Ultimate Guide to the UK Provisional Driving Licence

Every country has its own driving rules and regulations, and the UK is no exception. To Learn to Drive a Car, Bus or Lorry in the UK, you need a provisional driving licence and in this guide we cover everything you need to know about it!

What is a Provisional Driving Licence?

A provisional driving licence is a licence issued to an applicant who wants to learn how to drive. Also called a learner’s permit, a provisional driving licence has conditions or restrictions. One of those conditions is the permission to drive on UK roads while under the supervision of a driving instructor.

Besides a driving instructor, a provisional instruction permits you to drive with another driver over 21 years. The driver must hold a full driving licence for a minimum of three years. Failure to obey the restrictions could result in revocation or suspension of your licence.

Can You Use a Provisional Driving Licence for ID?

Of course, you can use your provisional driving licence for ID. You can use it as a form of identification when buying certain items at supermarkets such as alcohol or knives. Use it to gain entry into certain establishments such as nightclubs.

The reason why you can use your provisional driving licence as an ID is because of the following reasons…

Has your photo
Has your full name
Has your date of birth
An official government document

Keep the provisional driving licence safe.

How Much Does a Provisional Driving Licence Cost?

There are fees to pay before obtaining a provisional driving licence in the UK. If applying for your provisional driving licence online, you must pay £34. You can apply for the licence by post. If you do so, you need to pay £43. All payments go to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency or DVLA.

When can I apply for a Provisional Driving Licence?

In the UK, you can apply for your provisional driving licence when you’re 15 years and 9 months. In fact, you can apply for a motorbike, moped or car learner’s permit from the DVLA. If you’ve applied for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can start driving a car when you’re 16 years old.

How Do You Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence?

To apply online, visit DVLA and fill in the following details:

Forename
Surname
Gender
Date of Birth
Country of Birth

If the details are correct, click “Next.” You must provide your address, National Insurance Number and UK passport number. The site will give a summary of your application and if everything checks out, pay and confirm your application.

DVLA accepts MasterCard, Electron, Delta debit or credit card plus Visa. You’ll receive a confirmation email, and your provisional driving licence should arrive within a week. If the DVLA makes additional checks, your licence should take longer.

What Documents Do I Need to Apply for a Provisional Licence?

When submitting your application to the DVLA, you need to inform the agency of the following:

A colour passport-style photo
Your current passport
A biometric residence permit
UK certificate of naturalization

If you don’t have these documents, the DVLA will require you to send your birth certificate or adoption certificate along with a:

Photocopy of your P45, P60 or a current payslip
Marriage certificate
Divorce papers
School record or PASS Citizen card
College or university union card
Benefits claim letter

The DVLA only requires one of the documents above, along with your birth or adoption certificates.

Who Can Sign My Provisional Driving Licence Photo?

The person(s) who can sign your provisional driving licence photo include:

Police officer
Civil servant
Librarian
Local business person
Magistrate
Local councillor
Minister of religion
Member of Parliament
Assembly member
Member of the Scottish parliament
Bank staff member

If the members above are already retired, write their former job on the form. DVLA would not require you to sign your photo if you agreed to have your identity checked by:

Providing your EEA or EU national identity card
Providing an up to date travel document or passport
Contacting HM passport office

If renewing your licence with a new photo, you don’t need someone to sign your form.

Do You Need a Provisional Driving Licence to Take a Theory Test?

Yes, you need your provisional driving licence when booking your theory test. However, in Northern Ireland, you’ll need to bring your paper counterpart licence and photocard.

With the old-style paper license, DVLA required applicants to bring a signed driving licence plus a valid passport. But the paper counterpart of your licence is no longer required as of June 8th 2015.

What Should I Do if I Lose My Provisional Licence?

If you lose your provisional driving licence, DVLA requires you to apply for a new one which will arrive in 15 days. Once you receive your new licence, you can book your Theory Test.

If you applied for your Theory test and lost your licence, you’ve to reschedule the test until your replacement licence arrives. Without the proper documentation, your Theory test will not go ahead.

Remember, always contact the police if your licence gets lost or stolen.

How Much Is a Replacement Provisional Driving Licence in the UK?

A replacement provisional driving licence goes for £20. To have your licence replaced, you must not be disqualified from driving for any reason. Also, you must provide addresses where you lived for the last 3 years.

How Long Does a Provisional Licence Last For?

A provisional driving licence is valid until your 70th birthday. However, DVLA requires you to renew your photocard every 10 years. This is to ensure that the photo in your licence is current. Once you pass your theory test, apply for the full licence.

How Much Is a Provisional Licence Renewal UK?

Before your provisional driving licence expires, you’ll receive a reminder. To renew your licence, you’ll have to pay £14 by MasterCard, Electron, Visa or Delta credit or debit card. If you’re over 70 years old or have a medical short period licence, DVLA will not charge you a renewal fee.

Overview…

There you have it. Everything you need to know about the provisional driving licence. To apply or renew your provisional driving licence by post, get the D1 pack of forms from the post office. Before sending the complete forms to DVLA, include the relevant identity documents.