Provisional Licence

Before you start

You must have a provisional driving licence before you can take the theory tests or begin practical lessons.

You will need to be 17 before you can hold a provisional driving licence, although you may apply for a provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday.

How to apply for a provisional licence

To apply for a provisional licence you must complete application form D1. This can be obtained from a Post Office or by ordering online from the DVLA.

When you submit your application you must enclose *:

the fee, currently £38
a colour, passport-sized photograph
original documentation confirming your identity (normally either a UK birth certificate or full valid current passport)

Your application can either be sent to:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1AD

Or you could use the Post Office Checking Service, available at selected Post Offices. This service costs an additional £4, but you will get your application form checked and your identity documents will be returned to you immediately.

The DVLA aims to deliver driving licences within 15 working days (i.e. 3 weeks) of receiving an application.

* For a full list of documents acceptable to the DVLA to confirm your identity, the specification for the passport photograph and to confirm the current fee, see DVLA - Applying for a licence