Provisional driving licences: how to apply, renew and change address
A provisional driving licence is the first step to starting your driving journey. Find out how to apply, renew or change your address on your provisional licence.
Words by: Nimisha Jain
Additional words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Last updated on 2 July 2026 | 0 min read
What is a provisional driving licence?
Once you have a provisional driving licence, you can start learning how to drive and then book a driving test to get a full UK driving licence. The earliest age you can apply for a provisional driving licence is 15 years and 9 months old. You’ll also need to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres distance to be eligible for a provisional driving licence. Once you’re old enough to apply for a provisional licence, you can either apply online or by post. If you’re applying for a provisional licence online, you should head to Gov.uk. If applying by post, you should get a D1 form from a Post Office or by ordering online.
How to apply for a provisional driving licence?
Once you have the application form, you’ll first need to fill in your personal details like your name, date of birth, address history in the past three years and your contact details. You’ll also be asked if you meet the legal eyesight requirements or not and if you have any medical conditions.
Then you’ll have to provide your driving licence details like if you’ve had any provisional licences in the past.
If applying online, you’ll also be asked for your UK passport details so that your passport photo and signature can be used on your provisional licence.
If you’re applying by post, you’ll have to attach a photo to your form which can be used in your licence and send in your original documents such as your passport, BRP, EC or EEA identity card to prove your identity.
And finally, you’ll have to pay £34 if applying online using a debit or credit card or £43 if applying by post using a cheque or postal order.
If you apply for a provisional licence online, you usually receive your licence within seven days but it can take longer if you apply by post. If you apply online, you can also track your application’s status on Gov.uk using your application reference number.
Which vehicles can I apply to drive and how old do I need to be to apply?
• Cars at 17 years old. • Motorcycles (AM, A1 categories) at 16 years old. • Larger vehicles like lorries or buses at 18 or 21 depending on the vehicle.
How much does a provisional driving licence cost?
How long until I receive my provisional driving licence?
How long does a provisional licence last?
After 10 years, you will need to renew your driving licence. The procedure for renewing your provisional driving licence is the same as renewing your full licence – you can either apply online or by post. Learn more about how to renew a driving licence.
Can I change my address on my provisional driving licence?
How to change your name on a provisional driving licence:
Provisional licence late renewal:
Can you insure a car with a provisional licence?
What to do if I’ve lost my provisional driving licence?
You can also browse through tips on how to prepare for your theory and practical driving test.