Applying for your first provisional driving licence

You can get your first provisional driving licence for a car, moped or motorcycle online. Apply using your Government Gateway ID. If you don’t have one or need to re-register, you’ll get an ID as part of your application. What you need to know.

To get your first provisional driving licence online for a car you need to:
  • be a resident of Great Britain (there’s a different service in Northern Ireland.
  • meet the minimum age requirement
  • meet the minimum eyesight requirement
  • not be prevented from driving for any reason
  • pay £50 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card
  • have a valid UK passport or other form of identity
  • have your National Insurance number if known
  • provide addresses where you’ve lived for the last 3 years

When can you Apply

You can apply up to 3 months before you turn: 17 if you want to drive a car . You can drive a car when you are 16 if you get, or have applied for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

Requirements

  • Proof of identification required
  • 3 years of address details required
  • Debit or credit card required

Other ways to apply

You can apply by post by completing a D1 application form, which you can get from the DVLA form ordering service or from a Post Office. You’ll also need to include:

  • original documentation confirming your identity
  • a colour passport-style photograph
  • the fee of £50 by cheque or postal order payable to DVLA (do not send cash)
Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD.
If you’re including non-UK identity documents send your application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AF.