How to apply for a provisional licence

As you may know, you don’t have to wait until you’re 17 to apply for your provisional licence (which is what you need to learn to ride a moped or motorbike, or drive a car). As for getting out on the road, a moped can be driven at 16 once you have completed your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), and a car can be driven from the age of 17.

To apply for a provisional licence online you must:

• Be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
• Provide an identity document unless you have a valid UK biometric passport
• Provide addresses where you’ve lived over the last three years
• Pay the current fee
• Have your National Insurance number if known
• Be medically fit to drive.

It’s important you don’t use unofficial websites to apply for your licence, as you may pay more than necessary, and your application might not even be submitted. Always use the official government website instead.

Applications can also be made by post by completing a D1 application form which can be obtained from:

• The DVLA form ordering service
• A Post Office.

Postal applications take up to three weeks and you must include:

• Original documents confirming your identity
• A colour passport-style photograph
• The fee paid by cheque or postal order, payable to DVLA (don’t send cash).

Send your completed application and payment to:

• DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD — if all your documents are from the UK
• DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AF — if any of your documents are from outside the UK.

If you live in Northern Ireland a similar process applies but you will need to complete a DL1 form which can be obtained online.

Drivers eyesight standard required for provisional licence

When applying for your provisional driving licence, it’s important that you meet the minimum eyesight standards for driving. In good daylight you must be able to read a vehicle number plate, made after September 1, 2001, from 20 metres. If glasses or contact lenses are needed, they MUST be worn whenever you drive.

The best way to ensure that you meet the minimum eyesight for driving is to have an eyesight test at an optician before starting to learn to drive.

At the start of your practical driving test you will have to correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle. If you can’t, you will fail your driving test and the test won’t continue. The DVLA will be told and your licence will be revoked. When you reapply for your driving licence, DVLA will ask you to have an eyesight test with DVSA. This will be at a driving test centre. If you’re successful, you will still have to pass the DVSA standard eyesight test at your next practical driving test.