If you are looking into getting your first provisional or full driving licence,  here is everything you need to know.

PROVISIONAL LICENCE

Before you can start to learn how to drive, you must apply for a provisional licence. You can apply for your provisional licence either ONLINE or in person at your local post office. To apply online for your provisional driving licence go to GOV.UK. Alternatively, you can apply for your provisional licence by completing the D1 application form, available at your local Post Office. Unlike when you obtain your full driving licence, your provisional driving licence will be generic and cover learning in both Manual or Automatic vehicles.

REQUIREMENTS FOR A PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE

  • Turn 17 within 3 months (but you need to wait until your birthday before you can drive on the road)
  • Live in the UK
  • Have a valid proof of identity
  • Give all addresses where you’ve lived over the last three years
  • Be able to read a new-style number plate from 20 metres or an old-style number plate form 20.5 metres
  • Not be prevented from driving for any reason
  • Be able to pay the application fee of £34 by debit or credit card
The DVLA will try and send your provisional licence within 3 weeks of receiving your application. Occasionally, it can take longer if your health or personal details have to be checked. You will need your new driving licence prior to driving and will have to give your Instructor a DVSA code which proves your entitlement to drive.
Endorsements, penalty points and driving bans will no longer be recorded on driving licences, but will instead only be accessible online. For insurance purposes, before your first driving lesson your Instructor is required to check your full licence details to see the vehicles you’re allowed to drive, and to check for penalty points and disqualifications. The consequences for not checking the above are very serious.

SIMPLE STEPS TO FOLLOW BEFORE YOUR 1ST LESSON

You will need to generate a code which will allow your instructor to check your licence details: You will need:
  • Your driving licence
  • Your national insurance number
  • Your home postcode
Go to this website: https://www.gov.uk/view-driving-licence
  1. Enter your driving licence number, national insurance number and postcode as shown on your driving licence.
  2. Click on “share licence information”. This creates a code. The code is case sensitive, can only be used once, and is only valid for 21 days.
  3. Pass the code to your Instructor together with the last eight digits of your driving licence number. In advance of your first driving lesson your Instructor will view your licence details online. Be aware that your Instructor is encouraged to save a screenshot as evidence of the licence entitlement check.
  4. You will also have to produce your photocard licence for ID inspection on your first lesson.
It is your responsibility to provide your Instructor with proof that you have a valid licence to drive, before the commencement of your first lesson.