- The provisional licence fee on GOV.UK is £34 online and £43 by post.
- An online application should arrive within one week, unless DVLA needs extra checks. DVLA emails a confirmation when you submit.
- You may be asked to prove identity with photo ID such as a passport inside the online service.
What the official route requires
You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, be able to read a number plate from 20 metres, and have permission to live in Great Britain for at least 185 days. Online you can pay by credit or debit card; by post you send form D1, available from a Post Office, with £43. The service covers cars, motorbikes, mopeds and some other vehicles, and the rules differ by age and vehicle, so check the vehicle before you start learning.
The official process against an intermediary
| GOV.UK | A site selling “your provisional licence” | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | £34 online | Often the same form for more money, or a card with nothing behind it |
| Where you enter your details | Inside the DVLA online service | A form on the seller’s site or a chat |
| Proof of identity | Photo ID at sign-in if asked | Photos sent to a stranger |
| What you receive | A licence issued in your name by DVLA | A promise, or a counterfeit |
How the official application goes
- Search GOV.UK for the first provisional licence page and start there, never from an advert.
- Sign in or create your account and prove who you are; a passport photo may be asked for at this stage.
- Pay £34 by card.
- Check your email for DVLA’s confirmation.
- Expect the licence within a week. If it has not come and DVLA has not asked for anything, contact DVLA through GOV.UK rather than paying anyone to chase it.
Why people end up on the wrong site
Searches such as “buy provisional licence” return a mix of the official service, resellers and scams. Resellers charge to submit the application you can make yourself, and in doing so collect your passport, address and National Insurance details. Scams sell a “provisional licence” card or one “already registered” in your name, but DVLA only issues one after you apply in your own name.
Two-minute checks
- The address bar says gov.uk and the price shown is £34 (online) or £43 (post).
- Nobody promises a test date or a pass.
- You are never asked to send an ID photo to a chat.
- No “processing” or “priority” fee is added to the official fee.
Myth and fact
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| “A provisional licence takes weeks, so pay for speed.” | GOV.UK says online applications should arrive within one week. |
| “You need an agent to apply.” | The application is a direct DVLA service; the form D1 route exists for people who prefer paper. |
What it leads to next
The provisional licence is the first step; the theory test comes next at £23 for a car. The rest of the route is in how to get a driving licence in the UK, and the fee table is on provisional licence fee.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a provisional licence?
£34 online and £43 by post on GOV.UK, according to the official application page, checked 5 October 2026.
Who can apply for a provisional licence?
Applicants must be at least 15 years and 9 months old, read a number plate from 20 metres, and have permission to live in Great Britain for at least 185 days.
How long does a provisional licence take?
GOV.UK says it should arrive within one week if you apply online, and may take longer if DVLA need to make additional checks.
Do I have to prove my identity?
You may be asked for photo ID such as a passport when you sign in to the online service. Do that inside the GOV.UK service, never by sending a photo to someone in a chat.
Is it a scam to use a site that charges for a provisional licence application?
Not always illegal, but it is unnecessary. You can apply yourself on GOV.UK for the official fee. Treat any site that sells a card itself as a scam.
Can I pay for a provisional licence by post?
Yes. Form D1 is available from a Post Office and the fee is £43, according to GOV.UK.