UK Provisional Driving Licence Explained

The road to becoming a licensed driver in the UK starts with obtaining your provisional driving licence. This essential first step allows you to start learning to drive under certain conditions and is your gateway to gaining full driving privileges.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about the provisional licence, from application fees to driving restrictions. We'll also give you tips on where to get a provisional licence picture.

Table of contents

• What is a provisional driving licence?
• Can you apply for a provisional licence without a passport?
• How to apply for a provisional driving licence online?
• How to apply for a provisional driving licence by post?
• Documents required for a provisional driving licence application
• UK driving licence photo requirements
• Get a UK driving licence photo online
• Take a UK driving licence with a phone
• How long does a provisional licence take to come?
• Provisional licence driving rules
• Provisional licence fees in UK
• What to do if you have lost your provisional driving licence?

What is a provisional driving licence?

So, what is a provisional licence meaning? — In the UK, a provisional driving licence is an official document that allows you to drive on public roads while you're learning. With this licence, you can practice driving, but you must be supervised by a qualified driver or an instructor. The UK provisional licence duration is 10 years from the date of issue.

Eligibility:

• You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply. You can start driving when you're 17.
• You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.
• You must have permission to live in the UK for at least 185 days.

What does a UK provisional licence look like? — It is a plastic card, similar in size to a credit card, with a distinctive greenish tint for the provisional version. A UK provisional driving licence typically features:

• A recent photo of the holder.
• Name, address, date of birth, and licence number.
• Expiry date.
• Categories: Lists vehicle categories the holder is permitted to drive (e.g., cars, motorcycles).

Can you apply for a provisional licence without a passport?

While a UK passport is a preferred form of ID, you have alternative options to prove your identity:

• Non-UK passport: A valid foreign passport with a visa sticker or stamp showing your permission to live in the UK.
• Biometric residence permit: This confirms your right to stay in the UK.
• National Identity Card: A valid ID card from an EEA country can be used.
• Birth certificate: A UK birth certificate can be used if you also provide additional proof of identity, such as a National Insurance number or a benefits document.
• Travel document: Other travel documents issued by the Home Office are also accepted.
• You can also use a share code for identification if you previously utilized the ‘UK Immigration: ID Check’ or ‘EU Exit: ID Document Check’ app when applying for a visa or the EU Settlement Scheme.

How to apply for a provisional driving licence online?

Here’s how you can apply for a UK provisional driving licence online:

1. Visit the official GOV.UK application page.
2. Create a government account or log in if you already have one.
3. Enter the details of your identity documents and any other required information.
4. Upload a digital photo and your signature.
5. Pay the application fee online.
6. After you apply, you’ll receive a confirmation email. If everything is in order, your provisional licence should arrive within a week. Applying online is the fastest way to get your first provisional licence.

Once you have your provisional licence, you can start learning to drive or ride. Remember to display L plates and ensure you have proper insurance.

How to apply for a provisional driving licence by post?

If you want to apply for a UK provisional driving licence by post, follow these steps:

1. Get the D1 form: Pick up a D1 application form from most Post Office branches or download it from the DVLA website.
2. Fill out the D1 form, including a self-declaration of your eyesight and, if needed, details about any medical conditions.
3. Prepare your identification documents.
4. Include a recent passport-sized photograph of yourself.
5. Pay the fee. Don't forget to write your name and date of birth on the back of the payment method.
6. Send your application:
   • Place the completed D1 form, identification documents, photograph, and payment in an envelope.
   • Mail it to the address specified on the D1 form. It's a good idea to use Special Delivery for valuable documents.
7. Once your application is processed, your provisional driving licence will be sent to you by mail. This usually takes about 3 weeks, but processing times can vary.

Documents required for a provisional driving licence application

To apply for a UK provisional driving licence, you need to provide certain documents that prove your identity and residency. Here are the necessary documents:

• UK passport, which is valid or expired within the last 12 months.
• Foreign passport is accepted as proof of identity.
• Biometric residence permit.
• Biometric residence card, which is another form of biometric identification.
• National identity card, issued by an EEA member state.
• Your national insurance number, if you know it
• You may also need to provide addresses where you've lived in the last 3 years.
• If you apply online, you will need your passport photo and signature.
• If you apply by post, you must attach a recent passport picture.

What ID is required for provisional licence, if you don't have a passport? In this case, you can opt for alternative documents, mentioned earlier in this article. For more detailed information on identity documents, check the Identity documents needed for a driving licence application page on Gov.UK.

UK driving licence photo requirements

To ensure your driving licence application is successful, your photo must meet specific provisional licence photo rules:

• The photo must be in colour.
• Photo size for paper application must be 35×45 mm.
• The head in the printed photo should be between 29 mm and 34 mm.
• The photo must be recent, taken within the last month.
• Digital resolution for provisional licence upload photo must be 600 DPI.
• The background must be plain and light-coloured, free of patterns, distinct shadows, or extra objects.
• Lighting should be even, with no strong shadows or overexposure.
• The photo must include your head, shoulders, and upper body.
• Expression is neutral, with eyes open and mouth closed.
• Hair must not cover your face; eyes should be fully visible.
• The headwear is permitted only for religious or medical reasons.

