They're different parts of speech. If you want to see a pattern, here's one that works in British English: Noun: advice, practice, licence Verb: advise, practise, license Fairly logical, isn't it? The nouns are spelled with a 'c', while the verbs are spelled with an 's'. This restaurant is licensed to sell alcohol This restaurant has a licence to sell alcohol. NB American English only follows this rule with regard to advice/advise. AmE uses 'practice' and 'license' for both nouns and verbs.

Hi Anna Licence is a noun, so that is the thing you carry on your person when you drive a car. License is a verb, which as Giuliano says is what the DVLA do (ie their action) by giving you a valid licence. It is similar to Practice and Practise The C (coming first in the alphabet is always the noun) so that would be the Dentist's Practice. The S version ( second in the alphabet is always the verb) so the dentist must practise much before he can become qualified. Hope that helps. Anymore questions, please do hesitate to ask. Kind regards Ryder

Licence is a noun, license is a verb. For example: Before learning to drive, you apply for a provisional driving LICENCE, but the DVLA must LICENSE you to drive.