Provisional licence FAQs

£34 online at gov.uk, or £43 by post. In Northern Ireland the DVA charges £62.50.

You can apply from 15 years and 9 months. You can ride a moped at 16 and drive a car at 17 — or at 16 if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate mobility part of PIP.

No, but it makes applying online easier because DVLA can use your passport photo and signature. Without one you may prove your identity another way, or apply by post.

Your addresses for the last 3 years, National Insurance number if you know it, passport number if you have one, and a card to pay £34.

Unofficial sites add their own fees. They can't get you a licence faster. Always apply at gov.uk.

Yes. You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres, with glasses or contact lenses if you need them, and wear them whenever you drive.

Usually within a week online and about three weeks by post. Delays happen if DVLA needs extra checks.

No. You need the licence in your hands before driving on public roads or booking your theory test.

It's the 16-character number in section 5 of your photocard. You need it to book your theory and practical tests.

Contact DVLA and return the licence with a note explaining the error. Corrections for DVLA mistakes are free.

Someone aged 21 or over who has held a full licence for that type of vehicle for at least 3 years. Only approved instructors can charge for lessons. Full rules.

Once you have your provisional licence and have reached the minimum age for the vehicle — 17 for a car in most cases. It costs £23 and you book at gov.uk.

It varies. DVSA research suggests learners who pass typically have around 45 hours of lessons plus 22 hours of private practice.

Yes. Passing in an automatic gives you an automatic-only licence; you'd need a manual test to drive manual cars.

Every 10 years, for £14 online. From 70 it's every 3 years and free.

Yes, and it's free online. You can be fined up to £1,000 if you don't.

Apply for a replacement online or by post. It costs £20.