How to get a provisional driving licence

5 minute read|29th Aug 2022

Before you can even think about driving, some admin needs doing - you need to apply for your provisional driving licence.

This is an exciting step on your journey to becoming a licensed driver and as the first thing you need to do, it's wise to apply as soon as possible so as not to delay beginning your lessons.

Read our learning to drive guide to understand more about provisional driving licences.

When can you apply for a provisional driving licence?

You can apply for your provisinal driving licence at any time once you’re over 15 years and nine months old, but it only becomes valid when you turn 16.

What does your provisional licence allow you to do?

With a provisional licence you can:

At 16 begin the process of learning to ride a moped or light quad bike
At 17 begin the process of learning to drive a car

You cannot:

Drive in a car without a driving instructor or someone else who fits the legal criteria
Drive on the motorway even with an instructor (although this may be revised under new plans for learner driver motorway lessons)
Drive without the correct insurance. We provide specialist learner driver insurance

Learner Driver Car Insurance

Only pay for the cover you need until you’ve passed your test.

Get learner driver insurance so you can practice outside of your lessons.

Learn more

How do you apply for a provisional licence and how much does it cost?

The easiest way to apply is through the provisional driving licence page on the official GOV UK website.

To get a provisional licence you will need:

To be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
Provide a legitimate form of ID (normally a passport)
Provide addresses for where you have lived over the last three years
Pay £34 by credit or debit card

Your provisional licence should arrive within a week.

At the same time, it’s a good idea to start reading the Highway Code and begin familiarising yourself with it in preparation for step four, taking your theory test.

How to practice for your driving theory test

There are a number of different ways to practice for passing your driving theory test. From sites to apps we have outlined the best resources below so you can find the right tools to suit you.

You can take free driving theory mock tests here on the official Government website.

You can also brush up on your road signs knowledge on our very own road signs quiz page.

As for apps, Driving Theory Test UK is a great place to start, with all necessary learning materials, hazard perception clips and Highway Code info included. You can download it here: