Applying for your Provisional Driving Licence
The pink licence might be the Holy Grail of driving, but green is for go—and you can’t even get started until you’ve received your first green provisional driving licence.Applying for your Provisional Driving Licence You’ll need it for everything: taking your theory test; booking in with a driving instructor… it’s basically your ticket to freedom!
Thankfully, the application process is both quick and simple—but just in case you fall into any difficulties, we’ve put together a handy guide that tells you exactly how to go about it. apply for provisional driving licence renewal
When can I apply for my first provisional driving licence?
Keen to hit the roads as soon as you’re allowed? You don’t need to wait until your 17th birthday to get a provisional licence. In fact, you only have to be 15 years and 9 months of age to apply for your first one.
The same provisional licence covers a number of vehicles. So, if you already have a valid provisional for driving a moped, there’s no need to reapply when you want to get behind the wheel of a car.
Other requirements for applying for a provisional licence
① Eyesight
Before you start your provisional licence application, check that you’re able to see a post-2001 number plate on a car from a distance of 20 metres (about 5 parked cars away from you).
Don’t just assume that you’re able to see clearly at this distance—because the very first thing you’ll be asked to do on your driving test is to prove it. You’re also legally obliged to make sure your eyesight is up to scratch at all points during your driving career. The DVLA have recently launched a campaign to raise awareness of this, after they found that over half of all motorists were unaware of the rules.
If you’re at all unsure about your eyesight, make sure you book in with an optician before you apply for your provisional. Check to see whether you’re eligible for a free eye test and vouchers towards glasses or contact lenses if you need them.
② UK-based
You don’t have to be a British citizen to apply for a UK provisional driving licence, but you will need proof that you will be living in the UK for at least 185 days. You’re also required to provide your addresses for the last 3 years—whether UK based or abroad.
③ Health
As part of your application, you will have to fill in a medical questionnaire. If you have a condition that needs declaring, you won’t necessarily be ruled out of driving, but you may have to provide more information to prove you’re fit to get behind the wheel. Complete an additional form relevant to your condition and submit it with your application to speed up the process.
How to apply for your provisional licence
You can apply for your provisional licence either online or by post.
The quickest, simplest and cheapest way of applying is online. You’ll receive a confirmation email after submitting it, and you’ll also be able to track your application.
If you prefer pen and paper, there are a couple of options. You can either download a D1 form and print it yourself, or request one from your local post office. Check to see which branches near you offer them as part of their services.
When you start your application, there’s a few things you’ll need to hand. You’ll be asked to provide evidence of your identity, your National Insurance number (if known), and your addresses for the last 3 years. For postal applications, send your completed form to: DVLA, Swansea SA99 1AD (or SA99 1AF if your identity documents weren’t issued in the UK).
What supporting identity documents do I need to apply for my provisional licence?
If you’ve got a valid UK biometric passport, you’re in luck: the only thing you’ll need for proving your identity is your 9-digit passport number. Otherwise, there are number of other documents you can choose from—but, whichever you choose, you must send the DVLA the original. So, if you’re going to need your passport to travel within the next month, it’s best that you delay your application until your return.
The most common types of identification are:
- a current and valid passport
- a Biometric Residence Permit (BRP)
- a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) national identity card
- a travel document
Don’t worry if you don’t have any of the above, or if your name or gender has changed since your identity document was issued. Check the full rules to see what your options are.
Ready to get on the roads (and fast)?
Getting your provisional is just the beginning! There’s more fun to be had with deciding on a driving course or hourly lessons, swatting up on your theory, and thinking about ways you can dazzle your examiner so that you can turn that green card into pink.
And if you want to take the faster route to driving, you’re in the right place — you can get your licence in just a few weeks with PassMeFast. Our fast-track test system helps to get you in for a test sooner than standard DVSA wait-times, helping you get your licence ASAP. It doesn’t matter if you’re ready to sit your practical test or have never been behind the wheel before, we can help you get your licence fast.
Oh, and if you’re not sure what course you need to pass your test, take our course recommender for a spin around the block. Answer a few quick and easy questions and discover which PassMeFast course gives you the best chance of smashing your test!
