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Provisional Licence Guide
A complete step-by-step guide to applying for your first UK provisional driving licence.
What is a Provisional Licence?
A provisional driving licence is your learner driver permit. You must have one before you can take driving lessons or sit any UK driving tests. It is issued by the DVLA and is also used as a valid form of photo ID.
Eligibility Requirements
- You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply (so you receive it by your 16th birthday)
- You must be a resident of Great Britain
- You must meet the minimum eyesight standard (read a number plate at 20 metres)
- You must not have a medical condition that prevents you from driving
How to Apply
The fastest way. Visit gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence. Costs £34 and takes around 1 week to arrive.
Get form D1 from a Post Office. Costs £43. Allow 3–4 weeks for processing and delivery.
Documents You Will Need
- Valid UK passport or birth certificate + proof of address
- National Insurance number
- A valid UK address (not a PO box)
- Debit or credit card for the £34 online fee
Applying online requires a valid UK passport with a biometric chip. If you do not have one, you must apply by post using form D1 and include your birth certificate or other identity document.
Ready to Start?
Follow our step-by-step guides to get your UK driving licence with confidence.
Start Your Application Guide