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Apply for a provisional driving licence

You need a provisional licence before you can take driving lessons and tests.

Applies to: England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland

Official links

Show links for:

Official source	Applies to
GOV.UK: apply for a provisional licence www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence	England, Wales, Scotland
nidirect: apply for a provisional licence www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/applying-provisional-driving-licence	Northern Ireland

Licenses and tests drivers and vehicles in Northern Ireland, including driving tests and MOTs. Vehicle tax is still handled by DVLA.

☎ 0300 200 7862 nidirect.gov.uk View details »

Holds driver and vehicle records in Great Britain: driving licences, vehicle tax, SORN and the V5C log book.

Runs driving theory and practical tests, approves driving instructors and oversees MOT testing in Great Britain.

Check you meet the basic rules: in Great Britain you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, be able to read a number plate from 20 metres and have permission to live in GB for at least 185 days.
Apply online through GOV.UK (Great Britain) or nidirect (Northern Ireland). You may be asked to prove your identity with photo ID.
If you cannot apply online, use the paper form from a Post Office: D1 in Great Britain, DL1 in Northern Ireland.
Check which vehicles you can drive and when before you start lessons.

Photo ID such as a passport, if asked to prove your identity
A debit or credit card for the fee
For postal applications in Northern Ireland: original identity documents and a passport style colour photo

Applying through unofficial websites that charge extra. Apply only through GOV.UK or nidirect.
Driving on a provisional licence without the required supervision and L plates.