If being able to drive is high on your wishlist, you're probably keen to start learning right away. But, as any new driver will tell you, the first step is getting your provisional driving licence.
In this article, we'll guide you through everything you need to know, helping you understand the rules and restrictions that come with holding a provisional licence.
Let's get started.
What is a provisional driving licence?
A provisional driving licence is a permit that allows you to legally drive on UK roads while you're learning. You must be supervised by a qualified driver or a DVSA-approved driving instructor whenever you're out on the road.
The provisional licence is the first step towards gaining your full driving licence and the freedom to drive independently. According to the DVLA, provisional licences are issued to hundreds of thousands of new learners each year, highlighting the continued popularity of learning to drive [1].
When can you apply for a provisional licence?
You can apply for your provisional driving licence when you're 15 years and 9 months old [2]. However, you won't be able to start driving a car until you turn 17, unless you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), in which case you can start driving at 16.
What are the requirements for getting a provisional licence?
To be eligible for a provisional licence, you must:
- Be at least 15 years and 9 months old.
- Provide proof of identity.
- Have a valid UK address.
- Meet the minimum eyesight requirements (able to read a number plate from 20 metres away) [3].
- Disclose any medical conditions that may affect your driving.
How do you apply for a provisional licence?
You can apply for your provisional licence online through the DVLA website or by post using a D1 application form, available at most Post Office branches. In 2023, the DVLA introduced a new digital service allowing first-time applicants to apply for their provisional licence through their Driver and Vehicles account [4].
When applying, you'll need to provide proof of identity, such as a valid passport, and pay the application fee (which is currently £34 online or £43 by post) [5].
What are the rules for driving with a provisional licence?
When driving with a provisional licence, you'll need to follow these rules:
1. Display 'L' plates
You must display 'L' plates (or 'D' plates in Wales) on the front and rear of the vehicle you're learning to drive in. These plates must be clearly visible and conform to legal specifications, which include having a red L on a white background and being a certain size [6].
2. Supervision
You must be supervised by a qualified driver who is over 21 years old and has held a full driving licence for at least three years. This can be a family member, friend, or a DVSA-approved driving instructor. The supervisor must sit in the front passenger seat and be capable of taking control of the vehicle if necessary.
3. Insurance
The vehicle you're learning to drive in must be properly insured. You can either be added to an existing policy as a named driver, or you can take out a specific learner driver insurance policy. Learner driver insurance can be expensive, so it's important to shop around for the best deal [7].
Consider checking out Zego's new driver car insurance for flexible and affordable options tailored for learner drivers.
4. Motorway driving
Since 2018, learner drivers can drive on motorways if accompanied by a DVSA-approved driving instructor in a car fitted with dual controls [8]. This rule applies in England, Scotland, and Wales. In Northern Ireland, learner drivers are still not allowed on motorways.
For more information, read Are New Drivers Allowed on the Motorway? on Zego's blog.
5. Passengers
You can carry passengers while driving on a provisional licence, as long as you are supervised by a qualified driver. However, it's important to minimise distractions while you're driving.
To understand more about carrying passengers, visit Are New Drivers Allowed to Carry Passengers in the UK? on Zego's blog.
How long does a provisional licence last?
A provisional driving licence is valid for 10 years from the date of issue [9]. If you haven't passed your driving test within that time, you'll need to renew your provisional licence. Most provisional licence holders pass their driving test within the 10-year validity period [10].
Can I drive at night with a provisional licence?
Yes, you can drive at any time of day or night with a provisional licence, as long as you are supervised by a qualified driver or a DVSA-approved driving instructor. However, driving at night can present additional challenges, so it's important to gain experience under different conditions [11].
What insurance do you need with a provisional licence?
To drive with a provisional licence, you'll need third-party car insurance as a legal minimum. This covers any damage you cause to other people, vehicles, or property. However, many learner drivers opt for comprehensive cover for better protection [12].
Again, consider exploring Zego's new driver car insurance for comprehensive coverage options.
Do I need insurance to drive with a provisional licence?
Yes, you must make sure that the vehicle you're learning to drive in is insured for you as a learner driver. You can be added as a named driver to an existing policy, or you can take out a specific learner driver insurance policy [13].
What happens if I'm caught driving without 'L' plates?
Failing to display 'L' plates while driving on a provisional licence can lead to penalties, including a fine of up to £1,000 and 3 to 6 penalty points on your licence [14].
Can I take my driving test without completing driving lessons?
While there is no legal requirement to take formal driving lessons, it's highly recommended. Learners who take professional lessons generally have a higher pass rate compared to those who don't [15].
Sources
1. DVLA Annual Report and Accounts 2021-2022
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dvla-annual-report-and-accounts-2021-to-2022
2. GOV.UK - Apply for your first provisional driving licence
https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence
3. GOV.UK - Driving eyesight rules
https://www.gov.uk/driving-eyesight-rules
4. DVLA Press Release: DVLA adds new services to its Driver and Vehicles account service (2023)
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dvla-adds-new-services-to-its-driver-and-vehicles-account-service
5. GOV.UK - Driving licence fees
https://www.gov.uk/driving-licence-fees
6. GOV.UK - Driving with L plates
https://www.gov.uk/driving-lessons-learning-to-drive/using-l-plates
7. MoneyHelper - Learner driver insurance
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/everyday-money/insurance/learner-driver-insurance
8. GOV.UK - Learner drivers on motorways
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/learner-drivers-now-allowed-on-motorways
9. GOV.UK - Provisional driving licences
https://www.gov.uk/provisional-driving-licence
10. DVSA National Statistics: Driving test statistics
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/driving-test-statistics
11. RoSPA - Driving at Night Safety Advice
https://www.rospa.com/road-safety/advice/drivers/driving-at-night
12. Confused.com - Learner Driver Insurance Guide
https://www.confused.com/car-insurance/guides/learner-driver-insurance
13. Compare the Market - Learner Driver Insurance
https://www.comparethemarket.com/car-insurance/content/learner-driver-insurance/
14. GOV.UK - Penalty points (endorsements)
https://www.gov.uk/penalty-points-endorsements
15. DVSA National Statistics: Driving test pass rates
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/car-driving-test-data
