What a Great Britain driving licence is and who needs one
A Great Britain driving licence is the legal document that permits you to drive a car, motorcycle, bus, or lorry on roads in England, Scotland, and Wales. It is issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), a government body based in Swansea. You must hold a valid licence before you drive any motor vehicle on a public road — driving without one is a criminal offence.
If you are a resident of Great Britain and want to drive, you will need to obtain a licence. If you already hold a licence from another country, you may be able to exchange it for a GB licence without taking a test, though the rules depend on which country issued your original licence and how long you have held it.
The licence itself is a photocard — a plastic card similar to a credit card — that displays your photograph, signature, and driving history. It is valid for ten years for car drivers under 70, and three years for drivers aged 70 and over.
Key Takeaways
- You explore for a Great Britain driving licence through the DVLA by post or online, and you must pass a theory test and a practical driving test before you receive one.
- The practical test involves a 40-minute drive with an examiner and costs around £62 to £75, depending on the time of day and day of the week you book.
- You can start learning to drive at 17 years old with a provisional licence, which you obtain by filling out form DVLA1 and sending it to the DVLA with proof of identity and residency.
- Renewing an expired licence takes four to six weeks when you explore by post, and you do not need to retake any tests unless you are over 70 or have medical conditions that affect your driving.
- If you hold a driving licence from an EU, EEA, or certain other countries, you may exchange it for a GB licence without taking tests, but the process and requirements vary by country.
Getting your first licence: the provisional stage
Before you can take a driving test, you must hold a provisional licence. This is a temporary licence that allows you to learn to drive under supervision — you must be accompanied by a may have access to driver aged 21 or over who holds a full licence.
To obtain a provisional licence, you fill out form DVLA1 (available on the DVLA website or from a Post Office) and send it to the DVLA by post along with proof of identity (such as a passport) and proof of your current address (such as a utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months). You must also pay a fee, which is currently £43 for a photocard licence. The DVLA will send your provisional licence to you by post within one to two weeks.
Once you hold a provisional licence, you can begin learning to drive. You do not need to take formal lessons — you can learn from a friend or family member — but many people choose to take lessons with an approved driving instructor. There is no minimum number of lessons required, though the average learner takes 20 to 40 hours of instruction before attempting the test.
Passing the theory test and practical test
Before you can take the practical driving test, you must pass the theory test. This is a computer-based exam that tests your knowledge of the Highway Code, road signs, and safe driving practices. You book the theory test through the DVLA website, and the test costs £23. You can take it at a test centre near you, and the exam lasts 57 minutes. You must answer 50 multiple-choice questions and score at least 43 out of 50 to pass.
Once you have passed the theory test, you can book your practical driving test. This is a 40-minute test in which an examiner sits in your car while you drive on real roads. The examiner assesses your control of the vehicle, your awareness of other road users, and your ability to follow instructions. The practical test costs between £62 and £75, depending on whether you book a weekday or weekend slot and the time of day. Waiting times for practical tests vary by region — in some areas you may wait eight to twelve weeks, while in others the wait is shorter.
If you pass the practical test, the examiner will give you a pass certificate on the day. You then send this certificate to the DVLA along with your provisional licence, and the DVLA will issue your full photocard licence by post within one to two weeks.
Exchanging a licence from another country
If you hold a valid driving licence from an EU or EEA country (such as France, Germany, or Poland), you may exchange it for a GB licence without taking any tests. The same applies to licences from certain other countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States, though the rules vary slightly by country.
To exchange your licence, you send your original licence to the DVLA by post along with form DVLA1, proof of identity, and proof of your current address. You must also pay a fee of £43. The DVLA will return your original licence to you along with your new GB photocard licence within four to six weeks. If your original licence is not in English, you must also provide a certified translation.
If you hold a licence from a country not listed above, you will need to take the theory test and practical test as if you were a new driver. The DVLA website lists all countries whose licences can be exchanged without a test.
Renewing your licence when it expires
Your photocard licence is valid for ten years (or three years if you are aged 70 or over). When your licence is about to expire, you can renew it by sending form DVLA1 to the DVLA along with your current licence, a new photograph, and a fee of £43. You do not need to retake any tests unless you are over 70, in which case you must declare that you are still fit to drive, or unless you have a medical condition that may affect your driving.
If you renew by post, the DVLA will send your new licence to you within four to six weeks. You can also renew online through the DVLA website if you have a UK passport, which is faster — your new licence will arrive within one week. If you do not have a UK passport, you must renew by post.
You can renew your licence up to nine months before it expires. It is a good idea to renew early if your expiry date falls during a busy period, such as the summer holidays, when the DVLA may take longer to process applications.
Updating your licence for changes in your circumstances
If your name, address, or medical circumstances change, you must notify the DVLA and may need to update your licence. If you change your name (for example, through marriage or deed poll), you send your current licence to the DVLA along with form DVLA1 and proof of your new name, such as a marriage certificate or deed poll. There is no fee for this change.
If you move to a new address, you must tell the DVLA within one month. You do this by sending form DVLA1 to the DVLA along with your current licence and proof of your new address. Again, there is no fee.
If you develop a medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely — such as epilepsy, diabetes, or a heart condition — you must tell the DVLA when ready. The DVLA will assess whether you can continue to drive, and you may be asked to take a medical test or provide a letter from your doctor. Failing to notify the DVLA of a relevant medical condition is a criminal offence.
Costs and timescales at a glance
| Action | Cost | Timescale |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional licence (first process) | £43 | 1–2 weeks by post |
| Theory test | £23 | Book within days; test within weeks |
| Practical test | £62–£75 | Wait 8–12 weeks in many areas |
| Full licence (after passing practical) | Included in practical test fee | 1–2 weeks by post |
| Licence renewal by post | £43 | 4–6 weeks |
| Licence renewal online | £43 | 1 week (requires UK passport) |
| Exchange from another country | £43 | 4–6 weeks |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on a provisional licence on my own?
No. A provisional licence only permits you to drive when accompanied by a may have access to driver aged 21 or over who holds a full licence. You must also display L-plates on your vehicle. Driving alone on a provisional licence is illegal and can result in a fine and points on your licence.
What happens if I fail my practical test?
If you fail, you receive a report from the examiner explaining which areas you need to improve. You can book another practical test as soon as you wish, though you will need to pay the fee again. Most people pass on their second or third attempt.
Do I need to pass a test again if I renew my licence?
No, unless you are aged 70 or over, in which case you must declare that you remain fit to drive. If you have a medical condition that may affect your driving, the DVLA may ask for additional information or a medical assessment, but a practical or theory test is not required for renewal.
Can I drive in other countries with a GB licence?
Yes. A GB photocard licence is recognised in all EU and EEA countries, and in many other countries worldwide. However, some countries require you to carry an International Driving Permit alongside your GB licence, so check the rules for your destination before you travel.
What should I do if my licence is lost or stolen?
Contact the DVLA when ready by phone or through their website. You will need to report it as lost or stolen, and the DVLA will cancel your current licence and issue a replacement. You must pay a fee of £20 for a replacement licence, and it will arrive within one to two weeks by post.