How to Apply for a Provisional Licence in the UK
Car Owl
Published in English •
Summary
- Apply online: The quickest way is through the DVLA website.
- Cost: £34 online, £43 by post.
- You need proof of identity: Passport or other valid ID.
Want to start learning to drive? You'll need a provisional driving licence first. Here's how to get one.
Who Can Apply
To apply for a provisional driving licence, you must:
- Be at least 15 years and 9 months old
- Be able to read a number plate from 20 metres
- Be a UK resident
- Have the legal right to remain in the UK
You can't drive until you're 17, but you can apply earlier.
How to Apply Online
The quickest way to apply is online at GOV.UK:
- Go to gov.uk and search "apply provisional licence"
- Create or sign in to your Government Gateway account
- Fill in your personal details
- Upload a photo or use your passport photo
- Pay £34 by card
- Your licence arrives within one week
What You Need
- Valid UK passport: To verify your identity and use the photo
- National Insurance number: If you have one
- Addresses: Where you've lived for the last 3 years
- Payment card: Debit or credit card
How to Apply by Post
If you can't apply online, use form D1:
- Get form D1 from a Post Office
- Fill it in (follow the instructions carefully)
- Get passport photos (one must be countersigned)
- Include identity documents
- Include a cheque or postal order for £43
- Post to the DVLA address on the form
Postal applications take about 3 weeks.
Identity Documents Needed
If you don't have a UK passport, you'll need to send identity documents:
- Valid passport (any nationality)
- Travel document
- Biometric residence permit
- Birth certificate plus other supporting documents
The DVLA will return your documents after processing.
Costs
| Application Method | Cost |
|---|---|
| Online | £34 |
| Post | £43 |
After You Apply
Once your provisional arrives:
- Check all details are correct
- Sign it immediately
- You can start learning to drive (if you're 17)
- You must be accompanied by a qualified driver
- The car must display L plates (D plates in Wales)
Common Problems
Application Rejected
Common reasons include:
- Photo doesn't meet requirements
- Identity documents don't match
- Form filled in incorrectly
Medical Conditions
You must declare certain medical conditions. This may require additional forms and can delay your application.
What You Can and Cannot Do
A provisional licence lets you learn, but with important limits. Break these rules and you risk penalty points before you even pass.
- You must be supervised by someone aged 21 or over who has held a full licence for that vehicle type for at least 3 years.
- The car must display L plates (or D plates in Wales), front and rear.
- You must be insured to drive as a learner. This is a legal must.
- You can drive on the motorway, but only with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls.
Ignoring these rules can mean a fine and points, which carry over onto your full licence later.
How Long Does It Take?
Timing depends on how you apply. Plan ahead if you have a lesson booked.
- Online: Your licence usually arrives within a week.
- By post: Allow around 3 weeks.
- Extra checks: A declared medical condition or a document check can add time.
Your provisional lasts until you pass your test or it needs renewing, so there is no rush to use it straight away.
Common Questions
How old do I have to be to apply?
You can apply from 15 years and 9 months old. You can start driving a car at 17, or 16 if you receive the enhanced rate of certain disability benefits.
Can I use any adult to supervise me?
No. They must be at least 21 and have held a full licence for your vehicle type for a minimum of 3 years. They are legally responsible while you drive.
Do I need insurance as a learner?
Yes. You must be insured to drive, even when practising in a family member's car. Learner insurance is widely available for exactly this.
Next Steps
With your provisional licence, you can:
- Book driving lessons
- Practice with family or friends (who qualify)
- Book your theory test
- Book your practical test (after passing theory)
For more information on learning to drive, see our new drivers guide.