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Provisional Driving Licence Info...
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Provisional Driving Licence - Help & Advice
The provisional licence is required in order to take the theory test & learn to drive - you can apply for it 3 months before your 17th birthday but it can't be used until you are 17. The provisional licence is made up of 2 parts:
- The provisional licence photo ID card
- The provisional licence paper counterpart
It's essential that you keep both parts of the provisional driving licence in a safe place because you will need them as ID to take the theory test and practical driving test.The DSA will accept no other identification and many test candidates have had their test cancelled because of a lost provisional licence counterpart.
Provisional Driving Licence Help
Can I apply for a provisional driving licence?
You can apply for a provisional driving licence as long as you meet the following requirements:
- are a resident of Great Britain
- can meet the minimum age requirement
- can meet the minimum eyesight requirement
- are currently not prevented from driving for any reason
- can pay £50.00 by Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Electron, Delta or Solo debit or credit card
- have a valid UK passport or another form of identity
- can provide addresses of where you have lived over the last three years
How do I apply for the provisional driving licence
| Online | |
| 1) Register for a Government Gateway ID and Password | Register online here |
| 2) Log on & go through the online application process | Log on |
| Whilst going through the application process you will need |
A valid debit or credit card Your UK passport if you have one Details of previous addresses |
| The DVLA has produced an easy to follow video guide | DVLA online provisional licence guide |
| By Post | |
| 1) Complete a D1 form |
Available from the post office or through the DVLA Order a Provisional Licence D1 Form |
| What you need to send |
Completed & signed D1 form A photograph An accepted form of ID |
| Accepted forms of ID |
Full valid current passport (can be foreign passport) Identity card issued by a member state of EC/EEC (excluding Sweden) Travel documents issued by the Home Office UK certificate of naturalisation |
| What you need to send if you have a new UK digital passport |
Completed & signed D1 form A photograph Your 9 digit passport number |
| Where to send it | DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD |
How long will it take to get my provisional licence?
If you apply for your provisional licence online the DVLA will aim to deliver it within 2 weeks. If you apply by post, it will take up to 3 weeks.
If, for any reason, your personal details or health details need to be checked, it will take longer.
I've lost my provisional licence, do I need my driver number to get another one?
Providing that none of your details have changed, you will need to give your driver number OR full name, date of birth and also confirm your UK address.
If your photocard and paper counterpart have been lost or stolen, you can apply for a duplicate licence by telephone using a credit or debit card. The fee for a duplicate licence is £20.00. The DVLA accepts Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard and Maestro. To use this service ring 0870 240 0009, Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 8.30 pm or Saturday 8.00 am - 5.30 pm.
I've lost the provisional licence counterpart, what should I do?
The 2 most important things you need to take to your driving test are the provisional licence and paper counterpart - without both of these, you won't be allowed to take a driving test. If you have lost either, you will need to apply for a duplicate through the DVLA as soon as possible (a duplicate will cost £20).
The quickest way to apply for a duplicate is to ring the DVLA duplicate service on 0300 790 6801 (they will accept card payment - Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard, Solo, Electron and Maestro). You could also apply for a duplicate online or by completing and sending the Form D1 (available at the Post Office) to the DVLA.
