Learn to Drive with ParkEr-Up

Apply for your first provisional driving licence

Get your first provisional driving licence for a car, motorbike, moped or other vehicle from DVLA online. To apply you must:

• be at least 15 years and 9 months old
• be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
• have been given permission to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for at least 185 days

It costs £34 when you apply online.

If you applied for a provisional licence before 1 March 1973 you’ll need to use this service to get a new licence!

An identity document, such as your passport Addresses where you’ve lived for up to the last 3 years

You might be asked for additional information, such as your National Insurance number if you know it.

You’ll get a confirmation email from DVLA after you’ve applied.

Your licence should arrive within one week if you apply online. It may take longer if DVLA need to make additional checks.

You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive if you need them to meet the standards of vision for driving.

You must tell DVLA if you’ve got any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one eye.

This does not include being short or long sighted or colour blind. You also do not need to say if you’ve had surgery to correct short sightedness and can meet the eyesight standards.

Check if you need to tell DVLA about your eyesight problem by searching the A to Z of medical conditions that could affect your driving.

You could be prosecuted if you drive without meeting the standards of vision for driving.

You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.

You must also meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye.

You must also have an adequate field of vision - your optician can tell you about this and do a test.

• be 17 years old.*
• hold a provisional licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
• be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away (with glasses or contact lenses if you need them, as long as you always wear them when you’re driving)
• Remember: the rules of the road apply to learners as well as fully qualified drivers. Provisional licence holders can still be fined and given penalty points for breaking the law.

You don't need to pass the theory test before you start driving but it is advisable to have a good understanding of road signs and rules. The Highway Code covers all aspects. Your instructor will help you to build a foundation, but you must pass the theory test before you attempt a practical test.

You must have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the last 12 months before the day you take your theory or driving test.

Car and motorcycle tests cost £23.

General Enquiry and Lesson Sign up form is here