PROVISIONAL UK DRIVING LICENCE

Provisional UK Driving Licence – Complete Guide

A Provisional UK Driving Licence allows you to legally learn how to drive a car, motorcycle, or other vehicle on UK roads. It is the first essential step toward obtaining a full UK driving licence and is issued by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).

Most learner drivers must hold a valid provisional licence before booking driving lessons or taking driving tests in the UK.

What Is a Provisional UK Driving Licence?

A provisional driving licence is an official UK photo ID that permits you to:

• Learn to drive on public roads

• Take professional driving lessons

• Book and sit the UK theory test

• Book the UK practical driving test (after passing theory)

It is valid throughout England, Scotland, and Wales.

Who Can Apply for a Provisional UK Driving Licence?

You can apply if you:

• Are 15 years and 9 months or older

• Are a UK resident

• Can read a number plate from 20 metres

• Have a valid UK identity document (passport or residence status)

You can start driving a car from age 17, or 16 if receiving specific disability benefits.

How to Apply for a Provisional UK Driving Licence

• Step 1: Prepare Required Documents

  • Valid UK passport (or alternative identity documents)

  • National Insurance number (if available)

  • UK address history (last 3 years)

  Step 2: Apply Online or by Post

  • Online application via the official DVLA website

  • Postal application using the D1 form from Post Office branches

  Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

  • Online fee: £34

  • Postal fee: £43

  Step 4: Receive Your Licence

  Most licences arrive within 1–3 weeks, depending on verification checks.

Overseas & International DriversWhat Can You Do with a Provisional Licence?

• With a provisional UK driving licence, you can:

  • Take driving lessons with a qualified instructor

  • Practice driving with a supervisor (over 21, licensed for 3+ years)

  • Drive on motorways (with approved instructors only)

  • Book the UK theory test

Rules for Driving with a Provisional Licence

• When driving, you must:

  • Display L plates (or D plates in Wales)

  • Be supervised by a qualified driver

  • Be insured as a learner driver

  • Follow all UK road laws

  Failure to follow these rules may result in fines or penalties.

Provisional Licence for Motorcycles

• You can apply for a provisional licence to:

  • Ride mopeds (up to 50cc)

  • Ride motorcycles (with CBT training)

  • Start motorcycle licence progression (A1, A2, A)

  Completion of CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) is mandatory before riding on public roads.

OUR SERVICES

FULL UK DRIVING LICENCE

CERTIFICATE OF PROFFESIONAL COMPETENCE

UK PRACTICAL DRIVING TEST

UK THEORY TEST CERTIFICATE

UK A1 MOTORCYCLE LICENCE

UK REGISTERED ID CARD

UK REGISTERED PASSPORT

UK RESIDENT PERMIT

REGISTERED CSCS CARD

PROVISIONAL UK DRIVING LICENCE

RENEW UK DRIVING LICENCE

UNREGISTERED UK LICENCE & DOCUMENTS

INQUIRE NOW

• Valid for 10 years

• Must be renewed before expiry

• Address and name changes must be updated with DVLA

Provisional UK Driving Licence Validity

Provisional UK Driving Licence Validity

• Valid for 10 years

• Must be renewed before expiry

• Address and name changes must be updated with DVLA

Lost or Stolen Provisional Driving Licence

• If your provisional licence is lost or stolen:

  1. Report it immediately

  2. Apply for a replacement online or by post

  3. Pay the replacement fee

  Replacement licences usually arrive within 7–10 working days.

FAQs – Provisional UK Driving Licence

• Incorrect personal details

• Poor-quality photo

• Identity verification issues

• Incomplete address history

Ensure all information is accurate before submission.

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed

• Is a provisional licence a valid ID?

  Yes, it is accepted as official photo ID in the UK.

  Can international residents apply?

  Yes, if you meet UK residency requirements.

  Can I drive alone with a provisional licence?

  No. You must always be supervised.

  How long does it take to get a provisional licence?

  Typically 1–3 weeks, but may take longer if checks are required.