The dealer can’t place the order with Motability until you have taken your proof of eligibility and driving licence/s in as they form part of the application.
They can place the order on their system without completing the Motability application in order to get things moving but rarely do as it represents and increased risk of the customer changing their mind and them being stuck with a car and no customer lined up. If you’ve paid a deposit or for extras up front they may well be happy to order prior to application.
If I seem a little strange, that's because I am.
Skoda Karoq SEL.