How to apply for a provisional driving licence online in the UK 2025: step-by-step GOV.UK guide, £34 fee, documents needed & how long it takes to arrive.
How to Apply for a Provisional Driving Licence Online (UK) – Tell Me How
Applying for your provisional driving licence online is the fastest and cheapest way to start learning to drive in Great Britain. The whole process takes about 10–15 minutes and costs £34 (2025 price). Here’s the exact step-by-step guide.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply for a provisional licence if:
- You are at least 15 years and 9 months old (you can’t drive until you’re 17, or 16 for mopeds).
- You are a resident of Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales) – Northern Ireland has a separate system.
- You can meet the minimum eyesight requirement (read a number plate from 20 metres).
- You are not prevented from driving for medical or legal reasons.
What You Need Before You Start
- A valid UK biometric passport OR your identity documents (birth certificate + proof of National Insurance number).
- Addresses where you’ve lived for the last 3 year.
- A debit or credit card for the £34 fee.
- A recent digital photo (if you don’t have a UK passport, you’ll upload one).
- Your National Insurance number (optional but speeds things up).
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Online
1. Go to the official GOV.UK website
Direct link: www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence.
2. Create or sign in to your GOV.UK One Login
You’ll need an email address and phone number. This is the new unified government login (replaced Government Gateway in 2024).
3. Confirm your identity
- If you have a valid UK biometric passport → the system checks it automatically (fastest).
- If you don’t have a passport → you’ll be asked to upload a digital photo and post original ID documents.
4. Enter your details
Fill in your full name, date of birth, addresses for the last 3 years, and National Insurance number (if you know it).
5. Upload or confirm your photo
Passport holders: photo is pulled automatically.
Non-passport holders: upload a JPEG taken against a plain background (or use the Post Office photo-checking service for £10).
6. Pay the £34 fee
Secure payment by debit/credit card.
7. Submit the application
You’ll get an immediate confirmation email with your application reference number.
How Long Does It Take to Arrive?
- 95 % of applicants receive their provisional licence within 1 week
- It can take up to 3 weeks during busy periods (summer & Christmas)
- You’ll be sent a confirmation email when it’s posted
After You Receive Your Licence
- You can book your theory test immediately (no waiting period)
- You must have valid provisional insurance before driving with L plates and supervision
- The licence is valid for 10 years
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using private websites that charge £50–£80 – always use GOV.UK
- Applying too early – you can apply up to 3 months before your 16th/17th birthday
- Forgetting to update address changes later (you must notify DVLA)
FAQ
Q: How much is a provisional driving licence in 2025?
A: £34 when applied online (£43 by post).
Q: Can I drive as soon as I apply?
A: No – you can only drive once you have the physical plastic photocard in your hand.
Q: What if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
A: Tick the box during the application – you’ll be required to wear them while driving.
Q: I lost my confirmation email – what do I do?
A: Check your GOV.UK account or call DVLA on 0300 790 6801 (have your reference ready).
Q: Can I apply if I’m not a British citizen?
A: Yes, as long as you’re legally resident in Great Britain and can prove identity and address.
Start your driving journey the right way – apply online at GOV.UK today and you could be behind the wheel within two weeks!
