How to get a provisional driving licence

This is an exciting step on your journey to becoming a licensed driver and as the first thing you need to do, it's wise to apply as soon as possible so as not to delay beginning your lessons

When can you apply for a provisional driving licence?

You can apply for your provisinal driving licence at any time once you’re over 15 years and nine months old, but it only becomes valid when you turn 16.

What does your provisional licence allow you to do?

With a provisional licence you can:

• At 16 begin the process of learning to ride a moped or light quad bike
• At 17 begin the process of learning to drive a car

You cannot:

• Drive in a car without a driving instructor or someone else who fits the legal criteria
• Drive on the motorway even with an instructor (although this may be revised under new plans for learner driver motorway lessons)
• Drive without the correct insurance. We provide specialist learner driver insurance 

How do you apply for a provisional licence and how much does it cost?

The easiest way to apply is through the provisional driving licence page on the official GOV UK website.

To get a provisional licence you will need:

• To be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
• Provide a legitimate form of ID (normally a passport)
• Provide addresses for where you have lived over the last three years
• Pay £34 by credit or debit card

Your provisional licence should arrive within a week.

At the same time, it’s a good idea to start reading the Highway Code and begin familiarising yourself with it in preparation for step four, taking your theory test.

How to practice for your driving theory test

There are a number of different ways to practice for passing your driving theory test. From sites to apps we have outlined the best resources below so you can find the right tools to suit you.

You can take free driving theory mock tests here on the official Government website.

You can also brush up on your road signs knowledge on our very own road signs quiz page.

As for apps, Driving Theory Test UK is a great place to start, with all necessary learning materials, hazard perception clips and Highway Code info included. You can download it here:

Track your driving licence application

Your provisional driving licence should arrive within a week of applying.

To track your application online via GOV UK website, but you will need your Government Gateway ID and password.

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