How To Get Started

You need to be 17 to start learning to drive and have a valid provisional licence before you take your first driving lesson.

To get your provisional licence you will need to complete a D1 form which you can get from the post office and send it to the DVLA with your passport or birth certificate, and a passport-sized photo.

You can also apply online at You can apply for your provisional licence up to three months before your 17th birthday so you can start driving on the big day.

You can apply for your first British provisional driving licence online if you:

are a resident of Great Britain
can meet the minimum age requirement
can meet the minimum eyesight requirement
are currently not prevented from driving for any reason
can pay £45.00 by Mastercard, Visa, Maestro, Electron, Delta or Solo debit or credit card
have a valid UK passport or another form of identity
can provide addresses of where you have lived over the last three years