A provisional driving licence allows you to learn to drive in the UK, provided you are supervised. This means you will need it for driving lessons and when taking your theory and hazard perception tests.
Read on to learn more about provisional driving licences!
Why do I need a provisional driving licence?
You need a provisional driving licence to drive legally in the UK as a learner driver.
After you've got one, you'll be able to drive on UK roads under the supervision of a qualified driver or your driving instructor. Yay!
Keep in mind - if you'll be getting supervised by a driver, they'll need to:
- Have a full driving licence for a minimum of 3 years.
- Be over 21 years of age.
- Hold a licence that is valid for the vehicle you're driving. For instance, a manual licence if you're driving a manual.
Important: Planning to drive on the motorway? You'll need to be with a driving instructor in a vehicle that has dual controls for your safety.
What age can I get a provisional driver's licence?
You'll need to be at least 15 years and 9 months old. Besides that, you'll also need:
- To be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.
- Have permission to live in Great Britain for at least 185 days.
Note: The rules for applying in Northern Ireland to the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) might be different.
How to apply for a provisional driver's licence?
You can apply online. How convenient is that? It's also possible to apply for a provisional licence via post.
Here's how you can do both:
- Online. You can apply online through GOV.UK.
- By post. You'll need to complete a form called D1 'Application for a driving licence' which you can get from the post office. You'll also need to send a postal order or cheque.
What documents do I need?
You'll need a few things to be able to apply. So, it's worth getting these handy:
- A form of identification like your passport.
- Proof of where you've lived the past 3 years. You'll be asked to provide addresses.
- Your National Insurance Number. This is optional, but can speed things up.
And, don't forget - if you'll be applying by post, you'll need to make sure you've completed a D1 'Application for a driving licence'
How much is a provisional driving licence?
How much it'll cost depends on which application method you choose. It will cost you £34 to apply for a provisional driving licence online. But, if you apply via post, it'll cost £43.
Car insurance with a provisional licence
All drivers need to have a car insurance policy before getting on the road.
If you'll be learning to drive in your driving instructor's car, they should already have driving instructor insurance in place. This means that you won't need to worry about sorting out insurance while you're learning with them.
If you'll be driving outside of driving lessons, there are two main ways you can get insured:
-
Temporary learner car insurance. This can cover you up to 28 days. So, it's a great option if you're learning in someone else's car.
-
Annual car insurance. This can cover you for up to 12 months. After you pass your test, let your insurer know and they'll update it to a full licence policy.
How to change address on my provisional driving licence?
You can usually change the address on your licence for free, either online or by post.
And, good news - you'll be able to continue learning to drive with your current provisional licence until the new one arrives. Hooray!
How long does a provisional driving licence last?
Your provisional driving licence will last 10 years from its issue date. If you don't pass your test before that, you'll need to renew it.
Top tip: You can find your licence expiry date at line 4b on your plastic driving licence card.
Renewing your provisional driver's licence
You can renew your provisional driver's licence online for £14. You'll need:
- Your current provisional licence, if you have it.
- The addresses of where you've lived for the past 3 years.
- Your National Insurance Number, if you know it.
Heads up: If you've changed your name or title, you won't be able to renew online. Instead, you'll need to do it by post.
Can I apply for my child's provisional driving licence?
No. You can't apply for your child's provisional driving licence on their behalf - they'll need to apply for one on their own. But, you can give them a hand!
If they'll be applying by post, you can go with them to the post office to complete form D1. After that, it'll take around 3 weeks to arrive. And, remember, you'll need to send it with a cheque or postal order for £43.
Applying online is the fastest and cheapest option. After your child has applied, they'll need to wait around a week for their licence to arrive in the post.
FAQs
What can I do with a provisional licence?
You can use your provisional licence to drive on all UK roads. Here's a few things to remember when driving under this licence:
- You must be supervised by a fully-licensed driver over the age of 21. This can be a friend, family member or driving instructor.
- You're allowed to drive at any time, day or night
- Your car needs to have 'L' plates on both the front and rear of the car.
If you'll be driving on the motorway, you must be with a driving instructor in a car with dual control.
Can I drive on my own with a provisional driving licence?
No, it's against the law to drive without supervision on a provisional driving licence.
You could get up to 6 points on your licence and fined up to £1000 if you're found driving alone without a full UK licence. So, make sure you're supervised!
Do I need to use P plates after I pass my test?
No, P plates aren’t a legal requirement in the UK. You can drive without them once you’ve passed your test. They let other drivers know you’re new on the road and still building confidence after passing your test.
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