Your Licence

What is a provisional license and why do I need one?

A provisional license is a restricted license which allows you to drive on the public roads, while under the instruction of a full licence holder*, in order to prepare for the driving test.

The provisional license permits you to:

-drive on the public roads in an car that:

i) is insured (with your name stated as a driver on the insurance policy)

ii) has a valid MOT certificate

iii) has valid V.E.D ("road tax")

iv) is road legal

-take lessons in an instructors car (where the above criteria will be met for you)

-book and take the car theory test

-book and take the car practical test (only possible after passing the theory test)

*who must be over 21 and have held a full licence for 3 or more years

How do I get a licence?

You can apply for a provisional licence online or via the post.

Online

To get your first provisional driving licence online you must:

• be at least 15 years and 9 months old (you can't drive untill your 17th birthday)

• be able to read a number plate from 20.5 metres away

• provide an identity document unless you have a valid UK biometric passport

• provide addresses where you’ve lived over the last 3 years

• pay £34 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card

• have your National Insurance number, if known

Click here to apply for your first provisional driving licence online

Your licence should arrive within one week if you apply online.

By Post

To apply by post you must complete a D1 application form, which you can get from:

• the DVLA form ordering service

• a Post Office

Postal applications take up to 3 weeks and cost £43.

Your full licence will usually be sent to you automatically upon passing the practical test.

The DVLA do not charge an additional fee for converting your provisional license to a full license.