How to Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence (UK Guide 2026)
- tangerinepheonix
- Feb 16
- 10 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Applying for a provisional driving licence is the first official step towards learning to drive in the UK.
If you are wondering how to apply for a provisional driving licence UK, the process is simple when you understand the requirements. Most people apply online through GOV.UK, pay the £34 fee, and receive their licence within about one week.
Small mistakes can cause delays, so preparing properly makes the process much smoother.
This guide explains everything you need to know.
How to Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence in the UK (Quick Answer)
To apply for a provisional driving licence UK, you must:
Be at least 15 years and 9 months old
Be normally resident in Great Britain
Meet the minimum eyesight standard
Apply online through the official GOV.UK website
Pay £34 online (or £43 by post)
Most online applications are processed within around one week.
The detailed guidance below explains each step clearly.
Who Can Apply for a Provisional Licence?
Provisional Driving Licence Age Requirements
You can apply for a provisional driving licence in the UK from 15 years and 9 months old.
This is the same provisional licence that covers both cars (Category B) and mopeds (Category AM). It is not a separate moped-only licence. However, what you are legally allowed to drive depends on your age.
What You Can Drive on a Provisional Driving Licence at 16
At 16, you may ride a moped (up to 50cc) if you:
Hold a provisional licence
Complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT)
Display L plates
Have appropriate insurance
You cannot drive a car at 16 unless you receive the higher rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
What You Can Drive on a provisional Driving Licence at 17
From your 17th birthday, your provisional licence allows you to drive a car on public roads if you:
Display L plates
Are supervised by a qualified driver (over 21 and held a full UK licence for at least 3 years)
Are properly insured
Apply From being 15 Years and 9 Months
Applying early simply ensures that:
Your provisional licence arrives before you turn 17
You can begin lessons without delay
You can book your theory test as soon as you are eligible
Applying early does not mean you can drive earlier, but it allows for a smooth and organised start to learning.
Residency Requirements for Provisional Driving Licence
To apply for a provisional driving licence UK, you must:
Be normally resident in Great Britain
Have lived in Great Britain for at least 185 days in the last 12 months
This confirms eligibility under UK driving licence rules.
Driving Eyesight Requirements
You must be able to read a standard car number plate from 20 metres. This is a legal minimum requirement.
Good eyesight affects:
Hazard awareness
Judging speed
Judging distance
Reading road signs
If you need glasses or contact lenses, you must wear them whenever you drive.
When Will Your Eyesight Be Checked?
Your eyesight is not only a declaration on your application — it will be checked again in practice.
When you begin professional driving lessons, your instructor may carry out an informal number plate check to ensure you meet the legal requirement before driving on public roads.
At your practical driving test, the examiner will ask you to read a parked vehicle’s number plate at the required distance before the test begins.
If you are unable to read the number plate:
The test will not continue
You will fail the test
The test fee will be lost
What You Need Before You Apply For Your Provisional Driving Licence
Preparing your information in advance reduces errors and delays. You will typically need:
A valid UK passport (if applying online)
Your National Insurance number (if known)
Addresses for the last 3 years
Payment card
Details of any medical conditions
If you do not have a UK passport, you may need to send identity documents by post.
How to Apply for a Provisional Licence Online (Recommended)
The quickest and simplest way to apply is through the official GOV.UK website.
Official Fee
£34 online
Be cautious of unofficial websites that charge significantly more.
Step-by-Step Online Application for a provisional driving Licence online
Visit the official GOV.UK provisional licence page.
Confirm eligibility.
Enter your personal details.
Provide address history.
Declare any medical conditions.
Pay the fee.
Receive confirmation.
If you have a valid UK passport, your photo will usually be reused digitally. This avoids needing to send documents.
Standard Processing Time For Provisional Driving Licences
Most online provisional licence applications are processed within around one week.
Many straightforward applications — where passport identity can be verified digitally and no medical issues are declared — are completed within several working days.
However, processing can take longer in certain circumstances.
If You Declare a Medical Condition
If you declare a medical condition, DVLA may need to:
Review your declaration in more detail
Contact your GP or consultant
Request additional forms or reports
In these cases, processing can extend to several weeks, and sometimes longer depending on:
How quickly medical information is returned
The complexity of the condition
Whether further clarification is required
It is not unusual for medically reviewed applications to take 4–8 weeks, and in more complex cases it can take longer. This does not automatically mean your application will be refused — it simply means additional checks are required.
