A comprehensive directory details the official driver and vehicle authorities, testing bodies, and safety organisations operating in Great Britain. Responsibilities are split, with the DVSA managing theory and practical driving tests while the DVLA handles licensing, medical queries, and records. Use our guide to identify the correct department before you book an exam, apply for a provisional permit, or update your driver credentials.
Driving and licensing services in Great Britain are divided between distinct agencies to manage testing, records, and regulation independently. This overview maps specific administrative roles to the correct body to help learners identify exactly where to process their licence or test bookings. Identifying the correct authority at the right time ensures you follow official procedures efficiently and avoid unnecessary delays in your training.
Bodies that shape driving policy, publish official driver information, or support road-safety education.
Official driver guidance, Road-safety education
Organizations involved in learner permits, instructor or school oversight, test administration, and test delivery.
Learner permits, Driver-training regulation, Driving-school oversight, Instructor licensing, Theory-test administration, Theory-test delivery, Practical-test administration, Practical-test delivery, Test-centre oversight
Authorities responsible for issuing, renewing, replacing, exchanging, restricting, or assessing driving licences.
First licence issuance, Licence registry, Licence renewal, Licence replacement, Licence category additions, Foreign licence exchange, Medical fitness, Licence restrictions, Licence suspension or revocation, Professional driver qualification
Bodies that manage driver records, penalty information, vehicle registration, or technical inspection.
Driver records, Penalty points or endorsements, Vehicle registration, Vehicle inspection
Understanding the distinct responsibilities of the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is essential for your test preparation. While the DVSA manages your theory test and practical examinations, the DVLA maintains your driver record and issues your provisional and full licences.
Executive agency · Constituent country
DVSA administers and delivers theory and practical driving tests and regulates approved instructors, driver training and vehicle-testing standards in Great Britain. It is the examination authority learners use after obtaining a provisional licence, while DVLA remains responsible for the licence document and driver record.
Executive agency · Constituent country
DVLA issues provisional and full driving licences and maintains Great Britain's central driver record. It also handles renewals, replacements, eligible foreign exchanges, notifiable medical conditions, disqualifications and endorsements, making it the continuing licensing authority before and after a learner's tests.
Explore detailed guides on applying for your provisional licence, renewing your full licence, changing your address, or replacing lost documents. Gain clarity on DVSA and DVLA requirements to manage your driving licence efficiently and correctly.
Explore GB Licence Procedures