How to get your provisional driving license

In order to take the theory test, and ultimately the practical driving test, you will need to have a valid provisional driving license. Indeed you need the provisional license in order to be able to learn to drive at all, so you will need to get it before your first lesson.

There is an online service available through the DVLA that you can use to apply for your driving license.

You can also apply through the mail or indeed in person. The form that you will need is called a D1 application form. There is full information about this on the DVLA website; however briefly you will need to ensure that you meet their criteria for proving your identity, and also include a photograph.

Currently the price is set at £38 to receive your provisional driving license. In terms of the time that it takes, then you should expect to wait around three weeks because this is the time in which the DVLA tries to turnaround your driving license from receipt of your application. It is therefore not recommended that you contact the DVLA to follow-up on your application if less than three weeks have passed, as this is normal.

Please note there are different processes for other licenses (for instance buses and other large vehicles); this website is focused on cars exclusively.

Related Articles...

driving theory test
What details to get at an accident
When you swap details with a driver, here are the things that you should be sure to obtain from the other driver: You need to of course get their name, their address and a contact telephone...

Tips on buying a vehicle
When it comes to buying a car, many people buy second hand in order to save the costs of a new car which of course often come at a premium having had no previous owner. However there are risks...

Things to look for when checking tyre condition
The tyres are extremely important elements of the car, yet many people do not think much about them when checking that their vehicle is roadworthy. However, in addition to checking the amount...

Dealing with nerves
Learning to drive can make people nervous, and even if you are a confident driver then you may get nervous before the driving test itself. If this happens to you, then don't worry. It is only...

When to expect your licence
The answer to this question depends on whether you have a licence issued after March 2004 or not, which was a photocard driving licence. If so, then you h'll have the option to get it...

Watching others whilst on the road
You can't rely on other road users not to do something wrong. Whilst most articles on this site tend to focus on cars, there are other and particularly vulnerable road uesrs out there. These...

Your vehicle and driving
There is a lot to take in when you are learning to drive and when you are preparing for the driving theory test. Whilst a lot of it is common sense there is a considerable amount of information you...

Using head restraints
Your car will have head restraints in it, but do you take the time to adjust these before using the vehicle and ensuring they are set at the correct level for you? Head restraints in vehicles are...

Your steering system
When it comes to driving the car, it is safe to say that the steering wheel is clearly an essential part! If you can't steer your vehicle, then you clearly cannot drive it. There are two...

DSA Driving Theory Test
Do not view the DSA Driving Theory Test as something of an inconvenience. Instead view it as a way to develop useful knowledge that could save your life or that of someone else. If that seems like...


Back to home page of driving theory test questions