Apply for your Provisional Licence
To apply for your provisional licence online for a moped, motorbike or car you must:
- be at least 15 years and 9 months old
- be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
- provide an identity document unless you have a valid UK biometric passport
- provide addresses where you’ve lived over the last 3 years
- pay £34 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card
- have your National Insurance number if known
Your licence should arrive within one week if you apply online.
- the DVLA form ordering service
- a Post Office
Postal applications take up to 3 weeks.
You must include:
- original documents confirming your identity
- a colour passport-style photograph
- the fee of £43 by cheque or postal order payable to DVLA (don’t send cash)
You must send original documents – you can’t use the Post Office document certification service.
Send your completed application and payment to:
- DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD – if all your documents are from the UK
When you have your provisional driving licence you can:
- ride a moped – you can’t ride on the road until you’ve completed a compulsory basic training (CBT) course
- drive a car, as long as you’re following the rules for learning to drive
Your licence will say when you can start driving different vehicles. Check how old you have to be to drive them.
You can drive a car when you’re 16 if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
You must do several things before you drive a car or ride a motorcycle. These include getting a driving licence, registering, insuring and taxing your vehicle, and getting an MOT.
Before you drive or ride
You must:
- have the correct driving licence
- be the minimum driving or riding age
- meet the minimum eyesight rules
Learner drivers
You must:
- be supervised by a qualified driver (except if riding a motorcycle)
- display L plates (L plates or D plates in Wales)
Vehicle requirements
The vehicle must:
- be registered with DVLA
- have up to date vehicle tax (check if your vehicle is taxed online)
- have a current MOT certificate (if your vehicle needs one)
You must also have a minimum of third party insurance that covers your use of the vehicle.
Changes to personal or vehicle details
You must tell DVLA if you:
- change your name or address
- make any alterations to your vehicle
- sell your vehicle
- have or develop a medical condition