APPLYING FOR A PROVISIONAL LICENCE

What is a provisional driving licence?

A provisional driving licence is issued by the DVLA and is the legal document that permits you to drive on public roads while supervised by a qualified driver (or on lessons with an ADI). You must hold a provisional licence before your first driving lesson — your RED instructor will ask to verify it before getting started.

Who can apply for a provisional licence?

You can apply for a provisional driving licence as soon as you turn 15 years and 9 months old, so it arrives in time for your 17th birthday. You must be a resident of Great Britain and meet the eyesight and medical requirements set by the DVLA.

How to apply online

The quickest and cheapest way to apply is online at gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence. You will need:

• Your UK passport (for identity verification)
• Your National Insurance number
• Your home address details going back 3 years
• A credit or debit card for the £34 fee

If you do not have a UK passport, you can still apply by post using form D1 (available free from any Post Office), but this takes longer and costs £43.

How long does it take to arrive?

If you apply online, your provisional licence should arrive within 1 week. Postal applications can take up to 3 weeks. If your licence hasn't arrived after these timeframes, contact the DVLA directly.