How much is a provisional driving licence?
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, a first provisional driving licence costs £34 online or £43 by post.
In Northern Ireland, a first provisional licence costs £62.50.
Applying online saves £9 and is quicker than applying by post, if you can use the online service.
These are the official government fees. You should not need to pay an unofficial application site to do this for you.
Use GOV.UK if you live in England, Scotland or Wales. Use NI Direct if you live in Northern Ireland.
Who can apply for a provisional driving licence?
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, you can apply for your first provisional driving licence from 15 years and 9 months old.
You must also be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away and have permission to live in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 185 days.
That does not mean you can start driving a car straight away. You can start learning to drive a car at 17.
Some disabled drivers can start at 16 if they receive the enhanced rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment.
If you have a disability or medical condition, check the official guidance before you apply. Some conditions must be declared.
In Northern Ireland, the application route is different because licences are handled by DVA, not DVLA. Use NI Direct to apply or check the current rules before you start.
What do you need before you apply?
Before you apply, get your details ready so you are not guessing halfway through the form.
For an online application in England, Scotland or Wales, have these ready:
- your current address
- your last 3 years of addresses
- your UK biometric passport, or the identity documents requested by GOV.UK
- your National Insurance number, if you know it
- a debit or credit card
- details of any medical condition that could affect your driving
For an online application in Northern Ireland, have these ready if the service asks for them:
- a verified NI Direct account
- a digital photo or photo code
- identity documents
- your signature
- certifier details for your photo
- a debit or credit card
- details of any medical condition that could affect your driving
If you apply by post, use the paper form for where you live and send the documents requested on that form.
In England, Scotland and Wales, the postal form is D1. You will need to include a passport-style photo, identity documents and the application fee.
In Northern Ireland, the postal form is DL1. You need to include original identity documents, a passport-style colour photo and the £62.50 fee.
How do you apply online or by post?
Most people apply online because it is cheaper and quicker.
Applying for a provisional driving licence online is the quickest route if you have the right details and can use the online service.
If you live in England, Scotland or Wales, apply through GOV.UK. Your application is handled by DVLA.
If you live in Northern Ireland, apply through NI Direct. Your application is handled by DVA.
You can also apply by post.
In England, Scotland and Wales, you can get form D1 from a Post Office that offers DVLA services. In Northern Ireland, you can use form DL1, which is available from main Post Office branches.
Be careful with unofficial application websites. Some charge extra fees for something you can do directly through the official government service.
If a site is not GOV.UK or NI Direct, check very carefully before entering your personal details or payment information.
Applying with a medical condition or disability
Some medical conditions, disabilities or eyesight problems must be declared when you apply for a driving licence.
This does not mean you cannot drive. It means DVLA or DVA needs to check whether your condition affects your ability to drive safely.
If you are not sure whether a condition needs to be declared, check the official guidance before you apply.
Not telling DVLA about a medical condition that affects your driving can lead to a fine. If your condition contributes to an accident, you could be prosecuted and your insurance could be affected.
When can you start using your provisional licence?
You can only start using your provisional licence when it has arrived, it is valid, and you are old enough for the vehicle you want to drive.
For car driving, you can start at 17. Some disabled drivers can start at 16 if they receive the enhanced rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment.
Your licence does not let you drive just because you have applied. Wait until it has arrived and is valid before you start lessons, practise privately or book your theory test.
DVLA says online applications should arrive within one week. It takes longer if DVLA needs to make extra checks.
DVA aims to process a fully completed Northern Ireland application within 10 working days. It takes longer if extra checks are needed.
You must follow the learner driver rules. For car driving, this means you need to be supervised, the car must be insured for you as a learner, and you must display L plates, or D plates in Wales if you prefer.
If you practise with family or friends, your supervisor must be a qualified driver. They must be at least 21 and have held a suitable full driving licence for at least 3 years.
Keep your photocard safe when it arrives. You will need it for lessons, your theory test and your practical driving test.
Your photocard has an expiry date, so check it when it arrives. If it is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you can apply for a replacement through GOV.UK or NI Direct.
Can you use the same provisional licence for manual and automatic cars?
Yes. You use the same car provisional licence whether you learn in a manual or automatic car.
The difference comes when you pass your driving test.
If you pass in an automatic car, your full licence will only let you drive automatic cars.
If you pass in a manual car, you can drive both manual and automatic cars.
If you start in an automatic and later switch to manual, you do not need to apply for another provisional licence. You still need to follow the normal learner rules, including being supervised and displaying L plates.
If you are unsure which route to choose, talk to a driving instructor before you start lessons. They can help you decide what suits your confidence, budget and long-term driving plans.
Can a parent or guardian help you apply?
Yes. A parent, guardian or trusted adult can help you apply, but the application must still use the learner driver’s own details.
They can help you:
- understand the form
- find your identity details
- check your address history
- pay using their debit or credit card
- make sure you are using the official website
Do not guess answers about identity, address history, eyesight or medical conditions. If something is unclear, check the official guidance before submitting the application.