Your provisional driving licence

If you’ve just turned 17, congratulations! You’re now old enough to get on the road. But before you can start learning to drive in the UK, you’ll need a provisional driving licence. This guide walks you through everything you need to know — from eligibility and applying, to how long it takes, how to apply without a passport, and what to do if you need to renew or replace it. h 

What's covered:

• What is a provisional licence?
• Who can apply?
• How to apply
• How long does it take?
• How long does it last?
• What can you do with it?
• Lost or need to renew?
• Quick checklist
• Quick summary

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What is a provisional licence?

A provisional driving licence is your legal permission to start learning to drive a car, moped or motorbike on UK roads. It’s issued by the DVLA and is required before you can book driving lessons, take your theory test or your practical driving test.

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Who can apply?

You can apply for a provisional driving licence once you're at least 15 years and 9 months old. While you won't be able to start learning to drive a car until you're 17, you can drive a moped from 16, provided you've completed your compulsory basic training (more on this below). Other than age requirements, there are several conditions you must meet:

• You can read a number plate from 20 metres away

• You have had the right to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for at least 185 days

• You'll need a current UK passport, or one that has expired within the past 12 months

If you're a non-UK citizen with the right to live in Great Britain, you'll need a valid form of ID to apply. Acceptable forms of ID include:

• A non UK passport

• Biometric residence permit (BRP)

• Biometric residence card (BRC)

• National identity card

Tip: Not sure about your eyesight? It’s worth booking an eye test before you apply. You might even be eligible for a free eye test with the NHS and vouchers towards glasses or contact lenses.

How to apply for a provisional licence

There are two ways to apply. You can either apply for your provisional driving licence online through GOV.UK, or by post using a D1 application form (available at most post offices or online).

What you’ll need

• Your full name, date of birth, and address history for the past 3 years

• Your National Insurance number

• An ID document (e.g. UK passport, non UK passport, BRP, BRC or national identity card)

• Details of any previous provisional licences

• Details of any medical conditions

• Confirmation that you meet the legal eyesight requirement

• You’ll need a valid form of ID so your photo and signature can be used for your new licence. If DVLA are unable to use your ID, you may need to upload a digital photo and signature manually.

• Pay £34 using a debit or credit card

If applying by post

• Complete and send your D1 application form

• Attach a recent passport-style photo

• Send documents confirming your identity

• Pay £43 by cheque or postal order

Applying online is faster and cheaper—and you can track your application status on GOV.UK

How long does it take?

Online applications are usually processed within 1 week, while postal applications can take up to 3 weeks.

How long does a provisional licence last?

Your provisional driving licence is valid for 10 years. If it expires before you pass your test, you’ll need to renew it using the same process as a full licence.

You can renew your provisional licence even after it expires - just apply online or by post and pay the relevant fee.

What can you do with a provisional licence?

Once you’ve got your provisional licence, you can:

• Start driving lessons with a qualified instructor

• Practise driving with a suitable supervisor (they must be aged 21+, and have held a full licence for the past three years or more)

• Book and take your theory test

But remember:

• You must be insured to drive, even as a learner

• You must display L plates (or D plates in Wales)

• You can’t drive on motorways unless accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car

If you’re practising with a family member, make sure they meet the legal requirements—and that the car is properly insured.

What vehicles can you drive?

To drive a car, you must be at least 17 years old. With a provisional driving licence, you can also drive:

• Mopeds, light motorcycles, & light quad bikes (AM, A1 categories) – from age 16

• Agricultural vehicles e.g., tractors - from age 17

• Specialist vehicles like road rollers and tracked vehicles - from age 17

Tip: For mopeds and light motorcycles, you'll need to complete your compulsory basic training (CBT) first.

Do you need insurance?

Yes. Even as a learner, you must be insured to drive. You can either:

• Take out learner driver insurance

• Be added as a named driver on someone else’s policy

Remember: driving without insurance is illegal and could result in fines, penalty points, or even disqualification.

Not sure about what insurance you'll need? Check out our guide on learner driver insurance here 

Lost or need to renew your provisional licence?

• Lost your licence? You can apply for a replacement online or by post. The fee is £20.

• If you need to change your address, you can either:

  • Change it for free online at GOV.UK. Make sure you inform the DVLA about your new address.
  • You can also do this by post using your D741 letter and sending it to the DVLA at:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BN

Note: You could be fined up to £1,000 if you fail to inform DVLA when your address changes.

• If you've changed your name: fill in a D1 application form (available at your local post office or online) and send it with proof of your name change (e.g., marriage certificate or deed poll) along with your current driving licence to the DVLA by post.

 

 

Quick checklist

Before you apply, make sure you:

• Meet the age and eyesight requirements
• Have your ID and address history to hand
• Know how you’ll pay
• Understand the rules for learner drivers

What’s next?

Once your provisional licence arrives, you'll be ready to:

• Book your first driving lesson

• Start revising for your theory test

• Begin supervised practice with a family member or friend

Quick summary

• You can apply for a provisional licence from age 15 years and 9 months (but must be 17 to drive a car).

• You can either apply for your provisional licence online via GOV.UK (£34), or by post with a D1 form (£43).

• You’ll need ID, address history, and to meet the eyesight requirement.

• Online applications usually take one week; postal ones can take up to three weeks.

• Your licence lasts 10 years and must be renewed if it expires.

• You must be insured, display L plates, and be supervised when driving.

• Lost or expired licences can be replaced or renewed online or by post.

Next guide: Finding the right driving instructor →