Apply online 
To apply for your first UK provisional driving licence, please contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) using the following weblink:

Apply online for a first provisional driving licence

Apply in person or by post
You can apply in person for your provisional driving licence by completing the D1 application form that is available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office branches. You will also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £50.00. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD or you may be able to use the premium checking service.

	DVLA form ordering service Opens new window
	Identity documents and photograph criteria
	Premium checking service

When to expect your licence
DVLA  aims to deliveryour provisional driving licence within three weeks of receiving your application. The delivery process may be delayed if your personal or health details need to be checked.

Your new licence will now be issued with a number of additional security features incorporated into it.  One of the main and noticeable differences being a laser engraved black and white photograph.

The photocard driving licence explained

Provisional Driving Licence Required
Before you can take your theory test you'll need to make sure you have a valid provisional driving licence. You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). The application form D1 can be obtained from your local Post Office.

Once you have a valid provisional driving licence you can book your theory test. Waiting times vary from region to region, but the target is that 95 per cent of theory test candidates receive an appointment date within two weeks of their preferred date.

Booking online
To book a theory test online you'll need:

	a valid UK driving licence
	a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

Click on the link below to book a theory test online.

Book your theory test online

Booking by phone
To book a theory test with an operator over the phone you'll need:

	a valid UK driving licence
	a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

You can book a theory test over the phone using the numbers below, from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm except on Bank Holidays.

Theory test booking line - 0300 200 1122

Minicom booking line - 0300 200 1166

Fax booking line - 0300 200 1177

Booking by post
To book a theory test by post you'll need an application form. Application forms are available online or on request from the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) booking line. Payment can be made by cheque or postal order, but cash payments aren't accepted.

	Download 'a theory test application form' (PDF, 186K)
	Help with PDF files

Cancelling or rescheduling a test

You can reschedule or cancel a test over the phone via the booking line or you can do it online. Providing you give DSA three clear working days notice you can:

	move or change your appointment
	cancel your appointment
	have a full refund of test fee

Useful links

	Book a driving theory test online Opens new window
	Find my nearest theory test centre Opens new window
	Online mock theory test

UK licence holders

You will need to take a theory test if you want a licence for a new category of vehicle, for example, if you have a car licence and you want a motorcycle licence you will need to take a theory test.

If, however, you want to upgrade within a vehicle category you will not normally need to take a theory test. For example, if you have a full automatic car licence and you want a manual car licence you will not have to take a theory test.

It is your responsibility to make sure you have the correct licence for the vehicle you are driving. If you are unsure if you need to take a theory test please contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) or the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).

	Exchanging or updating your driving licence
	Driving passenger carrying vehicles (PCV) on a car driving licence
	Vehicles you can drive and how old you must be to drive them

Foreign licence holders

If you hold a valid Community licence and you are visiting Great Britain, you can drive any vehicle for as long as your licence remains valid. The appropriate full entitlement for the vehicle you wish to drive must be shown on your licence.

The EEA countries are as follows:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom

Outside Europe
If you hold a full driving licence issued outside the EEA it may be possible to exchange it for an equivalent British licence. You should contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to find out if you can exchange your foreign licence.

If you cannot exchange your foreign licence you will have to apply for a British provisional licence and take a theory and practical test.

Booking online
To book a theory test online you'll need:

	a valid UK driving licence
	a valid debit or credit card for payment (Visa, Mastercard, Delta, Visa Electron, Switch/Maestro and Solo cards are accepted)

Book your theory test online

Minimum age you can take a practical driving test

You can take your theory test once your provisional licence becomes valid.

In normal circumstances, a provisional driving licence becomes valid for a potential car driver on his/her 17th birthday . However, individuals can apply for their licence up to three months before their 17th birthday.

NB. If you apply for your provisional licence before you are 17, you will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take your theory test.

Need further information about applying for a UK provisional driving licence ? Please click the link below.

Apply online for a first provisional driving licence

 The quickest and easiest way to book your car or motorcycle driving test is to use the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) online booking service. You can:

	choose your test centre
	choose the time and date of your test
	check your test appointment details
	change or cancel your test if your circumstances change

NB . When booking, you will be asked for the following information:

	Your full name
	Your address including post code
	Date of Birth
	Provisional driving licence number
	Theory test certificate number
	Date you passed your theory test

As a new user, you may find it helpful to read the information pages before using this online service.

Information pages and link to online test booking services Opens new window

If you have used this booking service before and are a confident user please continue using the direct links below.