How to apply for a provisional driving licence
L-plates are calling. Everything you need to know about getting your provisional driving licence, from cost to how long it takes.
The Cazoo editorial team
Published on 10 August 2026 | 10 mins read
If you've just wrapped up your GCSEs or A-levels, there's a good chance getting behind the wheel is somewhere near the top of your summer to-do list. The end of the school year is one of the busiest times for provisional driving licence applications, as newly turned 16 and 17-year-olds look to get the paperwork sorted before lessons, college or a new job come calling.
The good news is that applying for your first provisional licence is one of the simplest parts of learning to drive. It's really just a case of knowing what you need, how much it costs and how long it takes, so let's walk through the whole process from start to finish.
What is a provisional driving licence?
A provisional driving licence is the document that allows you to start learning to drive. It's issued by the DVLA (the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) and is the first official step towards getting a full UK driving licence.
Once you've got one, you can book your theory test, start driving lessons and get out on the road with a supervisor. Your provisional licence stays valid for 10 years, although the aim, of course, is to pass your test long before then and swap it for a full licence.
How old do you need to be to apply?
You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the age of 15 years and 9 months, although you won't be able to actually start driving a car or take your test until you turn 17. The exception is if you receive the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adaptive Disability Payment (ADP) in Scotland, in which case you can start driving at 16.
This is exactly why the end of the school year is such a popular time to apply. If you've had a birthday during Year 11 or sixth form, or you're about to turn 17 over the summer, getting your application in now means your licence should land in plenty of time for lessons before term starts again.
What you'll need before you apply
Applying online is done through GOV.UK, and if you don't already have an account, you'll need to set up a GOV.UK One Login first. Beyond that, you'll be asked for a form of photo ID, ideally a valid UK passport, along with your current address and, if you've moved in the last three years, your previous address too.
You'll also need to meet the DVLA's eyesight standard, which simply means being able to read a car number plate from 20 metres away, wearing glasses or contact lenses if you need them. It's worth double-checking this before you apply, as it's also tested on the day of your practical exam.
How to apply for a provisional licence online
Applying online is by far the quickest and cheapest route. Head to the GOV.UK provisional licence application service, sign in or create your One Login, and work through the questions about your identity and address. The fee is £34, paid by debit or credit card.
Most applications are processed within about a week, although the DVLA warns it can take longer if extra checks are needed. You'll get an email confirming your application has gone through, and your photocard licence will follow separately in the post.
How to apply for a provisional licence by post
If you don't have a passport, or you'd simply rather fill in a paper form, you can apply by post instead. You'll need form D1, which is free from most Post Office branches, along with a cheque or postal order for £43.
Without a passport, your UK birth certificate can be used as your main proof of identity, but you'll need to back it up with a second document, such as a National Insurance card, a recent payslip, a P45 or P60, or a college or university union card. Your form and photo will also need countersigning by someone who has known you personally for at least two years and holds a full GB driving licence themselves, such as a teacher, doctor or someone from an employer. Postal applications generally take three to four weeks, so it's worth applying early if you're going down this route, especially during the busy summer months.
What you can (and can't) do with a provisional licence
Once your licence arrives, there are a few rules to keep in mind. You'll need to display L-plates (D-plates if you're learning in Wales) on the front and back of the car, and you must be supervised at all times by someone who is at least 21 years old and has held a full driving licence for a minimum of three years. Your supervisor needs to sit in the front passenger seat and be in a position to take control if necessary.
You can drive at any time of day or night as long as you're properly supervised, and the car must be insured for a learner driver to use it. Since 2018, learner drivers have also been allowed on motorways, but only when accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a car fitted with dual controls, so motorway driving with a family member or friend still isn't permitted.
Getting ready for lessons
With your provisional licence sorted, the fun part can begin. Most learners start with a qualified instructor before topping up their hours with practice from family or friends, and if you want a head start, it's worth reading our top tips for passing your driving test for advice on getting through it first time.
If you're planning to practise in your own car once you've had a few lessons, take a look at our guide to the best cars for learner drivers to find something easy and affordable to learn in. And if two wheels appeal more than four, our guide to passing your motorcycle test covers everything from CBT to your first ride.
However you get there, applying for your provisional licence is a small bit of admin that opens the door to a lot of freedom. Get it sorted, and with any luck you'll be counting down to your test, and browsing the best first cars for new drivers, before too long.