Do you want to become a learner driver? The first step to getting behind the wheel of a car is paying for your provisional driving licence,
The fee for your provisional driving licence can vary, which is why we've put together this guide to paying for your first GB licence.
You can apply to have a provisional licence at 15 years and 9 months old – however, you will not be able to learn to drive a car and take a driving test until you turn 17.
Knowing how to get a provisional driving licence is the important first step to take for all learner drivers.
How much is a provisional driving licence in the UK?
To get your first GB provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), you will need to pay £34 to apply online or £43 if you wish to make your application by post.
You’ll need to provide evidence of your identity. This can be a UK passport, a share code from a UK Immigration ID Check, a valid foreign passport, a UK birth certificate, or evidence you receive a state pension.
Can you drive with a just a provisional driving licence?
Once you have obtained your provisional driving licence from the DVLA – and you are over the age of 17 – you will be legally allowed to learn to drive.
You cannot drive on your own until you pass your driving test, but you can get behind the wheel of a road legal vehicle with L plates and an adult who has a full driving licence. This can be an instructor or from an adult who meets the DVLA criteria.
If you are learning to drive in your own car or a vehicle that belongs to a friend or family member then you should consider learner driver insurance. RAC learner driver insurance gives you the option of cover from one day to five months, which means you only pay for the cover you need until you pass your test.
- Driving licence codes and categories explained
- How to pass your driving test – a full guide from novice to pro
- 15 driving test tips to help you pass first time
How long does a provisional licence last?
Once you have received your provisional driving licence, it is valid for 10 years. However, once you have passed your driving theory test, you will need to pass the practical test within two years.
To prepare for the theory test, an app like Driving Theory Test UK is a great place to start, with all necessary learning materials, hazard perception clips and Highway Code info included. You can download it here:
- Digital driving licences will arrive before 2024
- What happens after I pass my driving test?
- Which country’s driving licences can be exchanged in the UK?
How much is it to renew your provisional driving licence?
If you do not get your full UK driving licence within the 10 years from when your provisional was issued, you will need to go through the process again to acquire a new one.
Currently, this costs £34 through the DVLA website.
However, this could increase in the future, so it is worth checking on the official website if this situation applies to you.
When can you apply for a provisional driving licence?
You need to be over 15 years and nine months old to apply for a provisional driving licence in the UK.
Can you change your personal details on a provisional driving licence?
Whether it is your provisional or full driving licence, you can change the personal details on the DVLA’s records through their website.
Depending on what needs to be updated, there may be a charge involved.
It is free and easy to update an address. You can also continue to drive while you are waiting for your new licence.
You will need to provide your driving licence number, be a resident of Great Britain, give the addresses you’ve lived at in the last three years and not be banned from driving. Also have your National Insurance number and passport number at hand.
If you wish to update your photo on the licence, this costs £14 and must be done by post.

Cheaper than AA Price Promise^
- Roadside cover from £5.29 a month*
- We get to most breakdowns in 60 mins or less
- Our patrols fix 4/5 breakdowns on the spot
*At least 10% of new customers pay this for single-vehicle Roadside (Basic). ^T&Cs apply.
You might also like

Digital driving licences will arrive before 2024

Do I need an international driving licence?
What documents do you need to take with you when you drive abroad? And is there such a thing as an international driving licence? Read our guide.

Driving licence codes and categories explained
We have decided to break down everything about driving licences down to help you better understand driving licence codes and driving licence categories.

How to get a provisional driving licence
You must apply for your provisional driving licence before you start your driving lessons, you can apply just before you turn 17. Learn more here.

Motorbike licences - what bike can you ride?
Interested in getting a motorbike licence, but not sure where to start? Use our guide that explains everything from licences to tests, and so much more.

Automatic vs manual cars: which is better?
Is automatic or manual transmission better? Before choosing your next car, check out our guide to the pros and cons of manual and automatic cars.

What are graduated driving licences?
RAC guide on graduated driving licences and how they are used in the UK. Read more to find out if they will be introduced on UK roads anytime soon.

Everything you need to know about brake pads
Whether you’re looking to replace your brake pads or taking your car to a garage, read this guide first to understand how brake pads work.

A guide to overtaking safely on the road
Overtaking can be daunting for newly qualified drivers – even some established ones – but it’s an important manoeuvre to master safely. Read the guide here.
.jpg%3Fwidth%3D500%26quality%3D100%26crop%3D16%253A9%26gravity%3Dcenter&w=1920&q=75)
Hiring a car: a guide, tips, and checklist
Hire car companies generally offer a complete package, including rental, insurance and breakdown cover, but it’s important to know the ins and outs of hiring.
Popular in Advice & Guides
1
Are headlights too bright? Everything you need to know about headlight glare
2
Lost driving licence – how to get a replacement
3
Car dashboard symbols and meanings – warning lights guide
4
What to do if your car breaks down
5
A complete guide to motorbike tax
6
How to check MOT history
7
MOT checklist and comprehensive guide
8
Cheapest cars to insure for new drivers 2025 - Top 10
9
Euro 7 emissions standard: what is it and when does it come into effect?
10