What a UK learner's permit is and who needs one

A UK learner's permit is called a provisional driving licence. It is the legal document you must hold before you can sit behind the wheel of a car, even with a supervising driver present. You cannot drive on public roads without one — not even in a car park or on private land that the public can access.

You need a provisional licence if you are learning to drive a car, motorcycle, bus, or lorry. The rules and restrictions differ by vehicle type. This guide covers cars, which is the most common learner route.

You must be at least 17 years old to hold a provisional car licence (16 if you are learning to ride a moped). There is no upper age limit. If you already hold a full driving licence from another country, you may still need a UK provisional licence depending on which country issued it and how long you have been resident in the UK.

Key Takeaways

  • A provisional licence costs £43 and takes up to a week to arrive by post if you order online, or longer if you explore by paper form.
  • You must pass a theory test and a practical driving test before your provisional licence becomes a full licence.
  • While learning, you must display L-plates (or D-plates in Wales), stay under 45 mph, and never drive on motorways.
  • Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old, hold a full UK licence for the same category of vehicle, and sit in the front passenger seat.
  • You can drive alone once you pass your practical test, but your provisional licence remains valid only until you receive your full licence certificate.

How to get a provisional licence: the step-by-step process

You explore to the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), which is the government body that issues all UK driving licences. You can explore online at gov.uk/explore-provisional-driving-licence, by post using form DVLA1, or in person at a Post Office that offers the Verify service.

The online route is fastest. You will need your National Insurance number, passport details (or other identity document), and a digital photo that meets the DVLA's photo rules. The photo must be a recent colour headshot against a plain background — you cannot use a photo from social media or a screenshot. You can take one yourself at home using a smartphone, or use a photo booth.

Once you submit online, the DVLA checks your details against the DVLA database and the DVRO (Driver and Vehicle Record Office). If there are no issues, your provisional licence is printed and posted to you. This usually takes 5 to 7 working days. If you explore by post, allow 3 to 4 weeks.

The licence costs £43 if you explore online or at a Post Office, or £43 if you explore by post. There is no fee reduction for any age group. You pay when you submit your process online, or when you hand in your form at the Post Office.

What you must do before you can drive: the theory test

You cannot legally drive on public roads with a supervising driver until you have passed your theory test. The theory test is separate from your provisional licence process — you book and sit it after your licence arrives.

The theory test has two parts: a multiple-choice section and a hazard perception section. You must pass both on the same day to pass the test overall. The multiple-choice section asks 50 questions about road rules, vehicle safety, and driving in different conditions. You have 57 minutes and must score at least 43 out of 50. The hazard perception section shows 14 video clips of real driving situations. You click when you spot a developing hazard. You have 75 seconds per clip and must score at least 44 out of 75.

You book your theory test through the DVLA's official booking service at gov.uk/book-theory-test. Tests are held at approved test centres across the UK. The cost is £23. You can usually find a test slot within 2 to 3 weeks of booking, though this varies by location and time of year. You must bring your provisional licence and a valid form of ID (passport, travel card, or national ID card) on the day.

If you fail, you can book another test when ready. There is no waiting period between attempts, but you must pay the £23 fee each time.

Restrictions while you are learning: what the law says you cannot do

Once you have your provisional licence and have passed your theory test, you can drive on public roads — but only under strict conditions. These restrictions are legally enforced.

You must display an L-plate (or D-plate in Wales) on the front and back of the car. L-plates are red and white and show the letter L. D-plates are red and white and show the letter D. You can buy them from any supermarket, petrol station, or online retailer for a few pounds. If you do not display them, you can be fined up to £1,000.

You must not drive faster than 45 mph, even if the speed limit is higher. You must not drive on motorways at all. You must not tow a trailer or caravan. You must not drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. (this rule applies in England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland have different rules). You must not use a mobile phone while driving, even if it is hands-free — this rule applies to all drivers, not just learners.

