UK Driving Licence – A Blend of Order, Security, and Professional Design
Introduction
The United Kingdom Driving Licence (UK Driving Licence) is one of the most recognized forms of identification across Europe, issued by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). This card is not only an official driving permit in the UK but, thanks to its precise security structure and modern design, has also become a popular reference among graphic designers and PVC card manufacturers.
At first glance, a UK driving licence may seem like a simple ID card. However, when examined closely, one can see that behind this clean and minimal design lies a set of advanced security technologies and international standards. From the DVLA’s proprietary font to multi-layer holograms and laser-engraved photos, everything is designed to prevent forgery and enhance the card’s visual credibility.
In this article, Pixentry provides a comprehensive educational overview of the UK driving licence, detailing both its front and back components. Whether you are a card designer, printing professional, or someone who needs an accurate understanding of this card for visual projects or foreign verification purposes, this guide is tailored for you.
Overall Structure of the UK Driving Licence
The UK driving licence is one of the most standardized ID cards in the European Union, although following Brexit, its design has been updated to highlight more national elements. The official issuer is the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), which is responsible for registering drivers, issuing licences, and enforcing driving regulations in the UK.
Card Dimensions and Material
The card is produced in the ID-1 standard size (85.60 × 53.98 mm), exactly the same as a bank card or international ID card.
Its main material is multi-layer polycarbonate, which is highly resistant to bending, heat, and scratches. This material also supports multi-level laser engraving, allowing the photo, signature, and personal details to be permanently embedded in the card, preventing removal or alteration.
Security Features
The UK driving licence includes multiple security layers to prevent forgery and duplication. Key features include:
- Multi-layer hologram that changes appearance under light.
- Microtext patterns in the background that are only readable under a magnifying glass.
- A unique laser-engraved code in the lower corner for digital identification.
- DVLA-specific fonts with varied thicknesses used exclusively for official cards.
- A faint map of the UK and the Union Jack in the background to prevent digital copying.
Front Side of the UK Driving Licence
The front of the UK driving licence is designed to appear simple and clean, yet this simplicity is the result of careful security-focused design, visually appealing and technically difficult to forge. All components are numbered according to the international ISO/IEC 18013 standard.
(1) Surname
The first line of the card shows the holder’s surname in uppercase letters for readability. It serves as the primary identifier in the DVLA database.
(2) Given Name
The second line lists the holder’s first name, including any middle names separated by spaces.
(3) Date and Place of Birth
This section includes:
- Date of birth in the format DD.MM.YYYY
- Place of birth, typically the country or city of issuance
(4a) Date of Issue, (4b) Date of Expiry, (4c) Issuing Authority
The issuing authority is typically noted as DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
(5) Driver Number
This unique code incorporates elements of the surname and date of birth, and it is recorded in all driving, offence, and insurance records.
(7) Signature
A digital or printed signature is located in the lower-right corner, stored in the DVLA database for verification.
(8) Address
The cardholder’s full address, including street, postcode, and city, is printed at the bottom-left section.
(9) Vehicle Categories
At the bottom of the card, authorised vehicle categories are listed. For example:
- AM → Light motorcycle
- B → Personal cars up to 3.5 tons
- f/k/q → Special vehicles (tractors, agricultural machinery, light vehicles)
Graphic Design Features of the Front Side
- Dominant color: light blue with pink highlights
- Top-right corner: Union Jack
- Embossed U.K. logo on the top-left
- Laser-engraved portrait
- Faint crown and UK map in the background
- Microtext and hologram overlay on the portrait
Back Side of the UK Driving Licence
The back side, despite its simple appearance, contains detailed information about vehicle entitlements, license validity, and unique identification codes. It is optimized for review by officers or automated scanning systems.
Entitlement Table
This table shows which types of vehicles the holder may drive and their validity dates. Columns usually include:
- AM – Light motorcycle, max 45 km/h (Issue Date / Expiry Date)
- B – Personal car up to 3.5 tons
- BE – Car with light trailer
- C1E – Light truck with trailer
- D1 – Mini-bus with limited passengers
Restriction Codes
Numbers may appear in the adjacent column to indicate special driving conditions, such as:
- 01: Requires glasses or lenses
- 02: Hearing aid
- 70: EU licence replacement
- 71: Old British licence replacement
Security and Quick Identification Area
A white strip at the bottom includes:
- Unique identifier (e.g., FA44873641)
- Barcode or QR code for DVLA scanning
- Issuing authority digital signature
Some new cards include an invisible NFC chip used by law enforcement.
Graphic Design of the Back Side
- White background with light blue stripes
- DVLA logo on top
- Union Jack in top-right corner
- Thin horizontal lines to separate table rows
- A faint map of the UK visible under UV light
Note: Unlike many countries, the back of the UK driving licence does not include a second photo or signature; all biometric data is stored digitally in the DVLA database.
Summary and Key Takeaways
The UK Driving Licence is one of the most organized and secure forms of identification in the world. Its precise design, structured layout, and laser-engraved technology make it a reliable model for other countries.
From a graphic design perspective, it is a classic example of balancing aesthetics and functionality: subtle colors, proprietary fonts, and national symbols convey authority and trust.
For educational and professional purposes, understanding such cards is valuable for designers and producers of visual documents. Familiarity with international card standards allows for more precise and professional results in printing, ID design, and film projects.
Pixentry.com offers a collection of high-quality international card samples, including licences from the UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, and the USA, suitable for educational, design, and cinematic projects while adhering to real-world standards.You can obtain the editable UK driving licence file from our website.
All files and templates provided on the Pixentry website are for decorative, display, and educational purposes only.
The use of these cards as official documents or for any unauthorized activity is strictly prohibited, and any misuse is the sole responsibility of the user.