Quick Overview
A provisional driving licence is the essential first step toward learning to drive in the UK. It allows learners to practise on the road, book tests, and begin the journey toward a full licence. While the card itself lasts for 10 years, the driving privileges are linked to age and progression through the test system.
This blog will explain:
✅ What a provisional licence is and who can apply
✅ How long it lasts and when renewal is needed
✅ The steps to apply online or by post
✅ What learners can and cannot do with it
✅ How it changes after passing the practical test
Getting behind the wheel for the first time is an exciting step toward independence. But before you start taking driving lessons or book your theory test, you’ll need to apply for a provisional driving licence. Whether you’re 17 and eager to start or someone picking up driving later in life, this little green card is your official starting point.
One of the most common questions new drivers ask is: “How long does a provisional licence last?” But equally important is understanding the process of applying, what you can (and can’t) do with it, and what steps you need to take before you can drive unsupervised.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know about the provisional licence—from how long it lasts to how to apply, renew, or move on to a full licence.
What Is a Provisional Licence?
A provisional driving licence is a type of temporary driving permit issued in the UK that allows learners to:
- Take professional or private driving lessons.
- Practise driving on public roads (with a qualified driver).
- Book and sit for the theory test.
- Book and take the practical driving test.
However, you cannot drive alone, on the motorway (unless with an approved instructor in a dual-control car), or drive without L-plates.
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How Long Does a Provisional Licence Last?
A UK provisional driving licence is valid for 10 years from the date it is issued. You can find the expiry date printed on the front of the licence card.
But there’s a crucial detail you need to know…
While the document itself lasts 10 years, your provisional driving privileges only stay valid until you’re 70 years old or until you pass your practical test—whichever comes first.
If you haven’t passed your test and your licence is approaching its expiration date, you must renew it to continue practising and taking tests.
Can Your Provisional Licence Expire Before You Pass?
Yes, and it happens more often than you might think. Many people apply for a provisional licence but don’t start driving straight away—or they delay the process for years. If you’ve had your licence for a long time without taking the test, check the expiry date and renew it if necessary.
Key Tip:
If your licence expires, your driving test appointments will be cancelled automatically, and you’ll need to reapply for a new provisional licence before rebooking any tests.
Who Can Apply for a Provisional Licence?
You can apply for a provisional driving licence if you:
- Are at least 15 years and 9 months old.
- Can read a number plate from 20 metres away.
- Have legally lived in the UK for at least 185 days in the past 12 months.
However, you can only start driving a car on public roads at 17 or older (16 if you’re receiving the higher rate of mobility component of PIP).
How to Apply for a Provisional Licence
Applying for a provisional licence is simple and can be done online or by post.
Apply Online (Recommended):
- Visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence
- You’ll need:
- A valid UK passport
- Your National Insurance number
- Your addresses from the last 3 years
- A debit or credit card to pay the fee
- 💷 Cost: £34 (online)
Apply by Post:
- Get a D1 application form from a Post Office.
- Send it to DVLA with relevant ID documents and a passport-style photo.
- 💷 Cost: £43
How Long Does It Take to Arrive?
Your provisional licence should arrive within one week if you applied online, and up to three weeks if you applied by post.
However, delays can happen—especially during high-volume periods or if your photo or identity documents can’t be verified automatically.
What Can You Do With a Provisional Licence?
Once your provisional licence arrives, you’re legally allowed to:
- Take driving lessons with a qualified instructor or eligible family/friend.
- Practise on public roads (not motorways unless with a certified instructor in a dual-control car).
- Book and take your theory test.
- After passing the theory test, book your practical driving test.
Remember:
- You must always be supervised by someone over 21 with at least 3 years of full licence driving experience.
- You must display L plates (or D plates in Wales) on the front and back of the car.
Can You Renew a Provisional Licence?
Yes. If your provisional licence expires, you can renew it just like a full licence.
How to Renew:
- Visit https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence
- You’ll need to confirm your identity and pay a renewal fee (usually £14 online).
You can renew it anytime, even after expiration, but you must not drive until the new licence arrives.
What Happens After You Pass the Practical Driving Test?
Once you’ve passed your practical driving test:
- Your examiner will send your details to the DVLA.
- Your full licence will be sent automatically—you don’t need to reapply.
- You should receive it within 3 weeks.
You’ll no longer need L plates, and you can legally drive on your own!
Can You Use a Provisional Licence as ID?
Yes, a provisional licence is an official form of government-issued photo ID and is widely accepted:
- For proof of age (e.g. at bars or clubs)
- At airports
- For job applications and right-to-work checks
- When opening a bank account
However, it’s not accepted everywhere (e.g. some high-security places may require a full driving licence or passport).
Why You Shouldn’t Delay Getting Started
Many learners apply for a provisional licence and never take the next steps. If you’re holding a provisional licence but haven’t started lessons or taken your theory test, now is the time.
Here’s why:
- It’s better to get hands-on experience early, while the theory material is fresh.
- DVSA wait times for theory and practical tests can be months long in some areas.
- Holding an expired provisional licence means reapplying—and paying again.
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Final Thoughts
So, how long does a provisional licence last? Ten years on paper, but it’s best not to wait that long. Use those years wisely. Learn to drive, book your theory test, and work toward your full licence.
Driving is a valuable life skill and gives you a level of freedom and mobility that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re aiming to commute to university, get to work, or take road trips, that little green card is your first step.
