How much is a Provisional Licence UK & NI?
Reviewed & fact checked
By: Verity Hogan - Finance Editor
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You’ll need a provisional driving licence before you can start learning to drive in the UK
Issued by the DVLA, your first provisional driving licence is the first step towards a full UK driving licence.
The provisional driving licence cost is £34 if you apply online or £43 by post, and the licence is valid for 10 years.
Official government website – opens in new tab
How much is a provisional driving licence?
England, Scotland and Wales
- Apply online: £34
- Apply by post: £43
Northern Ireland
- Apply online or by post: £62.50
Applying by post (England, Scotland and Wales)
If you’d rather apply by post or don’t have the right documents to use the online service, don’t panic — it’s still straightforward, but it will take longer.
Use the D1 form available at your local Post Office or ordered from GOV.UK. When you apply for your provisional licence by post, you’ll need to send in your photo ID, original documents, and pay by cheque or postal order.
Screenshot this: How to get your provisional licence
Need more space? Take two pics – You’ll thank yourself later
1. Check that you’re eligible
You must be 15 years 9 months or older
You can drive a car at 17, or at 16 if you get PIP at the enhanced rate
2. Get your documents ready
UK passport (easiest), or other ID
Your last 3 years address history
3. Apply online at GOV.UK – the licence cost is £34
4. Pay by card (online), or by cheque/postal order if posting your application fee
5. Wait for your licence
About a week if you apply online
Up to 3 weeks by post
6. Only use the official GOV.UK or nidirect websites
Never apply through third-party services — they charge extra for no reason
Ready to go? Save this list — and you’ll have everything you need. No faff
Who can apply for a provisional driving licence?
You can apply if:
You’re at least 15 years and 9 months old
But remember, you can’t drive a car until you’re 17 (or 16 if you get the enhanced rate of PIP)
You’re a UK resident with the right to live here
You can read a number plate from 20 metres away
(with glasses or contacts if needed)
You have a UK passport or other form of accepted ID
You can ride a moped from age 16, with the right training and licence
You can apply if you have a disability or medical condition — just check the GOV.UK medical rules first
Once your provisional licence arrives, you can legally start learning to drive the vehicle categories listed on your licence for your age, as long as you’re supervised and display L plates.
What documents do you need to apply?
Before you start your application, make sure you have:
Be ready to provide your personal details and address history from the last three years when you apply.
A UK biometric passport
(If you don’t have one, you can still apply — but you’ll need to send other identity documents)
Your National Insurance number
(This helps DVLA verify your identity, but it’s not essential)
Your address history from the last 3 years
A debit or credit card
(You’ll need this to pay the application fee online)
Apply for your provisional licence on the Official DVLA website at GOV.UK
Official government website – opens in new tab
Getting a provisional licence with a disability or medical condition
Having a medical condition doesn’t mean you won’t be able to get a provisional licence, but some conditions must be declared to the DVLA.
This includes both physical and mental health conditions including epilepsy, diabetes (depending on how it’s treated), and depression or severe anxiety that could affect your driving.
If you’re not sure whether you need to declare something, it’s always best to check official guidance:
Apply for your provisional licence on GOV.UK
Official government website – opens in new tab
What to expect when your licence arrives
When you apply for a provisional licence, you’ll receive a photocard driving licence in the post about a week later.
There’s no digital-only version yet, but DVLA hopes to introduce digital licences
later this year (2025). Official government website – opens in new tab
Delivery times:
When you apply online — your licence usually arrives within a week
When you apply by post — it can take up to 3 weeks
Once it arrives, keep your photocard safe. You’ll need it for lessons, your practical test, and as proof of ID.
If you lose it while out or accidentally damage it, you’ll need to replace or renew it through GOV.UK (see FAQs below).
With your licence in hand, you can start learning to drive straight away as long as you’re supervised and displaying L plates.
Can a parent apply for you?
Yes, your parent or guardian can help you apply, but they’ll need your permission first.
Here’s what they can do to help:
Fill out the application with your details
Help you find your National Insurance number and address history
Pay for the licence using their debit or credit card
Just make sure all the information is correct and belongs to you — the licence will be issued in your name.
Book your theory test
How to book, change, or cancel it and what to bring on the day
Learner driver insurance explained
When learning with family or friends, you’ll need learner driver insurance for your practice
Choosing a driving instructor
What to look for and how to avoid wasting money on the wrong driving instructor
❓ FAQs about provisional licences
What age can I apply for a provisional licence?
You can apply when you’re 15 years and 9 months old, but you can’t drive a car until you’re 17 — unless you get the enhanced rate of PIP, in which case you can start at 16.
Can I ride a moped at 16?
Yes — you can ride a moped from age 16 as long as you have a provisional licence and complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
Do I need learner driver insurance?
Yes — if you want to practise driving in a private car (with a family member or friend), you’ll need learner driver insurance.
Can foreign nationals apply for a UK provisional licence?
Yes — but you must have lived in the UK for at least 185 days in the last 12 months and meet the usual eligibility rules.
👉 Apply for a provisional licence – GOV.UK Official government website – opens in new tab
Can I track my provisional licence application?
Yes — if you applied online, you can track your application through GOV.UK:
👉 Track your driving licence application – GOV.UK
🔗 Official government website – opens in new tab
How much does it cost to renew or replace a provisional licence?
To replace a lost or damaged card: £20
Apply through GOV.UK
Do I need to get my eyes tested before starting lessons?
Not officially — but your instructor will check your eyesight during your first lesson.
You’ll also be tested at the start of your driving test, where you must read a number plate from 20 metres.