Are you thinking of learning to drive?

Before you take that first step to independence, you need to know the rules that apply to you. You may not realise that different vehicles have different minimum ages and restrictions.

If you’re thinking about learning to drive, you must first:
- Hold a valid, provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
- Make sure that any vehicle you drive is roadworthy and properly taxed and insured.

You can now apply for your provisional licence using DVLA’s convenient and secure online service at direct.gov.uk/provisional. You can apply any time of the day but remember you will need a debit/credit card, your address details for at least the last 3 years and if you have one, a passport .

How old do you have to be?
For moped drivers, you can apply for a provisional licence up to three months before you are 16 years old but you will have to wait until your 16th birthday before it is valid.

For car drivers, you can also apply for a provisional licence up to three months before you are 16 years old but you will have to wait until your 17th birthday before it is valid.

Once you’ve got your provisional driving licence, you can book lessons with an Approved Driving Instructor who will have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly. Learning safe driving habits from the start will improve the safety of yourself and other road users.

If you want to practise in between lessons, make sure that any vehicle you drive is roadworthy, taxed, insured and for practising in a car you must be accompanied by a driver over the age of 21 and they must have held (and still hold) a full licence for three years. You also need to display ‘L’ plates (‘L’ or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and rear of the vehicle where it can be clearly seen.

You can take your theory test once your provisional licence becomes valid.

For more information and to apply for your provisional driving licence online, check out direct.gov.uk/provisional

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I/How do I apply online?

You can apply for your first British provisional driving licence online if you:
• are a resident of Great Britain
• can meet the minimum age requirement
• can meet the minimum eyesight requirement
• are currently not prevented from driving for any reason
• can pay £50.00 by Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Electron, Delta or Solo debit or credit card
• can provide addresses of where you have lived over the last three years

Also, although not mandatory, if you have a UK passport you can provide details of this as proof of your identity.

Do I need to/what do I need to send ID/Photo?

During the application you will be given an option to allow the DVLA to attempt to retrieve the photo that is shown on your passport from the Identity and Passport Service. If this isn’t possible or you don’t want us to use the photo on your digital passport you will need to send us a photo by post. A completion form will be available at the end of the online application.

What is Government Gateway?

The Government Gateway is a centralised registration service in the UK. By registering with the Gateway you will be able to sign up for many of the Government’s internet services.

How long does it take?

Depending on the type of transaction you are performing, an application can take anywhere from six minutes to a maximum of 25 minutes. Once completed your new driving licence should arrive within 10 days.

When can I begin driving?

You will need to wait for your new licence to arrive before driving.

Check validity date of the licence.

Before you learn to drive or ride a vehicle make sure you know about the rules and restrictions that apply to you.

Different vehicles have different minimum ages and restrictions.

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