Medical Conditions – What Must Be Declared?
When you apply for a provisional driving licence, you are legally required to declare any medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely.
This is not optional. It is a legal obligation under UK licensing law.
What Types of Conditions Must Be Declared?
You must declare any condition that affects:
Vision
Consciousness
Neurological control
Heart function Blood sugar stability
Severe mental health conditions that impact awareness or judgement
Common examples include:
Epilepsy
Insulin-treated diabetes
Certain heart conditions
Significant visual impairments
Neurological disorders
This list is not exhaustive.
How Do You Know If Your Medical Condition Is Relevant?
The safest approach is simple. If a medical condition could affect your ability to control a vehicle safely, you should check.
The official GOV.UK website provides a full A–Z list of notifiable medical conditions. If you are unsure, it is always better to:
Check the official guidance
Speak to your GP
Or contact DVLA directly
Declaring a condition does not automatically prevent you from driving. In many cases, DVLA simply requires additional information.
What Happens After You Declare a Condition?
If you declare a medical condition, DVLA may:
Request further medical information
Contact your GP or consultant
Send you additional forms to complete
Ask for medical confirmation of stability
This can extend processing times, but it ensures:
You are safe to drive
You are legally protected
Your insurance remains valid
Many learners with declared conditions are still granted a provisional licence once DVLA is satisfied it is safe to do so.
What Happens If You Do Not Declare a Relevant Medical Condition?
Failing to declare a notifiable medical condition can have serious consequences.
These may include:
A fine of up to £1,000
Prosecution
Invalidated insurance
Licence revocation
Potential criminal charges if an accident occurs
If an undeclared medical condition contributes to a collision, the legal consequences can be significant.
Being honest on application protects you.
If Your Identity Requires Further Checks
If you cannot be verified digitally (for example, if you do not hold a valid UK passport), you may need to send original identity documents by post.
Postal identity checks can extend processing to 2–3 weeks or more, depending on demand and document verification times.
Errors in matching personal details — such as differences between your passport and application — can also cause delays.
If There Are Errors in Your Provisional Licence Application
Applications may be delayed if:
Address history is incomplete
Names are entered incorrectly
Medical questions are left unanswered
Supporting documents are missing
Where clarification is required, DVLA may contact you or return documents, which can add additional time.
Sensible Planning Advice
If you are planning to start driving lessons at 17, applying at least 3 months before your birthday provides a comfortable margin for any delays.
Applying early removes unnecessary pressure and ensures your licence is ready when you are eligible to drive.
Applying for a provision Driving licence by Post
If you cannot apply online, you can apply by post using a D1 application form. You can obtain a D1 form from most large Post Office branches. It is usually available free of charge, but you may need to ask at the counter.
Postal Application Fee
£43 by post
This is higher than the online fee. Always ensure you are using the official DVLA form and instructions.
Step-by-Step Guide To Applying For Your Provisional Driving Licence By Post
Obtain the Correct Form
Ask for a D1 form for a provisional driving licence at a Post Office.
Check that:
The form is current (not an old version).
You have the correct form for a provisional car licence.
Read the Guidance Notes Carefully
The D1 pack includes guidance notes explaining how to complete each section.
Before writing anything:
Read the instructions fully.
Use black ink.
Write clearly in capital letters if possible.
Small errors can cause delays.
Complete Personal Details Carefully
Pay particular attention to:
Full legal name (matching passport or identity documents exactly)
Date of birth
National Insurance number (if known)
Full address history for the last 3 years
Ensure:
There are no gaps in address dates.
Postcodes are correct.
Dates do not overlap.
Medical Declaration Section
Answer all medical questions honestly and completely. If you answer “yes” to any medical question:
Ensure the relevant section is fully completed.
Provide accurate details.
Do not leave follow-up sections blank.
Incomplete medical information is a common cause of delays.
Photograph Requirements
If you do not have a valid UK passport for digital verification, you will need to provide a passport-style photograph. Make sure:
The photo meets UK passport standards.
It is recent.
It is clear and undamaged.
It is not cropped incorrectly.
If the photograph does not meet standards, your application may be returned.
Identity Documents
You may need to send original identity documents (for example, a passport or other approved documents). Important:
Do not send photocopies unless specifically instructed.
