How to get your provisional driving licence

Before you can take a driving lesson, book a theory test or practise on the road, you need a provisional driving licence. It's quick to get, and you can apply before you're old enough to drive.

#Who can apply

You can apply for a provisional car licence from 15 years and 9 months old. You can start driving a car on public roads when you turn 17. If you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can start at 16.

You also need to:

• live in Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales)
• meet the minimum eyesight standard: you must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away, with glasses or contact lenses if you need them
• not be banned from driving

#What you need to apply

Applying online on GOV.UK is the quickest way. Have these ready:

• Proof of identity. A valid UK passport is easiest: GOV.UK can use your passport photo, so you don't need to send one. Without a passport you'll apply by post and send identity documents.
• Your addresses for the last 3 years.
• Your National Insurance number, if you know it.

#How much it costs

At the time of writing, a provisional licence costs £34 online or £43 by post (using form D1 from a Post Office). Always check the current fee on GOV.UK before you apply.

Apply for your first provisional driving licence on GOV.UK

#How long it takes

Most online applications arrive within about a week. Postal applications take longer, often around three weeks. It can take longer if DVLA needs to check something, such as a medical condition.

#Medical conditions you must declare

You must tell DVLA about certain medical conditions that could affect your driving, such as epilepsy, diabetes treated with insulin, or some eyesight conditions. The application asks about them. If you're not sure, check the list of medical conditions and driving on GOV.UK.

#When your licence arrives

Check that your name, address and date of birth are right, and sign the photocard where it asks you to. Keep it somewhere safe: you'll need it for every lesson, your theory test and your practical test.

Then you're ready to start. You can book your first lesson with us and your theory test at the same time: many learners revise for the theory test while they take their first lessons.