Applying for your Provisional Driving Licence
Before
Lessons
Tests
Passed
Your provisional licence is the first step.
Sort it early, and you’re set for lessons, theory and ditching the parent taxi.
Trusted info from Gov.UK
Not sure where to start? Don’t stress—we give you clear advice and direct links to official Gov.UK pages. Our step-by-step guide makes getting your provisional licence simple.”
How to get your provisional licence: ScreenShot
Save this checklist on your phone—just ScreenShot it! (Need more space? Snap a couple of pics, you’ll thank yourself later.)
- Check you’re eligible: age 15 years 9 months+ (can drive a car at 17, or at 16 with enhanced rate PIP)
- Get your documents: UK passport (easiest), or other accepted ID and addresses for the last 3 years
- Apply online at GOV.UK (£34, fastest), or by post if you don’t have a passport (£43)
- Pay online by card, or by cheque/postal order if applying by post
- Your licence usually arrives in about a week (online) or up to 3 weeks (by post)
- Only use the official GOV.UK or NI Direct websites—never third-party services
Ready to get started? Save this list, and you’ll have everything you need—no faff.
How much is a provisional driving licence?
England, Scotland, Wales:
- Apply online: £34
- Apply by post: £43
Northern Ireland:
- Apply online or by post: £62.50
Tip: Always apply using the official GOV.UK or NI Direct websites. Unofficial sites often charge extra fees—don’t get caught out.
Provisional licence: What age can you apply?
You can apply for your provisional driving licence when you are:
- 15 years and 9 months old: You can apply for your provisional licence, but you can only start driving a car at 17 (unless you get the enhanced rate of PIP).
- 16: You can use your provisional licence to ride a moped, light quad bike, or drive a tractor (category F).
Tip: If you receive the enhanced rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can start learning to drive a car at 16.
Manual or automatic: does it matter for your provisional licence?
Good news—your provisional licence covers both manual and automatic cars.
- You don’t need a different licence to learn in an automatic.
- But: If you take your driving test in an automatic, your full licence will only allow you to drive automatics (restriction code 78).
- If you later want to drive a manual, you’ll need to take (and pass) a manual driving test.
Not sure which to choose?
Read our full guide to manual vs automatic → Coming Soon
Riding a moped or quad bike at 16 with your provisional licence
Thinking about swapping the bus for a moped as soon as you hit 16? Here’s the lowdown:
- You’ll need a provisional licence—category AM covers mopeds.
- You must complete your CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) before you can ride on public roads.
- L plates are your new best friend—they stay on until you pass your full moped test.
- No motorways allowed—it’s illegal for learners and for most moped riders.
- No passengers until you’ve passed your full moped test.
- Engine size matters: To qualify as a moped, the engine must be no more than 50cc and limited to 28mph (45km/h).
- Once you pass the moped test, you can take the L plates off and give a mate a lift.
Tip: Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to mopeds and CBT → Coming Soon
What ID do you need to apply for a provisional licence as a UK citizen?
The easiest way to prove your identity is with a valid UK biometric passport.
If you don’t have a passport, you can use other official documents. You’ll need to send original documents (not photocopies).
- UK birth, adoption or naturalisation certificate (must be sent with extra proof—see below)
- Evidence of state pension entitlement
- UK biometric residence permit (if applicable)
- Other official documents (see full list on GOV.UK)
If you use a birth/adoption/naturalisation certificate, also send:
- National Insurance card or letter from DWP/HMRC
- Or a benefits claim letter, P45, P60, payslips, or marriage/civil partnership certificate
Don’t send your actual passport—just use the number if applying online.
For the most up-to-date accepted ID list and rules, always check the official guidance:
GOV.UK: Identity documents for a driving licence →
Tip: Send valuable documents by Special Delivery for peace of mind.
What ID do you need to apply for a provisional licence as a foreign citizen?
Yes—you can apply for a UK provisional licence as a foreign national, as long as you have permission to live in Great Britain.
