soon progress towards becoming a fully licensed driver.
Your UK driving licence number, or driver number, remains consistent even if you replace your card. It's a unique identifier that includes elements like your surname, date of birth, and issue number. Although parts like the issue number may change, only significant life changes like a legal name change could result in a new number. Routine events won't affect your driver number.
Your insurer may not recognise your driving licence number due to discrepancies in the details you've provided, such as spelling errors, formatting issues, or incorrect date of birth. Ensure you're entering only the 16-digit driver number, without spaces or expiry dates. If problems persist after double-checking, contact the DVLA to confirm your details.
You can typically drive while awaiting your DVLA licence renewal under Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act, provided your application is less than a year old, you're not disqualified, and your previous licence wasn't medically revoked. Ensure you meet all medical standards for driving. If uncertain, consult GOV.UK guidance or DVLA. Always adhere to instructions in your application or from your doctor about driving.
Marriage doesn't automatically alter your driving licence number. However, changing your surname post-marriage, altering your name by deed poll, or updating your gender marker could result in a new licence number. It's vital to keep your licence details current to prevent road issues. If your personal details change, promptly notify the DVLA.
If you change your name after marriage, inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to avoid a fine of up to £1,000. Update your driving licence using a D1 form and your vehicle's log book (V5C) as per section 7 instructions. No marriage certificate is needed. Also, notify your car insurance company and employer about your name change.
If your driving licence is lost, request a replacement using forms D1 or D2. Report to the police if it was stolen. Keep your personal details updated to maintain current and valid records. Don't panic, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process.
Losing your driving licence can lead to severe consequences such as fines, community orders, or imprisonment. Most driving offences risk a criminal record, increased car insurance costs, and potential job loss if driving is essential. Therefore, it's crucial to follow road rules for safety and to retain your licence, ensuring peace of mind.
If you lose your driving licence, report it immediately to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to prevent misuse. You can do this online via the Gov.uk website or by calling 0300 790 6801. The DVLA staff will assist you with the replacement process.
If disqualified for 56 days or more, you must reapply for your driving licence before resuming driving in the UK. Complete the required forms and meet all DVLA requirements. Driving without a valid licence is a serious offence. Once you've successfully reapplied and received your new licence, you can legally, safely, and confidently return to the road, ensuring you're insured.
If your UK driving licence is lost, damaged, or stolen, it's crucial to promptly replace it, adhering to legal requirements and avoiding penalties. The replacement cost is £20.
From 2025, England will offer digital driving licences through the GOV.UK Wallet app. This tool will be used for identity checks at airports, purchasing age-restricted items, and accessing public services. Physical licences will remain valid and can be used as before.
The UK, under the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, has legitimised digital verification services. The government has launched GOV.UK One Login and GOV.UK Wallet, providing digital versions of official documents such as driving licences. Although not mandatory, these initiatives aim to simplify processes for individuals and businesses by offering secure, accessible digital identities for various services.
The UK government is planning to modernise services with technology, including optional digital driving licences. This alternative to traditional paper licences aims to streamline interactions with government services. While the convenience of a digital driving licence is encouraged, the choice to adopt it or retain the physical version remains with the individual.
The UK's digital driving licence is set to be a free, optional service stored in the GOV.UK Wallet app, initially available to provisional licence holders. Plans are underway to broaden access. Your plastic licence card will remain valid, so using the digital version is entirely up to you.
Your UK driving licence number includes a two-digit 'issue number' after a space. This unique number increases with each new licence issued. It's not part of the 16-digit licence number, but an extra security measure ensuring individuality. For instance, if your licence reads 'SMITH806704SI9NE 78', '78' is your licence issue number, increasing with each new licence.
When entering your Driver Number, avoid including the Issue Number, the two digits separated to the right of the 16-digit Driver Number. This common mistake can prevent your UK licence number from being recognised. If you continue to experience difficulties, please contact us for further assistance.
The back of your driving licence carries crucial details. Column '9' specifies the vehicle categories you can drive. Columns '10' and '11' indicate the start and expiry dates of your licence per vehicle category. Column '12' holds specific driving licence codes. Understanding these numbers helps you manage your driving privileges and responsibilities.
An 'invalid driving licence number' notification may arise from discrepancies between your licence details and the information on your application form, such as name, birth date, or gender. Incorrect 16-digit number formatting, using an expired licence, or including the issue number could also cause this. Ensure your licence details match your form entries and input the 16-digit number without extra characters.
To input your UK driving licence number, find the 18-character code in Section 5 on the photocard's front. Input the code, comprising letters, numbers, and no spaces, exactly as is. This unique code combines your surname, birth date, initials, and random characters. Ensure accuracy by taking time to double-check your entry for errors.
Your photocard number, a unique 16-character code, is located on line 5 of your photocard driving licence's front. It usually begins with your surname's first five letters and includes elements of your name and birth date. If you can't locate it, or your photocard is missing, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) can assist.
Your driving licence's letters and numbers aren't random. The letters, like 'C' and 'C1', represent driving licence categories, indicating the vehicle types you can drive. The numbers, such as '01' and '79(2)', are driving licence codes, providing extra details about your driving entitlements or restrictions. Understanding these helps ensure you're driving legally.
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Temporary Car InsuranceDriving Advice