Getting a provisional licence

Before you start driving you need to get a provisional licence. To be eligible for a U.K. provisional licence you need to be a resident of Great Britain and be at least 17 years old and be able to read a car number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres or 20 metres if you are reading one of the newer style number plates. The provisional licence will cost £50 but also covers the cost of upgrading to a full licence when you pass the driving test.

you can apply for a provisional driving licence using either of the following methods.

Method 1. Applying online.

When you apply for a provisional driving licence online it is possible for the DVLA to obtain your photograph from the passport service providing you have a U.K. digital passport. If you don't have a digital passport or you want a different photograph to be used on your driving licence then you will need to send the photo by post.

To apply for a driving licence online or for more information then click here.



Method 2. Applying by Post.

To apply for a provisional driving licence by post you need to obtain an application form D1 from a post office or from the DVLA form ordering service it is also a good idea to read the information in the booklet pictured right INF1D which contains information on filling in your licence application.