What is a UK provisional driving licence?
A provisional driving licence is the document DVLA issues that lets you legally start learning to drive in the UK. It allows you to practise on public roads with a qualified supervising driver, or take lessons with an approved instructor, before you sit your theory and practical tests.
How much does DVLA itself charge for a provisional licence?
Applying directly through DVLA costs £34 online or £43 by post — this is DVLA’s own government fee. Our £55 fee is for our independent document-checking and application support service, which is separate from DVLA’s fee. You are not required to use a third-party service to apply for a provisional licence.
How long does DVLA take to process a provisional licence application?
According to DVLA, most fully-correct online applications are processed within about a week. Postal applications, or applications that need extra verification, can take longer. Our document-checking service is designed to catch the most common causes of delay — incomplete forms, and photo or ID issues — before your application reaches DVLA.
What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll need valid photo ID (passport or biometric residence permit), proof of a UK address dated within the last 3 months, a passport-style digital photograph, and your National Insurance number if you have one. You must also meet the standard eyesight requirement of reading a number plate from 20 metres.
Can I start driving before my provisional licence arrives?
No. You must hold a valid provisional licence before you drive on public roads, even with a supervising driver present. Wait until your licence (or DVLA confirmation of your driver number) arrives before starting lessons or practice.
Your licence details are cross-referenced with your official pass certificate before issuance.