How much does a provisional driving licence cost?

The fee for your provisional driving licence can vary, which is why we've put together this guide to paying for your first GB licence. 

You can apply to have a provisional licence at 15 years and 9 months old – however, you will not be able to learn to drive a car and take a driving test until you turn 17.

Knowing how to get a provisional driving licence is the important first step to take for all learner drivers.

To get your first GB provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), you will need to pay £34 to apply online or £43 if you wish to make your application by post. 

You’ll need to provide evidence of your identity. This can be a UK passport, a share code from a UK Immigration ID Check, a valid foreign passport, a UK birth certificate, or evidence you receive a state pension.

Once you have obtained your provisional driving licence from the DVLA – and you are over the age of 17 – you will be legally allowed to learn to drive. 

You cannot drive on your own until you pass your driving test, but you can get behind the wheel of a road legal vehicle with L plates and an adult who has a full driving licence. This can be an instructor or from an adult who meets the DVLA criteria.

If you are learning to drive in your own car or a vehicle that belongs to a friend or family member then you should consider learner driver insurance. RAC learner driver insurance gives you the option of cover from one day to five months, which means you only pay for the cover you need until you pass your test. 

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Once you have received your provisional driving licence, it is valid for 10 years. However, once you have passed your driving theory test, you will need to pass the practical test within two years.

To prepare for the theory test, an app like Driving Theory Test UK is a great place to start, with all necessary learning materials, hazard perception clips and Highway Code info included. You can download it here:

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If you do not get your full UK driving licence within the 10 years from when your provisional was issued, you will need to go through the process again to acquire a new one.

Currently, this costs £34 through the DVLA website.

However, this could increase in the future, so it is worth checking on the official website if this situation applies to you.

You need to be over 15 years and nine months old to apply for a provisional driving licence in the UK.

Whether it is your provisional or full driving licence, you can change the personal details on the DVLA’s records through their website.

Depending on what needs to be updated, there may be a charge involved.

It is free and easy to update an address. You can also continue to drive while you are waiting for your new licence.

You will need to provide your driving licence number, be a resident of Great Britain, give the addresses you’ve lived at in the last three years and not be banned from driving. Also have your National Insurance number and passport number at hand.

If you wish to update your photo on the licence, this costs £14 and must be done by post.