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).

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Before you start

You’ll need:

  • addresses where you’ve lived for up to the last 3 years
  • your UK passport, if you have one (either current or expired within the past 12 months)

If you’re not a UK citizen, you’ll need the identity document you use to sign in to your UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account.

You may be asked for your National Insurance number.

After you apply

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 most Post Offices.

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

Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  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

    1. You are currently viewing: Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practise.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test £23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test £62 to £75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel 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