Can You Drive After Applying for a Full License?
You’ve just handed in your paperwork, paid the fee, and are waiting for that shiny new driver’s licence to arrive in the mail. In the meantime, you’re probably wondering: Am I allowed to keep driving? The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no.” It depends on where you live, what type of licence you currently hold, how long you’ve been a learner, and whether any special conditions apply.
In this post we’ll walk you through the key factors that determine whether you can stay behind the wheel after you’ve applied for a full (or “unrestricted”) licence. We’ll break down the process for several common jurisdictions, give you handy check‑lists, and answer the most frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll know exactly what you’re allowed to do—and what you should avoid—while you wait for that official document to land in your mailbox.
1. The General Rule: Keep Driving Only If You Still Have a Valid Permit
Most licensing agencies require you to retain a valid driving authority at all times. That means you can continue to drive as long as one of the following is true:
| Current Status | What You Can Do While Waiting for the Full Licence | Typical Waiting Period* |
|---|---|---|
| Learner (L‑Plate) Permit | You may keep driving only under the learner‑permit restrictions (e.g., supervised driving, display of L‑plates). | No waiting period – you remain a learner until the full licence is issued. |
| Provisional / Intermediate Licence (e.g., UK “Provisional,” US “Intermediate”) | You may drive under the provisional rules (often no passengers, limited night driving). | Usually 6‑12 months after passing the practical test, but you can keep the provisional until the full licence arrives. |
| Full Licence Already Issued | You can drive unrestricted as soon as the physical licence is in your hands. | N/A |
| Licence Application Submitted, No Current Permit | You cannot legally drive – you must retain a valid licence or permit until the new one is printed and mailed. | N/A |
*Waiting periods vary by jurisdiction and by whether you’ve passed the practical test. We’ll explore those variations in the next sections.
Bottom line: If you still possess a valid learner or provisional licence when you submit your full‑licence application, you can continue to drive under the existing restrictions. If you surrender your permit before the new licence arrives, you lose the legal right to drive.
2. How Different Regions Handle the Gap
United States (by state)
In the U.S., each state operates its own Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent. The most common scenarios are:
| State | What Happens After You Pass the Road Test? | Can You Drive While Waiting for the Card? |
|---|---|---|
| California | You receive a temporary paper licence (valid for 90 days) immediately after the test. | Yes – the paper licence is legally equivalent to the plastic card. |
| New York | You get a temporary licence (a print‑out with a QR code) the same day. | Yes – you may drive for up to 30 days until the card arrives. |
| Texas | You receive a temporary licence that expires after 30 days. | Yes – you can drive with the temporary licence. |
| Florida | No paper licence is issued; you must wait for the card. | No – you must retain a valid provisional licence until the full card is mailed. |
| Illinois | A temporary licence is printed at the DMV after you pass the test. | Yes – you are covered for 30 days. |
Key Takeaway: In most states, the DMV issues a temporary, printable licence right after you pass the practical exam. This temporary licence carries the same legal weight as the permanent card, so you can stay on the road without interruption. However, if you’re in a state that does not issue a temporary licence (e.g., Florida), you must keep your provisional licence active until the new card arrives.
United Kingdom
In the UK you transition from a Provisional Licence (L‑plates) to a Full Licence (no plates). After you pass your practical test:
- Pass Certificate: You receive a paper certificate that confirms you have passed.
- Digital Licence: Within 48‑72 hours, the DVLA updates your licence status online. You can view it on the GOV.UK “View Your Driving Licence” service.
- Physical Card: The new plastic card is mailed within 3 weeks.
During this 3‑week window you are still covered by your provisional licence, provided you did not surrender it before receiving the full licence. The provisional restrictions (no unsupervised driving with L‑plates) automatically lift as soon as the DVLA records your full‑licence status.
Canada (by province)
| Province | After Pass: Temporary Document? | Can You Drive? |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | You receive a temporary driver’s licence (a paper slip) valid for 2 weeks. | Yes |
| British Columbia | A digital licence appears on your BC Services Card immediately; a physical card follows in 4‑6 weeks. | Yes – the digital version counts. |
| Alberta | No temporary licence; you keep your learner’s licence until the new card arrives (usually 10‑14 days). | Yes, under learner restrictions. |
| Quebec | A temporary licence is printed at the exam centre and is valid for 30 days. | Yes |
3. Common Pitfalls – What Can Void Your Right to Drive?
Even if you think you’re covered, a few missteps can instantly turn a legal drive into a traffic offence:
- Surrendering Your Learner/Provisional Licence Too Early
- Some jurisdictions ask you to hand in the old paper licence when you apply for the new one. If you do, you’ll be left licence‑less until the replacement arrives.
