Get A Provisional Driving LicenCe

  2. Apply for and get a provisional driving licence

HOW TO APPLY FOR A PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE

At Driving Schools in South West London, we're here to guide you through every step of your driving journey. Before you can start your lessons, you'll need to obtain your provisional driving licence.

Remember, you must always be supervised when driving on public roads with a provisional licence, and you must display 'L' plates on the vehicle. 

Here's how to APPLY

Eligibility Requirements

​​To apply for a provisional licence, you must:

• Be at least 15 years and 9 months old
• Be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away (with glasses or contact lenses if needed)
• Be legally resident in Great Britain
• Provide a valid identity document (unless you have a valid UK passport)​

Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

1. Check what age you can drive
2. Requirements for driving legally
3. Driving eyesight rules

Application Process

1. Online Application Visit the official DVLA website (https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence)
2. Identity Verification You'll need to provide proof of identity
3. Photograph You'll need a recent passport-style photograph
4. Payment The current fee for a provisional licence is £43 if you apply online (£54 if you apply by post)
5. Processing Time Online applications are usually processed within one week

What Happens Next?

​Once your application is approved, you'll receive your provisional licence in the post. This licence allows you to:

• Start taking driving lessons with a qualified instructor from the age of 17
• Practice driving with a friend or family member (they must be over 21 and have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years).44

Are You Ready to Start Driving?
Once you have your provisional licence, you're all set to begin your driving lessons.

See our helpful tips and advice for learning to driving with a relative or friend

---

How long does it take to receive a provisional driving licence after applying?

ONLINE: You can expect to receive your provisional driving licence within one week if you apply online. However, if the DVLA needs to conduct additional checks, it may take longer.

BY POST: For postal applications, the processing time can extend to three weeks or more, depending on the circumstances surrounding your application.

It's advisable to allow at least four weeks before contacting the DVLA if you haven't received your licence by then

1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

​

If you already have a provisional licence

If you already have a provisional licenceIf you already have a provisional licence you can:

• renew your provisional licence
• replace your provisional licence if it’s lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed
• reapply for your provisional licence if you’ve been disqualified
• change the address on your provisional licence

---

---

common reasons for delays in receiving a provisional driving licence

There are several common reasons for delays in receiving a provisional driving licence after applying. Here are the key factors that may contribute to such delays:

1. Incomplete Application: If your application is missing essential information or documents, the DVLA may need to contact you for clarification, which can slow down the process.
2. Identity Verification Issues: If there are discrepancies in your identity documents or if you do not provide sufficient proof of identity, this can lead to delays. It's crucial to ensure that all documents are accurate and complete.
3. Medical Conditions: If you have declared a medical condition that requires further assessment, the DVLA may need additional time to process your application. This could involve contacting your doctor for more information.
4. High Volume of Applications: During peak times, such as after holidays or during specific seasons, the DVLA may experience a higher volume of applications, which can lead to longer processing times.
5. Postal Delays: If you applied by post, any delays in the postal service can affect how quickly your application is received and processed by the DVLA.
6. Payment Issues: If there are problems with the payment method you used (e.g., insufficient funds, incorrect payment details), this can cause your application to be held up.
7. Application Method: Online applications are generally processed faster than postal applications. If you chose to apply by mail, you might experience longer wait times.
8. Address History Verification: If you provided addresses from the past three years that are difficult to verify, this may lead to additional checks and delays.

If you have not received your provisional driving licence within the expected timeframe (one week for online applications and up to three weeks for postal applications), it is advisable to contact the DVLA for an update on your application status.

---

provisional driving licence scams

Unfortunatley, there are several provisional driving licence scams that target people applying for or renewing their licences. Here are some details about the latest and most common scams and fake websites:

1. Fake websites: Scammers create websites that look like official DVLA sites but charge extra fees for processing licence applications. These sites often appear in search results and can be mistaken for legitimate government services.
2. Social media scams: Fraudsters advertise services on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, claiming they can provide full UK driving licences without taking tests. These are illegal and fraudulent offers.
3. Inside job claims: Some scammers claim to have access to DVLA databases and can issue licences illegally. This is false and part of their deception tactics.
4. Phishing attempts: DVLA has reported a significant increase in fraudulent emails, texts, and phone calls trying to obtain personal and financial information from drivers.
5. Refund scams: Some scams offer fake vehicle tax refunds to trick people into providing bank details.

HELPFUL TIPS AND ADVICE
To avoid these scams:

• Only use the official GOV.UK website for licence applications and renewals.
• Be wary of any service offering to fast-track or bypass official processes.
• Never share driving licence images, vehicle documents, or bank details online.
• Report suspicious emails, texts, or websites to the appropriate authorities.
• Be cautious of any unsolicited communication claiming to be from DVLA.

Remember, the official process for obtaining a provisional licence involves applying through the DVLA, either online or by post, and paying the standard fee (currently £43 online or £54 by post). If you are paying more than this it is either a scam or you are paying for someone to help you apply. Either way use ​www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence

---

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO START DRIVING IN THE UK

Here is a simple breakdown on what you need to do to start driving and pass your driving test in south west London and the UK.

CHECK YOU ARE ALLOWED TO DRIVE

1. Check you are eligible to drive a car in the UK

Get A Provisional Driving LicenCe

  2. Apply for and get a provisional driving licence

Find a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor

  3. Take driving lessons with a good driving instructor

Take regular driving lessons and practice

  4. Practice between lessons with a friend or relative

---

Study And Pass Your Theory Test

  5. Take and pass the Theory & Hazard Perception Test
​

CHECK YOU ARE READY TO PASS

6. Use a checklist to check you are ready to pass

BOOK A DRIVING TEST DATE

7. Book a driving test at a local driving test centre.

PASS YOUR DRIVING TEST At First Attempt 

  8. Tear up your L plates you have passed!
​

---

To drive a car on public roads in London without Learner plates, this is what you need to do as a beginner to pass your driving test in London

DOWNLOAD OUR HANDY DRIVING GUIDE