Last Updated on Securing a provisional driving licence is the first step towards your independence and freedom on the open road when in the UK. Whether you’re a young driver eager to hit the road or someone looking to enhance your mobility later in life, understanding the process in 2024 is essential. This guide will steer you through everything you need to know about applying for and using your UK provisional driving licence.
Understanding the Provisional Driving Licence
A provisional driving licence in the UK allows you to start learning to drive on public roads, marking the beginning of your journey towards full driving privileges. This licence comes with specific conditions and requirements, designed to guide new drivers to gain experience under supervision before taking on the full responsibilities of driving alone. Understanding the details of the provisional driving licence, from eligibility criteria to the application process, is vital for anyone looking to get behind the wheel for the first time.
Eligibility and Application Process
To apply for a provisional driving licence UK in 2024, you must meet these certain criteria:
- You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old (but you can only start driving a car when you turn 17).
- When applying for a moped or light quad bike licence, you can begin at 16.
- You must be capable of reading a number plate 20 metres away.
- You must also be a resident of Great Britain or Northern Ireland (or have a permit to live in the UK for at least 185 days)
The application process can happen online or via post. As for how much is a provisional licence UK, this will depend on the method of application you choose.
For Online Applications
To apply online, you’ll need a Government Gateway ID, which you can create during the process if you don’t have one. You’ll also need an identity document, such as a passport, and your National Insurance number.
Processing and Payment for Online Applications
So, how much is a provisional licence in UK if you apply online? There’s a fee for the provisional licence. The cost of a UK provisional driving licence is £34 if you apply online, which you can pay via debit or credit card. Once your online application gets approved, your provisional licence may arrive within a week.
For Application by Post
If you intend to apply by post, you’ll need to complete the D1 application form, available from most Post Offices. Then, send it along with the required documents and payment.
Processing and Payment for Postal Applications
There is a bit of a higher fee for the UK provisional driving licence cost if paying by post, which is £43. Send your application to the address on the form, along with a cheque or postal order for £43. Once your posted application gets approved, your provisional licence may arrive within three weeks.
What Vehicles You Can Drive with a Provisional Licence?
With a provisional licence in the UK, you can drive cars, motorcycles and mopeds, light quad bikes, and other vehicles, with certain conditions.
Cars
At age 17, you can start learning to drive a car.
Conditions: You must have supervision by a qualified driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a full driving licence for at least three years. Also, you must display ‘L’ plates (or ‘D’ plates in Wales) on the front and back of the vehicle.
Motorcycles and Mopeds
At age 16, you can ride a moped with engine sizes up to 50cc.
Conditions: To qualify to ride a moped, you must first complete and pass the Compulsory Basic Training (CBT). This is a full-day course, which gets split into five parts.
At age 17, you can start riding motorcycles with an engine size up to 125cc
Conditions: You must complete the CBT and have supervision according to the rules.
Light Quad Bikes
If you’re at least 17 years old, you can also drive a light quad bike.
Conditions: These vehicles must weigh under 350 kg and have a maximum top speed of 28 mph / 45 kph.
Other Vehicles
Your provisional licence may also allow you to drive certain types of agricultural tractors and ride on road-legal mobility scooters, depending on the category you apply for.
Vehicles You Cannot Drive with a Provisional Licence
At this level of clearance, you cannot (yet) drive motorhomes with a UK provisional driving licence. To drive a motorhome, you must hold a full driving licence. This is because they classify as larger vehicles and fall into different categories depending on their weight and size.
Motorhomes and campervans, such as the nostalgic VW Campervan, classify as commercial vehicles and not cars (as of March 2020). Once you have qualified with your UK driving licence, you can explore these wonderful leisure vehicles for your next road trip, surf adventure or launch your dream nomadic lifestyle.
As a note, all motorhomes or campervans must also be within the weight limits of your driving licence category. For most motorhomes, this means having a full car driving licence (category B) or a higher category if the vehicle exceeds certain weight limits. If you’re looking to drive a motorhome, you should ensure you’ve passed your driving test and have the appropriate licence to operate these vehicles in a safe and legal manner.