Here is an example:

Get a UK driving licence photo online

Save time on your UK driving licence application by opting for an online photo service. Visafoto.com is a professional photo editing platform with a stellar 99.7% approval rate. Operating since 2013, Visafoto is well-versed in the specific requirements for various documents including passports, visas, and driving licences globally.

All you need to do is take a photo against a plain white background using your phone or digital camera and upload it to Visafoto.com. Our tool will adjust the image's size, format, background colour, and face positioning to meet official standards. If you're not satisfied with the result, we replace a photo for free. If the photo is not accepted by officials, we offer a full refund.

You'll receive both a digital copy for online applications and a print-ready version.

Take a photo of yours like this one:

Visafoto will instantly provide you with 2 types of images:

• A digital UK driving licence photo for an online submission;
• A printable template with four separate photos sized 35x45.

Here they are:

Take a UK driving licence with a phone

For a quick and easy UK provisional licence photo, consider the 7ID App from Visafoto.com. This user-friendly app allows you to create ID, passport, visa, and driving licence photos directly from your smartphone and is available for both iPhone and Android.

Here's how it works: upload your photo, select the type of document and country, and the app will automatically adjust the picture to meet the required standards. This includes correct sizing, format, background colour, and proper face and eye positioning.

You’ll receive a digital copy as well as a print template that fits standard paper sizes like 4×6, A4, A5, or B5. If you need any assistance, our technical support team is ready to help.

How long does a provisional licence take to come?

The UK provisional licence waiting time depends on your method of application:

• Online application. Expect your provisional driving licence to arrive within about one week when you apply online.
• Postal application. If you apply by post, it typically takes up to three weeks for your licence to arrive.

Provisional licence driving rules

Can you drive on a provisional licence? — Yes, you can drive in the UK with a provisional licence, but there are specific provisional licence rules and conditions that you must follow to ensure your safety and the safety of others:

Supervision requirement

You cannot drive alone; your supervisor must always be in the vehicle with you. You must always be accompanied by a qualified supervisor who is at least 21 years old and has held a full UK driving licence for a minimum of three years. This could be a driving instructor, a friend, or a family member.

Display of L plates

You must display 'L' plates (or 'D' plates in Wales) prominently on the front and rear of the vehicle. This signals to other road users that you are a learner driver.

Insurance

You need to have valid insurance that covers learner drivers. Driving without insurance can result in severe penalties, including fines and licence points.

Driving on motorways

You are only allowed on motorways if accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a vehicle equipped with dual controls.

Mobile phone usage

Your supervising driver is not permitted to use a handheld mobile phone while overseeing your driving sessions.

Passenger limitations

Although you can carry passengers, it's wise to limit the number to minimize distractions for both you and your supervisor.

Speed limits

If driving in Northern Ireland, you are restricted to a maximum speed of 45 mph (72 km/h), except when on a motorway.

Vehicle type

A provisional licence allows you to drive cars, mopeds, and light quad bikes. Different rules may apply for other types of vehicles, which require specific licences.

Penalties for non-compliance:

• Driving without proper supervision could lead to fines of up to £1,000 and up to six penalty points on your provisional licence.
• Driving without insurance carries the risk of an unlimited fine and up to eight penalty points.

Provisional licence fees in UK

The provisional licence prices UK are as follows:

• Online application: £34
• Postal application: £43

These fees are paid to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) when you apply. If you opt for an online application, you can pay using a debit or credit card. For postal applications, payment must be made via cheque or postal order.

Apart from the provisional licence fee, you may also have to budget for other expenses on your journey to a full driving licence, such as the theory test, which costs £23. The practical driving test costs £62 on weekdays and £75 on weekends and bank holidays.

What to do if you have lost your provisional driving licence?

If you've misplaced your UK provisional driving licence, to replace it, you:

• must be a resident of Great Britain (a different service is available in Northern Ireland).
• must not be disqualified from driving for any reason.

You will also need to provide your addresses for the past three years and, if you know them:

• Your driving licence number
• Your National Insurance number
• Your passport number

If your licence was stolen, report it to the police to safeguard against identity theft.

You have three options to apply for your provisional licence replacement:

Online:

1. Visit the DVLA website and complete the application for a replacement licence. This is the fastest method.
2. The fee for an online application is £20.
3. You will need to provide personal details such as your name, address, driving licence number, and possibly your National Insurance number.

By Phone:

1. Call the DVLA at 0300 790 6801. This option is available if none of your details have changed since your last licence was issued.
2. You will still need to pay the £20 fee.

By Post:

1. Obtain a D1 application form from a Post Office or download it from the DVLA website.
2. Fill out the form and send it along with a cheque or postal order for £20.
3. This method usually takes about three weeks for processing.

Avoid the hassle and make sure your driving licence photo meets the exact requirements by using Visafoto.com and the 7ID App!