You’ll need one of these:
- A valid, current passport (not from an EU or EEA country), with a visa sticker or stamp showing you have permission to live in the UK
- A valid Irish passport (does not need a visa sticker)
- A UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
- A travel document (if you don’t have a passport)
- If you’ve got “settled” or “pre-settled” status, use a Share Code from your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account
How to use a Share Code:
If you’ve applied to the EU Settlement Scheme or have a UKVI account, you can generate a Share Code to prove your immigration status.
Get a Share Code →
The 185-day rule:
You can apply for a provisional licence as soon as you arrive, but you must have lived in Great Britain for at least 185 days before you can take your theory or practical test.
For the full, up-to-date list of accepted documents and details, check:
GOV.UK: Identity documents for a driving licence →
Tip: Send original documents, not copies, and use Special Delivery for valuable items.
Foreign nationals: Can I apply for a Provisional Licence before 185 days?
Yes—you can apply for your provisional licence as soon as you arrive in Great Britain.
- You must have permission to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales).
- You can start lessons and hold a provisional licence straight away.
- But: You must have lived in Great Britain for at least 185 days before you can book your theory or practical test, or get a full UK licence.
Tip: You’ll need to show proof of your permission to live in the UK and evidence of your time in Great Britain when you take your test.
For official info, see:
GOV.UK: Driving in Great Britain on a non-GB licence →
Getting a provisional licence with a disability or medical condition
You can apply for a provisional driving licence if you have a disability or medical condition—just like any other young driver. Here’s what you need to know:
Tell the DVLA about your disability or condition if it could affect your ability to drive safely. Most medical conditions won’t stop you applying, but you may need to provide extra details.
The DVLA might ask for a medical assessment or further information before your licence is issued.
If you need to drive an adapted vehicle, your licence will show the correct restriction code.
If you receive the enhanced rate of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can apply at 15 years and 9 months and start learning at 16.
Specialist advice and assessments are available from Driving Mobility centres across the UK.
Tip:
Check the GOV.UK guide to medical conditions and driving for the latest rules, and to see if you need to notify the DVLA.
Apply for a provisional licence online (UK)
England, Scotland, Wales
- Easiest and fastest way
- Fee: £34
- Where: GOV.UK provisional licence application →
- You’ll need:
- Valid UK biometric passport (for instant photo transfer)
- Addresses for the last 3 years (UK and foreign addresses)
- National Insurance number (if you know it)
- Debit or credit card for payment
- How long does it take?
- Usually 1 week (can be longer if the DVLA needs extra checks)
Tip: If you don’t have a UK passport, you’ll need to apply by post.
Apply for a provisional licence by post (UK)
Here’s how to do it:
- Pick up a D1 form:
- Get a D1 application form from participating Post Office branches or order one from the DVLA form ordering service.
- Complete the D1 form and get together your documents:
- Original acceptable ID documents (see “What ID do you need?” section below)
- Passport-size photo, signed on the reverse
- Cheque or postal order for payment, made out to “DVLA” (£43 fee)
- Countersignature:
- If your photo or ID needs to be countersigned, check who can do this on GOV.UK.
- Send your application:
- Post everything to DVLA.
- Tip: Use Special Delivery if sending valuable documents.
How long does it take?
- Postal applications can take up to three weeks to process.
How much does it cost?
- £43 (by post, in England, Scotland, Wales)
- If you live in Northern Ireland, see the Northern Ireland section for separate instructions and fees.
Top tip: Always use the official GOV.UK forms and addresses. Third-party services can cost more and cause delays.
Apply for a provisional licence (Northern Ireland)
Northern Ireland uses a separate application process and website from England, Scotland and Wales.
- Apply online or by post at:
NI Direct - Cost: £62.50 (online or by post)
- By post: Pick up a DL1 form at main NI Post Offices.
- Required documents: See the full NI Direct guidance on accepted ID
- How long does it take? Online or by post usually 2–3 weeks. Apply early!
Top tip: Only use the official NI Direct website for your provisional licence application. Unofficial services often charge extra and cause delays.