Use secure postage if sending valuable documents.
Keep a record of what you send.
Documents will be returned separately from your licence.
Payment
Include the correct payment method as instructed in the form. Before sending:
Check the fee is correct.
Ensure payment details are complete.
Confirm any cheque details are accurate if paying that way.
Incorrect payment is another common delay.
Final Review Before Posting
Before sealing the envelope:
Check all sections are completed.
Confirm the form is signed.
Confirm all required documents are included.
Ensure the correct fee is enclosed.
A careful review at this stage prevents weeks of delay.
How Long Do Postal Applications Take?
Postal applications typically take longer than online applications. You should allow:
Several weeks for processing
Longer if medical checks are required
Additional time during busy periods
Because postal applications require manual handling and document verification, they are naturally slower than online applications.
Avoiding Unofficial Websites
When searching “apply for provisional licence UK”, you may see third-party websites offering to “assist” with your application. These sites often:
Charge £60–£90 or more.
Offer no faster processing.
Simply submit the same information to DVLA on your behalf.
Always apply directly via GOV.UK to avoid unnecessary fees.
How Long Does It Take to Receive Your Provisional Licence?
Standard online applications are typically processed within about one week. During busy periods, it may take slightly longer.
Postal applications can take several weeks, especially if identity checks are required. If your licence has not arrived within a reasonable time, you can contact DVLA to check the status.
Common Reasons Provisional Licences Are Delayed
While most applications are processed quickly, delays are usually caused by small errors or missing information.
Understanding the most common issues can help you avoid unnecessary frustration.
Details Do Not Match Passport Records
If you apply online using a UK passport, your identity is verified digitally. Delays can occur if:
Your name is entered differently from your passport
Middle names are omitted or added inconsistently
Your date of birth is incorrect
Your current address differs from passport records without explanation
Even minor differences can trigger manual checks.
Before submitting, ensure your application matches your passport exactly.
Incomplete Address History
You are required to provide your address history for the past three years.
Applications are often delayed because:
Dates overlap incorrectly
Gaps appear between addresses
Postcodes are incorrect
Temporary addresses (such as student accommodation) are omitted
Take time to check that the dates flow continuously without missing periods.
Medical Information Is Missing or Inaccurate
If you declare a medical condition but:
Do not provide sufficient detail
Leave sections incomplete
Provide inconsistent answers
DVLA may need to contact you for clarification, which adds time.
Being thorough and honest from the start reduces back-and-forth correspondence.
Identity Documents Are Incorrectly Sent
For postal applications, delays commonly occur when:
The wrong documents are enclosed
Documents are photocopies instead of originals
Forms are unsigned
Photographs do not meet required standards
Any missing or incorrect documentation can result in the entire application being returned.
High Seasonal Demand
Processing times can increase slightly during:
Summer months (when many 17-year-olds apply)
Post-exam periods
Holiday seasons
Applying early avoids seasonal congestion.
What Happens After Your Provisional Licence Arrives?
Once your provisional licence arrives:
Check your name, address and date of birth.
Keep it safe.
Begin preparing for your theory test
Arrange structured driving lessons.
If you are planning driving lessons in Leamington Spa, Warwick or Kenilworth, having your provisional licence ready allows you to begin smoothly.
How Long Is a Provisional Driving Licence Valid For?
A provisional driving licence is normally valid for 10 years.
If it expires before you pass your practical test, you will need to renew it.
The expiry date is printed on the front of the licence.
Provisional Licence Application Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to apply for my first provisional driving licence?
You will usually need a valid UK passport, your National Insurance number (if known), three years of address history and a payment card. If you do not have a passport, you may need to send identity documents such as a birth certificate by post.
How much does a provisional driving licence cost?
The official fee is £34 online and £43 by post. Always apply through GOV.UK to avoid extra charges.
Can you get a provisional driving licence without a passport?
Yes. You can apply without a passport, but you must send identity documents by post. Processing may take longer.
How long is a provisional driving licence valid for?
It is normally valid for 10 years. If it expires before you pass your test, you will need to renew it.
Do I need to send a photo to apply for a provisional driving licence?
If you apply online using a valid UK passport, DVLA usually reuses your passport photo. If you apply by post or do not have a passport, you must provide a passport-style photo.
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