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:

• be at least 15 years and 9 months old
• be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
• have been given permission to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for at least 185 days

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.

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.

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

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 you can:

• renew your provisional licence
• replace your provisional licence if it’s lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed
• reapply for your provisional licence if you’ve been disqualified
• change the address on your provisional licence

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.