Why do you need a provisional licence?
As a learner driver, you’ll need a provisional licence to drive legally on UK roads. It allows you to drive while supervised by your driving instructor or another driver.
If you’re learning to drive on UK roads, the driver supervising you must be over the age of 21 and have held a full driving licence for at least three years. Their licence must be valid and cover the type of vehicle you’re learning to drive in – for example, they’ll need a manual licence if you’re learning to drive a manual car.
The exception is driving on motorways, where you’ll need to be supervised by an approved driving instructor in a car fitted with dual controls.
How to apply for a provisional driving licence
You can apply for a provisional driving licence online or by post. Here’s what you’ll need to provide with your application:
ID – you’ll need to give either the number of your valid UK passport, or the share code you received if you previously applied for a visa or the EU settlement scheme. You can also use your UK birth or adoption certificate, but you’ll have to send it in by post along with another document that proves your identity. If you don’t have these, check the other options on GOV.UK if you live in England, Scotland or Wales. The rules are different in Northern Ireland.
Your National Insurance number, if you know it.
Addresses you’ve lived at for the past three years.
A valid photo and signature. The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) might be able to use your passport photo and signature.
Details of certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy. You or your doctor may need to supply more information to confirm you’re medically fit to drive.
To find out more and apply online, visit GOV.UK or NIdirect in Northern Ireland.
How much does a provisional driving licence cost?
Applying for your first provisional licence from the DVLA costs £34 online or £43 by post.
If you’re applying to renew your provisional licence, it costs £14 to apply online or £21.50 by post. Check what driving licence fees may apply in your circumstances.
If you apply online, you can pay the fee by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card. This will help speed up your application.
If you apply by post, you’ll need to send a cheque or postal order.
When can you apply for a provisional driving licence?
You can apply for a provisional driving licence once you’re aged 15 years and 9 months. You’ll need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.
To get a GB provisional driving licence, you need to have permission to live in Great Britain and must have been a resident of England, Scotland or Wales for over 185 days (about six months). Different rules may apply if you’re applying to the DVA (Driver & Vehicle Agency) in Northern Ireland.
You can start using a provisional driving licence at 16 to learn on a moped or light quad bike. You’ll need to take compulsory basic training and a moped test before you’re allowed to ride on UK roads.
But you can’t use your provisional licence to drive a car until you turn 17, unless you get a mobility allowance. If that’s the case, you can learn to drive a car and take your test when you’re 16.
Please be aware that we compare car insurance for drivers aged 17 and over.
How long does a provisional licence take to arrive?
If you apply online, and there are no problems with your application, you should get your GB provisional driving licence in the post within one week. It may take longer if the DVLA needs to do any additional checks.
Applications to the DVA in Northern Ireland can take a little longer, but your licence will normally arrive within three weeks.
Postal applications to the DVLA in Great Britain will take longer. You need to allow up to four weeks for your licence to arrive by post, before you start chasing it.
What can I drive with a provisional licence?
A provisional driving licence lets you drive a car, moped or light quad bike, although you’ll have to wait until you’re 17 to start learning to drive a car. You can also get a provisional licence for a tractor or specialist vehicle and start driving it on the road once you turn 17.
You can drive both an automatic and a manual car on a provisional licence. Just be aware that if you pass your test in an automatic car, you can only drive automatic cars. If you pass in a manual car, you can drive both.
What else do I need to know about driving with a provisional licence?
When you’re driving with a provisional licence, you must make sure you’re accompanied by an experienced driver. You must also display L plates on the front and rear of the car. Always remove the L plates when someone else (who’s not a learner) is driving.
If you’re practising with a friend or family member in their car, you need to make sure that:
The car you’re using is taxed
It has a valid MOT and is safe to drive
It’s registered with the DVLA
You’re insured to drive the car – that means either getting added as a named driver on the car owner’s insurance policy or taking out a learner driver policy of your own.
You’re allowed to carry passengers, but the person supervising you must be seated in the front passenger seat. The qualified driver must not use their mobile phone for any reason while they’re supervising you, and they must also be under the legal alcohol limit for driving.
Did you know?
The speed limits for learners in England, Scotland and Wales are the same as for full licence holders. But in Northern Ireland, you must stick to a 45mph speed limit when learning to drive.
What happens to my provisional licence when I pass?
When you pass your test, you’ll need to convert your provisional licence into a full licence. This is simple and you can do it as soon as you pass your practical driving test.
If you have a photocard driving licence, you can apply at the test centre. Hand your provisional licence to the examiner and they’ll arrange for the DVLA to send you your full driving licence.
Your examiner will issue you with a pass certificate and you’ll receive your full licence in the post.
You can also apply for the full licence by post. You can get the required form from most Post Offices. You’ll need to sign the declaration from the pass certificate and send this, along with your provisional licence and proof of identity, to the DVLA.
Car insurance on a provisional licence
When you’re learning, you need learner driver car insurance. Once you’ve passed your test, you’ll need to change your policy so you’re covered to drive without supervision.
Take a look at our guide to insurance for new drivers and use our car insurance comparison service to help you search for the right cover for your needs.
Please note that Compare the Market offers car insurance quotes for drivers aged 17 and over.
FAQs
What’s the penalty for driving alone on a provisional licence?
You could be fined up to £1,000 and receive up to six points on your provisional licence if you’re caught driving without supervision on a provisional driving licence.
Can I drive while I’m waiting for my full licence to arrive?
Yes, you can use your driving test pass certificate as proof that you’re legally allowed to drive until your licence arrives. And you won’t need to display L plates.
Just make sure your car insurance covers you for driving without supervision.
How long does a provisional licence last?
You’ll need to renew a photocard licence every 10 years – you’ll receive a reminder before your current licence ends. But hopefully you’ll have passed your test before that.
I’ve lost my provisional licence. Can I get it replaced?
Yes. If your provisional driving licence is lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed, you can replace it for £20. Apply online at GOV.UK. You’ll need your driving licence number, National Insurance number and passport number if you have them.
If your licence is stolen, you’ll need to report it to the police.
What are P plates?
Green P plates, otherwise known as ‘probationary’ plates, tell other drivers you’ve only just passed your test. You’re not legally required to display them, but it may help you feel more confident in the early days. You can use them for as long as you feel it’s necessary.
What are R plates in Northern Ireland?
In Northern Ireland, you must use amber R plates (restricted driver plates) for one year after you pass your test.
The maximum permitted speed for a car or category A1 motorcycle displaying R plates is 45 mph.
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With more than eight years’ experience in writing and sub-editing content, Karen started her career in fashion before making the move to insurance. She now specialises in producing clear, engaging content that helps people make better financial decisions.
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