How to Apply for a Provisional Licence

How to apply for a Provisional Licence

A provisional licence is a document that permits an individual to legally learn how to drive a vehicle on public roads.

It’s the first step towards getting a full driving licence. To get a provisional licence, learners must meet certain minimum requirements, such as having good eyesight that can be measured using a standard Snellen chart.

Snellen chart

The chart is used to ensure that applicants can see at least 20 metres away. In addition, the applicant must provide proof of their address and demonstrate that they are in good health.

The cost of obtaining a provisional licence varies depending on the applicant’s age, the type of licence they need, and the method of application. For example, if an individual applies for a provisional licence online, it may cost less than if they apply by post. However, the fee generally ranges from £34 to £43, and the licence is valid for ten years. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the fees for obtaining a provisional licence are subject to change, so it’s important to check the latest information on the government website.

For individuals who applied for a provisional licence before 1 March 1973, they must use a specific service to get a new licence. This means that they will not be able to use the regular online or postal application process.

Instead, they will need to contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to get a new provisional licence. It’s essential to keep in mind that the requirements for obtaining a new provisional licence may be different from the previous one, so individuals must check the latest guidelines to ensure they meet the necessary criteria.

When can I apply for my first provisional driving licence?

If you’re looking to learn to drive, the first thing you need is a provisional driving licence. Here are some step-by-step guidelines on how and when you can apply for one:

  1. You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for your first provisional driving licence in the UK.
  2. You can apply online on the gov.uk website, by post using the D1 application form which you can get from the Post Office, or by phone by calling the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
  3. You’ll need to provide your personal details, including your name, address, date of birth, and National Insurance number. If you don’t have a National Insurance number, you can still apply, but you’ll need to provide evidence of your identity.
  4. You’ll also need to provide a passport-style photo of yourself, and pay the application fee. The cost of a provisional licence can vary depending on how you apply, but generally ranges from £34 to £43.
  5. Once your application has been processed, you’ll receive your provisional driving licence in the post. This licence allows you to legally drive a car, moped or motorcycle on public roads, but only with someone who has a full driving licence and is over 21 years old, and has been driving for at least three years.
  6. It’s important to note that the same provisional licence can cover a number of different vehicles, so if you decide to learn to drive a different type of vehicle, you don’t need to apply for a new licence. However, you may need to take additional tests to be legally allowed to drive that vehicle.

By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to obtaining your first provisional driving licence and learning how to drive on UK roads.

Related:  Returning to Driving after a Break

 

Other requirements for applying for a provisional licence?

When applying for a provisional driving licence, there are a few other requirements to keep in mind:

  • Eyesight: You must meet the minimum eyesight requirements to be eligible for a provisional licence. The DVLA requires that you can read a standard number plate from 20 metres away with both eyes. If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet this requirement, you must wear them whenever you drive. The DVLA recently launched a “EYE 735T” campaign to encourage drivers to check their eyesight regularly and make sure they meet the legal standards.
    DVLA's new EYE 735T campaign
  • UK-Based: To apply for a provisional driving licence, you must have been a resident of the UK for at least 185 days in the last 12 months. Additionally, you’ll need to provide an address where you’ve lived for the past three years. If you’ve moved recently, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove your address, such as a utility bill or bank statement.
  • Health: You must be in good enough health to be able to drive safely. If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive, you must declare it when you apply for your provisional licence. Some medical conditions may require you to complete an additional form and submit it with your application to speed up the process. The DVLA will assess your medical condition and let you know if you’re eligible for a provisional licence.

By meeting these requirements, you’ll be on your way to obtaining a provisional driving licence and taking the first step towards becoming a safe and responsible driver on UK roads.

Top tip – 20 metres is around 26 steps for a man and around 33 for a woman.

How to apply for your provisional licence?

If you’re ready to apply for your first provisional driving licence, there are three ways you can do it: online, by post, or by phone.

Apply for a provisional driving licence online:

  1. Visit the gov.uk website and select the option to apply for a provisional driving licence.
  2. Follow the instructions to enter your personal details, such as your name, address, and National Insurance number.
  3. Upload a passport-style photo of yourself, or have one taken at a participating Post Office.
    passport photos outline
  4. Pay the application fee using a debit or credit card.
  5. Submit your application and wait for your licence to arrive in the mail.

Apply for a provisional licence by post:

  1. Visit a Post Office and ask for a D1 application form for a provisional driving licence.
  2. Fill in the form with your personal details, attach a passport-style photo of yourself, and enclose the fee payment.
  3. Mail the application form and payment to the address listed on the form.
  4. Wait for your licence to arrive in the mail.

Apply for a provisional licence by phone:

  1. Call the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) on 0300 790 6801.
  2. Provide your personal details over the phone, such as your name, address, and National Insurance number.
  3. Have a passport-style photo of yourself ready to send to the DVLA by post.
  4. Pay the application fee using a debit or credit card over the phone.
  5. Wait for your licence to arrive in the mail.

