How to Apply for Your Provisional Driving Licence

Before you can take a driving lesson on the road you need a provisional driving licence. It is quick to apply for, but there are a few details that catch learners out.

When can you apply?

You can apply from the age of 15 years and 9 months, and you can start driving a car on public roads once you turn 17. Applying early means your licence is ready in time for your birthday.

What you need

• An identity document, such as a UK passport, unless you can provide it another way during the application
• Addresses where you have lived over the last 3 years
• Your National Insurance number, if you know it
• A debit or credit card to pay the fee

You must also be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away, with glasses or contact lenses if you need them.

Only use the official service

Apply through the GOV.UK provisional licence service. Some unofficial websites look similar but add a handling fee for exactly the same application. The official page lists the current fee and how long the licence usually takes to arrive.

Once your licence arrives

• Check that your name, date of birth and address are correct.
• Keep it somewhere safe, as you will need it for every lesson and both tests.
• Start revising for your theory test. You can book it as soon as you have a provisional licence, and you must pass it before booking your practical test.

Got your licence? Book your first lesson and we will pick you up from home, school, college or work.