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Provisional Driving Licence Application

You will need to get a valid temporary driving licence before you can drive on public roads (excluding motorways) until you have passed the driving test.

The quickest way to get a provisional driving licence is by applying online from the DVLA. But, you can also apply by post if you use form D1 "Application for a driving licence".

Get a Provisional Driving Licence Online

When you start learning to drive a car, you need to be supervised by (either):

A qualified driving instructor (e.g. approved by the DVSA).
Another driver who is over the age of 21 and has held a full driving licence for at least three (3) years.

All learner drivers need to get a provisional driving licence before they have driving lessons, take the theory test, and enrol for the practical driving test.

No matter whether it's for a car, motorbike, moped, or any other vehicle, when you apply for your first provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) online, you must:

Be at least fifteen (15) years and nine (9) months old.
Be able to pass the driving eyesight rules (e.g. read the letters and numbers on a vehicle number plate from twenty metres away).
Have permission to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland, or Wales) for a minimum of one hundred and eighty five (185) days.

How Much is a UK Provisional Driving Licence?

The current driving licence fees for the provisional licence is £34 when you apply online. You can choose to pay the amount by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit, or credit card.

Important: Did you apply for your provisional licence before the 1st of March 1973? If so, you can get a new licence by using this same service.

Before You Start the Application Process

You need to confirm your identity and answer a few basic questions to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for a first provisional driving licence.

Hence, be prepared to give the following information:

Details to sign in to your DVLA Driver and vehicles account (e.g. email address and password) if you already have one.
Your identity document number, such as:
- United Kingdom passport (you can also use a passport that expired within the last twelve months for this service)
- Non UK passport
- Biometric residence permit (or biometric residence card)
- National identity card
Your National Insurance number (if known)
Addresses where you lived over the last three (3) years.

Important: An application for a first provisional driving licence also requires a valid photograph and signature (usually taken from the passport of the applicant).

What Happens Next?

The DVLA will send a confirmation email after you complete a successful application. Following that, you should get your provisional licence by mail within seven (7) days (for online applications).

But, the process can take longer if the application was incomplete or if DVLA needs to make additional identity or background checks.

Driving with a Provisional Licence

Your age, and the type of vehicle you want to drive, will determine when you can drive with a provisional licence.

However, you can check online to see if you are old enough, or you have the right kind of driving licence, to drive different kinds of vehicle.

You can also use this service to renew your driving licence, replace a lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed driving licence, reapply for your driving licence if you've been disqualified, or change the address on your driving licence.

How to Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence by Post

You can apply by post by completing form D1 called "Application for a driving licence" available from large Post Offices.

Fill in the provisional driving licence form and send it with a cheque or postal order for £43 to the address written on the document.