First Provisional Driving Licence

Getting your first provisional driving licence is an important first step towards learning to drive. Before you can start learning to drive a car on public roads, you must have the correct provisional licence.

In this guide, we’ll explain when you can apply, the basic eligibility requirements, how much it costs and what you can do once your licence arrives.

When Can You Apply for a Provisional Licence?

You can apply for your first provisional driving licence when you are 15 years and 9 months old.

However, most people cannot start driving a car on public roads until they are 17.

There are some exceptions for people who meet specific disability-related eligibility requirements and can start driving at 16. Check the official government guidance to find out whether you qualify.

Check the minimum driving age on GOV.UK

What Are the Requirements?

Before applying for your first provisional driving licence, you must:

Be at least 15 years and 9 months old.
Be able to read a standard vehicle number plate from 20 metres away, wearing glasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Have been given permission to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for at least 185 days.

You will also need to provide information to confirm your identity. The online application service will explain whether you need to provide additional identity evidence.

Important: The application service described here is for Great Britain. If you live in Northern Ireland, use the separate Northern Ireland driving licence service.

How Much Does a Provisional Driving Licence Cost?

The current application fees are:

Online application: £34
Postal application: £43

Fees can change, so always check the official DVLA website before applying.

How to Apply for Your First Provisional Licence

Apply Online

The easiest way to apply is through the official GOV.UK website.

You will need to sign in or create the required account and follow the instructions. You will be told if you need to provide additional proof of identity.

Apply for your first provisional driving licence online – GOV.UK

Apply by Post

You can also apply by post using a D1 application form, which is available from most Post Offices.

Follow the instructions on the form and send your application with the correct payment and any required documents.

Check the official application guidance for the latest postal instructions and fees.

How Long Does It Take to Receive Your Licence?

If you apply online, your provisional licence should normally arrive within one week.

However, it may take longer if DVLA needs to carry out additional checks or requires further information.

You will receive a confirmation email after submitting an online application.

What Can You Do with a Provisional Driving Licence?

Once you have received your provisional licence and reached the required minimum driving age, you can start learning to drive a car on public roads.

You can:

Take driving lessons with a qualified driving instructor.
Practise with a suitable friend or family member who meets the legal supervision requirements.
Drive during the day or at night, provided you follow the learner driver rules.
Use L plates on the front and back of the vehicle. In Wales, you can use D plates instead.

Can Learner Drivers Drive on Motorways?

Yes, but only under specific conditions.

Car learner drivers can use motorways when:

They are accompanied by a DVSA-approved driving instructor.
The car is fitted with dual controls.
The vehicle displays the required L plates (or D plates in Wales).

You cannot drive on a motorway with a friend or family member supervising you.

Who Can Supervise a Learner Driver?

If you practise in a car with someone other than a driving instructor, your supervisor must:

Be at least 21 years old.
Hold a full driving licence for the type of vehicle you are supervising in.
Have held that licence for at least three years.

You must also make sure the car is properly insured for learner driving.

Read the official learner driver supervision rules on GOV.UK

Important Advice Before Your First Driving Lesson

Before getting behind the wheel:

Make sure you have received your provisional driving licence.
Check that you meet the minimum driving age.
Make sure you can meet the eyesight requirements.
Arrange suitable driving lessons or supervised practice.
Check that the vehicle is insured and displays the correct learner plates if practising privately.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses to meet the eyesight standard, you must wear them whenever you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a provisional licence at 15?

Yes. You can apply when you are 15 years and 9 months old, although most people cannot start driving a car on public roads until they are 17.

Can I drive a car at 16?

Some people can drive a car at 16 if they meet specific disability-related eligibility requirements. Check the official government guidance to see whether you qualify.

Do I need a provisional licence before booking my theory test?

Yes. You must have a valid provisional driving licence before booking your car theory test.

What happens if I lose my provisional driving licence?

You can apply for a replacement through DVLA. Use the official GOV.UK service for the latest instructions.

How long does a provisional driving licence last?

A photocard driving licence normally needs its photograph renewed every 10 years. Check the expiry date on your licence and follow the official renewal guidance when necessary.

Useful Official Resources

For the latest information, use these official government resources:

FQ Driving Academy – Helping learner drivers learn, prepare and drive with confidence. Last reviewed: November 2026

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Your First Provisional Driving Licence