Applying for a UK Driving Licence

A provisional driving licence allows you to learn to drive under supervision before taking your driving test. To apply:

1. Apply online at gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence — you will need a valid UK passport (for identity and photo), your National Insurance number, and a UK address.
2. The cost is £34 (2024 rate).
3. If you do not have a valid UK passport, you will need to apply by post using form D1 (available from Post Offices) and supply a passport-standard photo.
4. Processing typically takes up to 3 weeks online or up to 3 weeks by post — allow extra time during busy periods.

You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply for a provisional licence, so it arrives ready for your 17th birthday when you can start driving. The provisional licence is valid until age 70 (or 3 years if you are over 67 when issued), though the photocard must be renewed every 10 years.

Once you have passed your theory test and practical driving test, DVLA automatically issues your full driving licence — you do not need to apply separately. The licence is issued based on the information held from your provisional licence application.

If you hold a full driving licence from certain countries (including EU/EEA countries, Australia, Canada, Japan, and others), you may be able to exchange it for a UK full licence without retaking your test. Check the current list of exchangeable licences on GOV.UK — the rules changed after Brexit and vary by country and licence category.

If you have a full licence from a country not on the exchange list, you must apply for a UK provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical tests.

UK photocard driving licences must be renewed every 10 years to update the photograph. The renewal is free for the photocard itself. To renew:

• Apply online at gov.uk/renew-driving-licence — you will need your current photocard licence number and a valid UK passport (or allow DVLA to use an existing photo).
• Apply by post using form D1 if you do not have an online account or cannot use the online service.
• Your new photocard will normally arrive within a week for online applications.

Note: If you have penalty points on your licence, the renewal will show the up-to-date points total. Driving with an expired photocard is technically an offence (though not points-bearing), so renew promptly when DVLA writes to you.

DVLA aims to process applications within 3 weeks online. If your application is taking longer:

• Check the DVLA's online tracker using your application reference number.
• Contact DVLA on 0300 790 6801 (Monday to Friday, 8am–7pm; Saturday 8am–2pm).
• Allow extra time during peak periods (January, post-summer, driving test backlogs).

DVLA can refuse to issue a licence if there are concerns about your medical fitness to drive, if your identity cannot be verified, or if there are existing endorsements that affect eligibility. If your application is refused, DVLA must tell you why. You can appeal a medical refusal to a magistrates' court (or sheriff court in Scotland) within 6 months of the refusal.