Transitioning From a Provisional Licence After Passing Your Test
Congratulations! After passing your driving test, transitioning from a provisional licence to a full UK driving licence is an exciting milestone. Remember to continue developing your skills – and stay safe on the road. There will be some immediate updates to your abilities and additional options you can choose to take to enhance your driving experience.
What Happens with a Full Drivers Licence?
Once you’ve passed your practical driving test, the examiner will take your provisional licence and send it to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) on your behalf. If you’ve passed, you’ll receive a pass certificate, and your full driving licence will get sent to you, usually within three weeks. As soon as you pass your practical test, you can start driving without ‘L’ plates, even before your full licence arrives.
Optional Choices After Receiving a Full Drivers Licence
There are some follow-up considerations you can make once you have acquired your new driver’s licence, including:
- Displaying ‘P’ Plates: Although it’s not mandatory, many new drivers choose to display green ‘P’ plates, which indicate that you’re a new driver. This can help signal to other road users that you might still be gaining confidence on the road.
- Consider Additional Training: Some new drivers opt for additional training courses, like Pass Plus, to gain more experience and can lead to reducing their insurance costs. These courses cover situations like driving on motorways, in rural areas, and at night.
Insurance Considerations for Provisional Licence Holders
Being insured is assurance for future situations on the road, as well as a legal obligation. As a provisional licence holder, you need learner driver insurance, which covers you while practising with a qualified supervisor. Your supervisor must be at least 21 years old (sometimes 25) and have held a full driving licence for at least three years to keep your insurance valid.
Learner driver insurance is obtainable as a stand-alone policy or by getting added as a named driver on someone else’s insurance. Learner insurance premiums are generally lower, but costs vary based on factors like age and vehicle type. Comparing policies helps you find the best coverage.
Tip: Inform your insurance provider once you qualify as a new licensed driver. This could result in changes to your premium.
Address Changes and Lost Provisional Licences
Keeping your information up to date and having your valid licence with you at all times is essential for staying compliant with UK driving regulations.
If you need to update your address or have lost your provisional driving licence, here’s what to do:
- Address Changes: If you move, you must update the address on your provisional licence as soon as possible. You can do this online or by post using a D1 form. Updating your address is free, and your new licence may arrive within a week. Failing to update your address could lead to legal issues and delays in receiving important documents.
- Lost or Stolen Licence: If your provisional licence becomes lost or stolen, you should report it and apply for a replacement straight away. This can happen online or by post using a D1 form. The fee for replacing a lost or stolen licence is £20, and you should receive the replacement within a week if applying online. Reporting the loss also helps prevent potential misuse of your licence.
Common Questions About Provisional Licences
Once you qualify for your provisional drivers license in the UK, brush up on these common questions and answers about UK provisional driving licences:
How long is a provisional licence valid?
A provisional driving licence is valid for 10 years from the date of issue, giving you plenty of time to pass your driving test. However, once you pass your written theory test, you only have two years to take your practical driving test. If you wait any longer, you must first retake your theory test.
Can I drive on motorways with a provisional licence?
Yes, but only if you’re accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls. Otherwise, provisional licence holders are not permitted to drive on motorways.
Can I take passengers while driving with a provisional licence?
Yes, you can transport passengers while driving, but you must still have supervision by a qualified driver who meets the legal requirements.
Can I drive abroad with a UK provisional licence?
No, a UK provisional driving licence is not valid for driving abroad. You must hold a full UK driving licence to drive in other countries.
Disclaimer: All costs were correct at time of publication and may be subject to future changes.
FAQ
Can you drive with a provisional license UK without supervision?
No, you cannot drive using a provisional license in the UK without supervision. If you do, you will be liable and fined up to £1,000 and receive up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence.
How many passengers can a learner driver have in the UK?
Learner drivers in the UK can transport the number of passengers their vehicle can legally carry – and you must follow the maximum number of people allowed in the type of car you’re driving. Your supervising driver must sit next to you in the passenger seat, while you may carry up to three people in the backseat (in standard vehicles).
Can learner drivers drive at night?
Yes, learner drivers in the UK can drive at night – as long as they have supervision by a qualified driver who meets the legal requirements. The supervisor must be at least 21 years old and have held a full driving licence for at least three years. The learner driver must display ‘L’ plates on the vehicle while driving, whether day or night.
Thanks for the valuable information