Do I need to have my eyesight tested before I drive?
Yes—you must meet the minimum eyesight standard to drive in the UK.
- You need to be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away.
- Your eyesight will be checked at your first driving lesson and again at the start of your driving test.
- If you can’t read the number plate, you won’t be allowed to drive.
Tip: If you’re unsure, get your eyes checked by an optician before you start lessons. Glasses or contact lenses are fine—as long as you wear them every time you drive.
Track your provisional driving licence application online UK
Applied online and waiting for your provisional licence? You can check the progress using the DVLA’s online tracking tool.
- What you’ll need: Your application reference number (from your confirmation email)
- How to track: Visit GOV.UK: Track your driving licence application → and enter your details
How long does it usually take?
Online applications: About 1 week
By post: Up to 3 weeks
Tip: If your application is delayed, check your email (and spam folder) for updates from DVLA, or contact them directly for help.
Why wait? Start revising for your theory test!
You don’t need your provisional licence in hand to start revising for your theory test. The earlier you start, the easier the real thing will feel.
- You can revise with apps, books, or online quizzes—even before you apply for your licence.
- The knowledge you pick up now will help you during lessons and when you hit the road for real.
- Remember: you’ll need your provisional licence before you can actually book the theory test.
Tip: Start with the official DVSA theory test revision tools for the best chance of a first-time pass.
Do I need insurance once I have my provisional licence?
Yes—you need car insurance before you can practise driving in your own or someone else’s car, even as a learner.
- Private practice (with family/friends):
- You must be insured, and the car must display L plates.
- Either the car owner can add you to their policy (check it covers learners), or you can get your own learner driver insurance.
- Many learners choose their own policy so the car owner’s no-claims bonus is protected.
- Driving lessons with an instructor:
- You don’t need to worry about insurance—the instructor’s policy covers you.
Tip: Some insurers offer short-term learner driver insurance—perfect for just a few weeks of private practice.
Warning: Driving without insurance can get you a £1,000 fine and 6 to 8 penalty points—even before you pass your test!
How much is a provisional driving licence to replace?
If your provisional licence is lost, stolen, damaged, or destroyed, you’ll need a replacement.
- Cost: £20 (England, Scotland, Wales)
- Where to apply: GOV.UK: Replace a driving licence →
- What to do:
- Report lost or stolen licences to the police
- Apply for a replacement online or by post
Tip: Never drive without a valid licence—you could be fined.
For Northern Ireland, see the NI Direct guidance →
How much is a provisional driving licence to renew?
A provisional driving licence lasts for 10 years. Most learners won’t need to renew, but here’s what to do if you do:
- Cost to renew:
- Online: £14
- By post: £17
- Where to apply: GOV.UK: Renew your driving licence →
- You’ll get a reminder from the DVLA before it expires (for your photo update).
- Northern Ireland: Renewal rules and costs are different—see the NI Direct page →
Tip: Most learners pass long before their provisional expires, so renewals are rare!
Can you get car finance with a provisional licence?
Yes, you can—but it’s trickier and often costs more than financing with a full licence.
- Some lenders will consider you with a provisional licence, but you’ll need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Show proof of income or employment
- Pass a credit check
- Pay a higher deposit and/or accept higher monthly payments
- Why is it harder?
- Most finance companies see new drivers as higher risk
- Insurance costs will also be higher if you buy before you pass
Tip: If you’re keen to get on the road, read our full guide before applying—it could save you time, money, and hassle.
Don’t get penalty points on your licence before receiving it!
If you drive without your provisional licence, or break the rules while learning, you can get penalty points—even before you pass your test.
- Driving before your provisional licence arrives can get you a £1,000 fine and 3 to 6 penalty points.
- Points you get as a learner stay on your record when you get your full licence.
- If you get 6 or more points in your first two years as a full licence holder, your licence will be revoked.
Tip: Wait until your provisional arrives before getting behind the wheel—and always follow the rules when you’re practising.