What is a Provisional Driving Licence?
The provisional driving licence gives you permission to drive on the UK roads (excluding motorways), whilst under the supervision of your driving instructor or another driver over the age of 21 who has held a full driving licence for a minimum of three years.
The licence will be required when taking your theory test, hazard perception, and practical driving test, and will also be needed on your first driving lesson.
Residence and age
To apply for your provisional licence you must be a resident of Great Britain. You can apply for your licence as soon as you are 16 years and 9 months old. You must also have sufficient eyesight to be able to read a standard number plate (made after 1st September 2001) from 20 metres, with glasses / contact lenses if necessary.
Medical condition
You must tell the DVLA if you have ever had, or currently suffer from, a medical condition that may affect your driving. Check the health conditions that could affect your driving and how to tell the DVLA.
Identification
Ideally this is in the form of a UK biometric passport (where the photograph and signature are on the same page). If you have one of these, you only need to supply the nine digit code for the DVLA to confirm your identity. Otherwise there are many other forms of documentation that you could supply. These however will need sending along with your licence application: A non-digital Passport, EU Identity Card, or UK certificate of naturalization. You may also send your birth certificate, although further proof of identity must be supplied alongside it, such as your National Insurance Card, P45, P60, or Pay Slip.
Photograph
This must be a full colour, 45mm x 35mm photograph showing the full head. With no hats, helmets, or sunglasses obscuring the face. The background must be light grey or cream. You must be sitting straight and staring into the camera. You can quickly generate a suitable photograph by using the photographic booths found in shopping and leisure areas. Remember you must also have your photograph signed by someone suitable who has known you for at least two years (non-relative and not living at the same address as you). Suitable people include - local business people or shopkeepers, librarians, professionally qualified people (for example, lawyers, teachers, or engineers), police officers, bank or building society staff, civil servants, ministers of religion, magistrates, local councillors, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members, Members of the Scottish Parliament, or Members of the European Parliament.
Writing application
Unless you choose to fill out your application online, you must write your details on the application in full capitals with black ink.
Costs
The provisional licence has a current cost of £43.00, payable by cheque or postal order (or £34.00 if applied for online). Once you have passed your driving test, your licence will be exchanged for a full driving licence free of charge.
Once your licence is received by the DVLA it usually takes approximately three weeks for it to be created and delivered.
Prepare for Driving Theory Test
Hazard Perception Mock Test and Practice Online
When can I take my DVSA theory test for driving?
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The licence will be required when taking your theory test, hazard perception, and practical driving test, and will also be needed on your first driving lesson.
Residence and age
To apply for your provisional licence you must be a resident of Great Britain. You can apply for your licence as soon as you are 16 years and 9 months old. You must also have sufficient eyesight to be able to read a standard number plate (made after 1st September 2001) from 20 metres, with glasses / contact lenses if necessary.
Medical condition
You must tell the DVLA if you have ever had, or currently suffer from, a medical condition that may affect your driving. Check the health conditions that could affect your driving and how to tell the DVLA.
Identification
Ideally this is in the form of a UK biometric passport (where the photograph and signature are on the same page). If you have one of these, you only need to supply the nine digit code for the DVLA to confirm your identity. Otherwise there are many other forms of documentation that you could supply. These however will need sending along with your licence application: A non-digital Passport, EU Identity Card, or UK certificate of naturalization. You may also send your birth certificate, although further proof of identity must be supplied alongside it, such as your National Insurance Card, P45, P60, or Pay Slip.
Photograph
This must be a full colour, 45mm x 35mm photograph showing the full head. With no hats, helmets, or sunglasses obscuring the face. The background must be light grey or cream. You must be sitting straight and staring into the camera. You can quickly generate a suitable photograph by using the photographic booths found in shopping and leisure areas. Remember you must also have your photograph signed by someone suitable who has known you for at least two years (non-relative and not living at the same address as you). Suitable people include - local business people or shopkeepers, librarians, professionally qualified people (for example, lawyers, teachers, or engineers), police officers, bank or building society staff, civil servants, ministers of religion, magistrates, local councillors, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members, Members of the Scottish Parliament, or Members of the European Parliament.
Writing application
Unless you choose to fill out your application online, you must write your details on the application in full capitals with black ink.
Costs
The provisional licence has a current cost of £43.00, payable by cheque or postal order (or £34.00 if applied for online). Once you have passed your driving test, your licence will be exchanged for a full driving licence free of charge.
Once your licence is received by the DVLA it usually takes approximately three weeks for it to be created and delivered.
Prepare for Driving Theory Test
Hazard Perception Mock Test and Practice Online
When can I take my DVSA theory test for driving?
Free demo mock theory test
Case Studies in DVSA Theory Test