Your supervising driver must be at least 21 years old, must hold a full UK driving licence for the same category of vehicle (category B for cars), and must be able to exercise control over the vehicle if needed. They must sit in the front passenger seat next to you. If your supervising driver is under 21, over 65, or does not hold a full licence, you are breaking the law and can be fined.

How long your provisional licence lasts and what happens when it expires

A provisional licence is valid for 3 years from the date it is issued. If you do not pass your practical driving test within that time, your provisional licence expires and you must explore for a new one. There is no automatic renewal — you have to explore again and pay the £43 fee.

If your provisional licence is about to expire and you have already booked your practical test, you can continue to drive to that test. Once you pass the practical test, you are issued a full driving licence, which is valid for 10 years (or until you turn 70, whichever is sooner). You do not need to explore separately — the DVLA sends it automatically after you pass.

If you pass your practical test but your full licence has not arrived within 2 weeks, you can ask the DVLA for a pass certificate. This is a temporary document that proves you have passed and allows you to drive alone while you wait for the full licence to be posted.

Supervising driver requirements and your responsibilities

Your supervising driver is a legal requirement, not optional guidance. They must meet three conditions: be at least 21 years old, hold a full UK driving licence for the same vehicle category, and be able to exercise control of the vehicle. "Exercise control" means they must be able to take over the steering, brakes, or other controls if you lose control or make a dangerous mistake.

The supervising driver does not have to be a professional instructor. They can be a family member, friend, or colleague. They do not need any special training or qualification beyond holding a full licence. However, they are responsible for ensuring you follow all the learner restrictions — if you break the speed limit or drive on a motorway, both you and the supervising driver can be fined.

You are responsible for checking that your supervising driver meets these requirements before you drive. If you drive with someone who does not hold a full licence, or who is under 21, you are committing an offence even if they did not tell you they were unqualified.

Preparing for your practical driving test

You can book your practical test once you have passed your theory test. You book through the DVLA at gov.uk/book-practical-driving-test. The test costs £62 and usually takes place 2 to 3 months after you book, depending on demand in your area.

The practical test lasts about 40 minutes. You drive a set route chosen by the examiner, who sits in the passenger seat and observes your driving. The examiner assesses your control of the vehicle, your awareness of other road users, your ability to follow instructions, and your understanding of road rules. You must pass both the driving part and the independent driving part (where you drive for about 20 minutes following sat-nav directions or road signs without the examiner giving you instructions).

You must bring your provisional licence, a valid form of ID, and your theory test pass certificate on the day. The car you use must be roadworthy, insured, and have valid MOT and tax. Your supervising driver does not sit the test with you, but they usually wait nearby.

If you fail, you can book another test. There is no waiting period, but you must pay the £62 fee each time. Most people pass within 2 to 3 attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive alone with a provisional licence?

No. You must have a supervising driver in the front passenger seat at all times. If you drive alone, you are breaking the law and can be fined up to £1,000 and receive 6 penalty points on your licence. This applies even if you have passed your theory test.

What if my supervising driver is 20 years old?

They cannot supervise you. The law requires your supervising driver to be at least 21. If you drive with a 20-year-old supervising driver, both of you can be fined. It does not matter if they hold a full licence — the age requirement is separate.

Do I need to insure the car separately for learner driving?

No. Your supervising driver's car insurance usually covers learner drivers, but you should check the policy documents or call the insurer to confirm. Some policies exclude learners or charge an extra premium. If you are not covered, you cannot legally drive the car.

What happens if I pass my practical test but my full licence has not arrived?

You can ask the DVLA for a pass certificate, which is a temporary document that proves you have passed. You can drive alone using this certificate while you wait for your full licence to be posted. The full licence usually arrives within 2 weeks of passing.

Can I use a provisional licence from another country to drive in the UK?

It depends on which country issued it and how long you have been resident in the UK. If you hold a valid provisional licence from an EU, EEA, or certain other countries, you may be able to drive in the UK for a limited time. However, you will eventually need to exchange it for a UK provisional licence or explore for a new one. Check the DVLA website or contact them directly for your specific situation.