Apply for your first provisional driving licence

Get your first provisional driving licence for a car, motorbike, moped or other vehicle from DVLA online. To apply you must:

It costs £34 when you apply online.

If you applied for a provisional licence before 1 March 1973 you’ll need to use this service to get a new licence.

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Start now

Before you start

You’ll need:

  • an identity document, such as your passport
  • addresses where you’ve lived for up to the last 3 years

You might be asked for additional information, such as your National Insurance number if you know it.

You’ll get a confirmation email from DVLA after you’ve applied.

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

Cost

It costs £34 to apply online. You can pay by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card.

When you can drive with a provisional licence

There are different rules depending on your age and the type of vehicle. Check what vehicles you can drive and when before you start to learn.

If you already have a provisional licence

If you already have a provisional licence you can:

Apply by post

Complete form D1 ‘Application for a driving licence’, available from the DVLA form ordering service or most Post Offices.

Send your application to the address on the form, along with a cheque or postal order for £43.

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules
  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses