Provisional driving licence on top of DVLA paperwork.

How to get a provisional driving licence

Consumer Editor

7 minute read|22nd Sep 2026

Before you can even think about driving, some admin needs doing - you need to apply for your provisional driving licence.

This is an exciting step on your journey to becoming a licensed driver and as the first thing you need to do, it's wise to apply as soon as possible so as not to delay beginning your lessons.

Read our learning to drive guide to understand more about provisional driving licences.

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How to get a provisional driving licence in 10 simple steps

Check you're eligible – you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old.
Make sure you can read a number plate from 20 metres away.
Gather your identity documents, such as a valid UK passport.
Prepare your address history for the last three years.
Visit the GOV.UK provisional licence application service.
Complete the online application form with your personal details.
Pay the application fee (£34 online/£43 by post).
Submit your application and keep a record of the confirmation.
Wait for your licence to arrive, which is usually within a week if no additional checks are needed.
Start learning to drive by arranging lessons and ensuring you meet all learner driver requirements before getting behind the wheel.

Provisional driving licence rules at a glance

Rule	Requirement
Minimum age to apply	15 years and 9 months
Age you can start learning to drive a car	17
Supervision required?	Yes
L plates required?	Yes
Insurance required?	Yes
Can you drive alone?	No
Can you drive on motorways?	Yes, with an approved instructor in a dual-control car
Can you take driving lessons?	Yes
Can you book a theory test?	Yes, once you have a provisional licence
Cost to apply online	£34
Cost to apply by post	£43

When can you apply for a provisional driving licence?

You can apply for a provisional licence from the age of 15 years and 9 months. At 16, it allows you to ride a moped (subject to the relevant requirements), while you can begin learning to drive a car from age 17.

What does your provisional licence allow you to do?

With a provisional licence you can:

At 16 begin the process of learning to ride a moped or light quad bike
At 17 begin the process of learning to drive a car

You cannot:

Drive in a car without a driving instructor or someone else who fits the legal criteria
Drive on a motorway unless you are accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a dual-controlled car displaying L plates.
Drive without the correct insurance. We provide specialist learner driver insurance

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How do you apply for a provisional licence and how much does it cost?

The easiest way to apply is through the provisional driving licence page on the official GOV UK website.

To get a provisional licence you will need:

To be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
Provide a legitimate form of ID (normally a passport)
Provide addresses for where you have lived over the last three years
To have permission to live in Great Britain
To have been in Great Britain for at least 185 days.
Pay £43 by credit or debit card

Your provisional licence should arrive within a week.

At the same time, it’s a good idea to start reading the Highway Code and begin familiarising yourself with it in preparation for step four, taking your theory test.

How to practice for your driving theory test

There are a number of different ways to practice for passing your driving theory test. From sites to apps we have outlined the best resources below so you can find the right tools to suit you.

You can take free driving theory mock tests here on the official Government website.

You can also brush up on your road signs knowledge on our very own road signs quiz page.

As for apps, 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:

Track your driving licence application

Your provisional driving licence should arrive within a week of applying.

To track your application online via GOV UK website, but you will need your Government Gateway ID and password.

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Provisional driving licence FAQs

How long is a provisional driving licence valid for?

A provisional driving licence is typically valid for 10 years. You may need to renew it earlier if your personal details change or if the licence expires.

Do you need car insurance with a provisional licence?

Yes. Learner drivers must be insured before driving on public roads, whether they're learning with an instructor or practising in a friend or family member's car.

Can you buy a car with a provisional licence?

Yes. A provisional licence holder can buy, own and register a vehicle, but they must still follow learner driver rules when driving it.

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