- Driving Without Displaying Required Plates
- In the UK and many U.S. states, you must keep L‑plates on the vehicle while you’re still a learner. Forgetting them can lead to a fine, even if you have a temporary licence.
- Exceeding the Temporary Licence’s Expiry
- Temporary licences typically have a 30‑day validity. If the permanent card is delayed beyond that, you must obtain a new temporary document or renew the provisional.
- Violating Provisional Restrictions
- Some states prohibit passengers under 21 for a certain period after passing (e.g., New Jersey’s “Zero Tolerance” law). The temporary licence does not waive those rules.
- Driving Outside the Jurisdiction
- A temporary licence is usually only valid within the issuing state/province. Crossing a state line may require the permanent licence.
4. Practical Checklist – Stay Legal While You Wait
Below is a quick‑reference list you can print and keep in your glove compartment. Tick each box before you hit the road after you’ve applied for a full licence.
✔️ Before You Submit Your Application
- Verify you still have a valid learner/provisional licence.
- Confirm whether the DMV/DMV equivalent issues a temporary licence.
- Note the expiration date of any temporary document you receive.
✔️ After You Pass the Practical Test
- Keep the pass certificate in the vehicle (it proves you passed).
- If you receive a temporary licence, place it in a visible location (e.g., on the dashboard) as you would the permanent card.
- Update your address with the licensing authority if needed (delays often stem from wrong mailing info).
✔️ While Waiting for the Permanent Card
- Continue to obey all learner/provisional restrictions (supervisor, L‑plates, night‑time limits, passenger limits).
- Carry both the temporary licence and the pass certificate at all times.
- Check your mailbox regularly; many authorities send a tracking number for the card.
- If the temporary licence expires before the card arrives, contact the issuing agency immediately for a renewal or replacement.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Short Answer | Expanded Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Can I drive without a physical licence if I have a digital copy on my phone? | Generally no, unless the jurisdiction explicitly accepts a digital licence (e.g., British Columbia). | Most places still require the physical card for law‑enforcement checks. Some states, like Virginia, are piloting mobile‑licence apps, but they’re not yet universally accepted. |
| What if I lose my temporary licence before the permanent one arrives? | Request a replacement immediately; many DMVs will issue a new temporary licence on the spot. | Bring proof of identity and the pass certificate. In the U.S., a duplicate temporary licence can usually be printed within minutes. |
| Do I have to keep my learner’s licence until the full licence is mailed, even if I already have a provisional licence? | Yes, you must retain a valid licence of any kind. If you surrender a learner’s licence before receiving the full licence, you become unlicensed. | Some people mistakenly think the provisional licence “automatically upgrades” after the test. It does not; the authority must formally issue the full licence. |
| Is it legal to drive in another state while waiting for my permanent licence? | Usually yes, as long as you have a valid temporary licence from your home state. | However, if you’re driving a rental car or a vehicle registered in another state, check that the temporary licence is recognized there. |
| Can I take the road test again if I fail, and still drive with my provisional licence? | Absolutely. Your provisional licence remains valid unless you let it expire or surrender it. | You can retake the test as many times as needed, but each attempt may require a fee. |
| Do insurance companies treat temporary licences differently? | Most insurers treat you the same as with a permanent licence, but it’s wise to inform them of your status. | Some policies have higher premiums for new drivers; a temporary licence usually doesn’t affect that, but a lapse in coverage can cause issues. |
| What if I’m pulled over and the officer can’t see my licence because it’s in the mail? | Show the pass certificate, temporary licence (if you have one), and any digital proof. | Be polite, explain the situation, and point to the mailed licence tracking number if you have it. This usually resolves the encounter, but you could still receive a warning. |
6. Bottom Line: Drive Smart, Stay Covered
You can legally keep driving after you’ve applied for a full licence as long as you retain a valid learner or provisional licence—or a temporary licence issued by the licensing authority—until the permanent card arrives. The exact rules vary by state, province, or country, so always double‑check the specific requirements in your jurisdiction.
Remember these three core principles:
- Never be licence‑less. Keep a valid permit or temporary document on hand.
- Obey all existing restrictions. The temporary licence does not cancel learner rules.
- Document everything. Carry the pass certificate, temporary licence, and any tracking information for the permanent card.
By following the checklists and FAQs above, you’ll stay on the right side of the law while you wait for that coveted piece of plastic. Safe travels!