How to Pay: The cost of a provisional driving licence can vary depending on how you apply. As of 2023, the fee generally ranges from £34 to £43. You can pay the fee using a debit or credit card online or by phone, or by enclosing a cheque or postal order with your application form if you’re applying by post.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your first provisional driving licence and starting your journey towards becoming a safe and responsible driver on UK roads.

What supporting identity documents do I need to apply for my provisional licence?

When applying for a provisional driving licence, you’ll need to provide certain identification documents to prove your eligibility. Here are the supporting identity documents you may need:

  1. Proof of Identity: You’ll need to provide a valid UK passport or another form of acceptable identification, such as a biometric residence permit, immigration status document, or certificate of naturalisation. If you don’t have any of these documents, you can provide your birth or adoption certificate instead.

  2. Proof of Address: You’ll need to provide proof of your UK address, such as a recent utility bill, council tax bill, or bank statement. The document must be dated within the last three months and show your name and address.

  3. National Insurance Number: You’ll need to provide your National Insurance Number, which is a unique identifier assigned to UK citizens for tax and social security purposes. If you don’t know your National Insurance number, you can find it on your payslip, P60, or any letters from HM Revenue and Customs.

  4. Passport-style Photo: You’ll need to provide a recent passport-style photo of yourself, which should meet the DVLA’s photo standards. This includes being in colour, clear and in focus, and taken against a plain light-coloured background.

It’s important to note that the specific identity documents required may vary depending on your individual circumstances. For example, if you’re a non-UK resident, you may need to provide additional documentation to prove your eligibility. The gov.uk website provides detailed information on what documents you’ll need to provide based on your specific situation.

By providing the necessary supporting identity documents, you’ll be on your way to obtaining your first provisional driving licence and starting your journey towards becoming a safe and responsible driver on UK roads.

How much does it cost to apply for a provisional licence?

If you’re looking to get a driving licence in the UK, there are a few costs to keep in mind. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Provisional Licence Fee: To legally start learning to drive, you’ll need to apply for a provisional licence. The first payment for this licence is £34.00 if you apply online, or £43.00 if you apply by post. This fee goes to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
  • Theory Test Fee: Once you have your provisional licence, you’ll need to pass a theory test before you can take your practical driving test. The cost of the theory test is £23.00, and if you fail, the fee is not refundable. You’ll have to pay again each time you re-sit the test.
  • Practical Test Fee: The final cost you’ll need to consider is the fee for your practical driving test. The standard fee is £62.00, but if you want to take the test on a weekend or bank holiday, the fee is £75.00. Like the theory test, if you fail, you’ll need to pay the fee again.

Unfortunately, there is no way to cut down on these statutory fees. However, with the best possible preparation, you can aim to keep the number of retests to a minimum.

Consider practicing with revision questions and hazard perception videos licensed by DVSA or downloading mobile apps to help you prepare for your theory test.

By being well-prepared and knowing the costs upfront, you can ensure that you’re ready to take on the challenge of obtaining your driving licence in the UK.

Frequently asked questions

Your licence should arrive within one week if you apply online or two weeks if you apply by post. It may take longer if DVLA need to make additional checks.

The cost of a DVLA provisional licence varies depending on how you apply. As of 2023, the fee generally ranges from £34 to £43.

A provisional licence in the UK is valid for ten years.

No, you cannot apply for your child’s provisional licence. The applicant must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for their own provisional licence.

Yes, you can apply for a provisional licence without a UK passport. You can provide other acceptable identification documents, such as a biometric residence permit, immigration status document, or certificate of naturalisation.

At the moment, a provisional licence in the UK typically takes up to two weeks to be delivered after submitting an application.

The person who signs a provisional driving licence photo must be a professional person, such as a teacher, lawyer, doctor, or minister of religion. They must also have known the applicant for at least two years and be able to confirm their identity.

If you have lost your provisional licence, you can apply for a replacement by completing a form and paying a fee.

You can apply online, by post, or by phone, and you’ll need to provide your personal details and pay the relevant fee. Once your application has been processed, you’ll receive your replacement licence in the mail.

Yes, you will get your supporting identity documents back after your provisional licence application has been processed.

The DVLA will return any original documents you provided as proof of identity or address, along with your new provisional driving licence.

With a provisional driving licence, you can legally learn to drive most vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and mopeds.

The age at which you can apply for a provisional licence depends on the type of vehicle you want to learn to drive. You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for a provisional licence to learn to drive a car, and at least 16 years old to learn to ride a moped or motorcycle with an engine size of up to 50cc.

If you want to learn to ride a motorcycle with a larger engine size, you must be at least 17 years old.