my provisional license came through this week (yay me!) but i'm not sure if i'm meant to be keeping the license and the counterpart together. should i be keeping the counterpart in my wallet with the license card? also, i know you're meant to present both if you're asked, but what if you don't have them on you?
There is no requirement to carry them with you, although on occasions if you have both parts with you it can save you some hassle. Presenting them instantly to a policeman when asked can show you as a cooperative person, and this could be beneficial to you.
To be presented as a driving licence you need to show both parts.
The photocard bit can be used as an ID card on its own, so you might decide to keep it in your wallet or purse.
If you are asked to 'present' by the cops and you haven't got the licence with you, you will be given 7 days to present them at a police station of your choice.
It is an offence if you cannot produce both parts of your licence to the police if they ask for it, however the offence is squashed if you produce your licence at a police station of your choice within the stipulated time.