Applying For Your Provisional License
The sooner you apply for your provisional license, the sooner you get on the road.
I want to start my driving lessons as soon as possible! When can I apply for my provisional driving license?
Before you apply for your first provisional licence you will need to make sure you are at least 15 years and 9 months of age and can read a number plate from 20metres (65ft). You cannot start the driving process until you are 17 years of age by law and under supervision from a driving instructor or someone over the age of 21 years who has held a licence for more than 3 years.
I am ready to look at booking driving lessons. How do I apply for my provisional driving license?
Apply for your first provisional driving licence via the GOV website here.
When applying for your provisional licence you are given the choice of two options. You can either apply online which will cost £34 via Mastercard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card - which is the cheapest option (and the one we recommend) or you can apply via post if preferred costing £43, payable by cheque or postal order.
Applying For Your Provisional License Online
If you’re applying online for your provisional licence you will need to provide a valid UK passport, address/addresses where you’ve lived over the last 3-year period and your National Insurance Number. It’s also important to make sure you have your credit or debit card ready for the payment of £34.
Applying For Your Provisional License Via Post
If applying for your provisional licence by post is the best option for you, you will need to complete a D1 provisional application form which you can pick up from your local post office or you can go to Order DVLA forms - GOV.UK and complete the form and send it off to the following addresses (whichever one relates to your current status):
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD – From the UK
DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AF – Outside the UK
The required documents you must provide alongside your application are:-
- A form of identification (Passport)
- Colour Passport photograph – (View terms and conditions here)
- A cheque or postal order for the amount of £43. Applications made via cash payments will not be accepted, which may prolong your process.
