Before you can book your first driving lesson, you need a provisional licence. This guide makes the application process simple and clear.
Getting a provisional driving licence is the first step to learning to drive. Before you can start your driving lessons with us here at DriveThruL, you must have a provisional driving licence. The good news? It's really straightforward to apply!
You can apply for your first provisional driving licence online if you have a valid UK Passport. The whole process takes about 15-20 minutes, and your licence should arrive within a week. Let's walk through exactly what you need to do.
Prefer watching? This video walks you through the entire application process.
Online is quicker and cheaper than a postal application. You can apply online at the GOV.UK website. Your driving licence should arrive within one week if you apply online.
Having the following to hand could save you time: a valid debit or credit card to pay £34, your National Insurance number if known, and your UK passport (no more than five years old). If you have all these ready, you won't have to provide a photo separately!
Make sure you have your identity document (like a UK passport), address history for the last 3 years, and your National Insurance number ready.
Visit the official GOV.UK website to start your application. Navigate to the "Driving and transport" section. This is the only official place to apply online.
Fill in the online application form with your details. It should take about 15-20 minutes. Take your time and make sure all the information is accurate!
You'll be asked for the 9-digit number from your UK passport. If you don't have one, you'll need to send other forms of ID by post. The DVLA website will provide a list of acceptable documents.
Pay the £34 fee using a credit or debit card. That's it - much cheaper than the £43 postal fee!
Your new provisional licence should arrive in the post within about a week! Keep an eye on your letterbox.
If you prefer to apply by post or don't have a valid UK passport, you can complete a D1 Application for a Provisional Driving Licence form. You can get this from any large Post Office, or go online to the DVLA form ordering service and have the D1 form sent to you.
You'll need to include a colour passport-style photograph for your photo card. A postal application costs £43, and the licence should arrive within 3 weeks.
Congratulations! Now the real fun begins. Here's what you can (and must) do:
Try our best value for money trial driving lesson! We cover East London including Tower Hamlets, Newham, Redbridge, Barking, and Dagenham.
Got questions? We've got answers!
Yes! You can apply for your provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday. So you can apply from when you are 15 years and 9 months old. However, you can't actually start driving a car on the road until you turn 17.
If you don't have a valid UK passport, don't worry! You'll need to send other forms of ID by post. This can include a valid foreign passport, a biometric residence permit (BRP), or a UK birth certificate. You will need to send the original documents, which will be returned to you.
You must be able to read a standard UK number plate from 20 metres away. If you need glasses or contact lenses to do this, that's absolutely fine - you just must wear them every time you drive. Your driving instructor will check your eyesight on your first lesson to make sure you meet this requirement.
Your provisional licence is valid for 10 years. However, once you pass your driving test, you'll exchange it for a full licence. So hopefully you won't need it for that long!
You can apply for a replacement online at GOV.UK or by post. A replacement costs £20 online or £20 by post. You'll need to provide a recent passport-style photo and a new application form. Keep your licence safe!