Age
You can apply for your provisional licence from 15 years and 9 months. That gives DVLA time to send it before you are old enough to use it.
| What you want to do | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Apply for a provisional licence | 15 years 9 months |
| Ride a moped (category AM), after CBT | 16 |
| Drive a car on public roads | 17 |
| Drive a car if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate mobility part of PIP | 16 |
Not sure of your dates? Use the eligibility checker on our home page.
Eyesight
You must be able to read a car number plate from 20 metres in good daylight — with glasses or contact lenses if you need them. Your examiner checks this at the start of your practical test, and if you can't do it you fail before you drive.
You must also meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving and have an adequate field of vision. If you have a condition that affects both eyes (or your remaining eye, if you only have one), you must tell DVLA.
Where you live
You must have been given permission to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for at least 185 days. In Northern Ireland, licences come from the DVA instead of DVLA.
Other things that matter
- Disqualification: you can't apply while disqualified from driving by a court.
- Medical conditions: some conditions must be declared. It doesn't mean you can't drive — see medical conditions.
- Foreign licences: if you hold a licence from another country, different rules apply and you may be able to exchange it rather than start again.
Ready to go
Meet all three rules? Apply online in about 15 minutes for £34.
Questions
Can I apply at 15?
Yes, once you are 15 years and 9 months old. You still can't ride a moped until 16 or drive a car until 17 (16 with enhanced rate PIP mobility).
Is there an upper age limit?
No. You can apply for a provisional licence and learn to drive at any age, as long as you meet the eyesight and medical standards.
Can I learn to drive if I wear glasses?
Yes. If you need glasses or contact lenses to read a number plate from 20 metres, you must wear them every time you drive.