RED driving school car

PROVING YOUR ENTITLEMENT TO DRIVE

A legal requirement before your very first lesson.

Learn how to generate your DVLA check code and share it with your RED instructor — quick, secure and takes only a few minutes.

BOOK ONLINE
Our customers say Excellent 4.7 out of 5 based on 17,792 reviews

Why do you need to prove your entitlement to drive?

Before your first driving lesson, your RED instructor is legally required to check that you hold a valid provisional driving licence. Rather than handing over your actual licence, you generate a temporary check code via the DVLA website that allows your instructor to view your licence details securely and only for 21 days.

This process is required by the DVLA and protects both you and your instructor. It confirms you hold the correct licence category and that it is not disqualified or revoked.

How to generate your DVLA check code

1
Go to the DVLA Share Driving Licence service — visit gov.uk/view-driving-licence on any device.
2
Sign in with your driving licence number, National Insurance number and postcode — these are all found on your provisional licence or from your HMRC records.
3
Generate a check code — the service will provide a unique code that is valid for 21 days and can only be used three times.
4
Share the code with your RED instructor — before your first lesson begins, give your instructor the code so they can verify your details via the DVLA portal.

What if I can't generate a code?

If you are having difficulty accessing the DVLA service, make sure you have your driving licence number, postcode and National Insurance number to hand. You can also call the DVLA on 0300 083 0013 for assistance. If you have recently applied for your provisional licence, it may not yet be on the DVLA system — you should wait until you receive the physical licence before booking lessons.

Ready to start your lessons?

Once you have your check code ready, book your first RED lesson online today.

Book a lesson

Proving Entitlement to Drive FAQs

Why does my instructor need to check my licence?
It is a legal requirement for driving instructors to verify that their students hold a valid provisional licence before teaching them to drive on public roads. The DVLA check code system allows this securely and digitally.
How long is the check code valid for?
The code is valid for 21 days from the date it is generated and can be used a maximum of three times. If it expires before your first lesson, simply generate a new one.
What information does the instructor see?
Your instructor can see your name, address, date of birth, licence type and categories, and whether there are any endorsements or disqualifications on your licence. They cannot see your National Insurance number or bank details.
Do I need to show my actual licence to my instructor?
No. The check code system is designed so you do not need to hand over your physical licence. However, it is a good idea to bring your provisional licence to your first lesson as additional confirmation of your identity.
RED Driving School

You may also be interested in

Applying for a Provisional Licence

Applying for a Provisional Licence

Not got your provisional yet? Here's everything you need to know to apply quickly and correctly.

Read more
Driving Lessons for Beginners

Driving Lessons for Beginners

Starting from scratch? Our beginner lessons are tailored to build confidence and skills from your very first session.

Read more
Choosing a Driving Instructor

Choosing a Driving Instructor

Find out what to look for when choosing a RED driving instructor and how we match you with the best fit.

Read more

Find a RED instructor near you

There is always an instructor near you

Our experienced instructors operate nationwide. Enter your postcode to find the nearest RED instructor to you.

See all locations