The cost of a driving license depends on what licence you are applying for and how you go about it. Your first full driving licence is free, however, there are charges for provisional licences, personal detail changes and lost or stolen licences.
In this article we will go into the details of these costs as well as the application process for getting a driving licence.
What do I need to do to apply for a driving licence?
You will need to meet the following criteria to apply for a provisional driving licence:
- Be at least 15 years and 9 months of age
- Be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres
- Have permission to live in Great Britain for a minimum of 185 days
- Pay £34 to apply online
- Proof of where you have lived for the past three years
- Have an identity document such as your passport
- Have your National Insurance number handy
You will get a confirmation from the DVLA once you’ve applied, and the licence should arrive within one week. You will be able to drive under the supervision of a qualified driver once you turn 17.
When can I apply for a driving licence?
You can apply for a provisional licence once you are 15 years and 9 months old. A provisional licence will allow you to drive a moped or a quad bike once you turn 16. You will need to wait until you are 17 to drive a car as long as you are supervised by a qualified driver and display an L plate (D plate in Wales) on the back of the vehicle. There are a number of driving licence categories in the UK and we go into more detail here on what all those letters on the back of your licence mean.
Motorway driving is only allowed in England, Scotland or Wales as long as you are accompanied by an approved driving instructor and the car is fitted with dual controls. The only exception to this is if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in which case you can drive at age 16.
You can then apply for your full driving licence as soon as you have passed your practical driving test.
How much is a provisional driving licence?
If you are applying online, it will cost £34 to get a provisional driving licence, if you apply by post it will cost £43. You will need to meet the following criteria to get one:
- Be at least 15 years and 9 months of age
- Be able to read a number plate from a distance of 20 metres
- Have permission to live in Great Britain for a minimum of 185 days
You will need identification such as your ID document or passport and addresses of where you have lived for the past three years. Your National Insurance number may also be required. You should get a confirmation from the DVLA once you’ve applied, and the licence should arrive within one week if all goes well.
How much is it to renew a driving licence?
A photocard licence is valid for 10 years, you will get a reminder to renew your photo before it expires. If you need to renew an expired licence, it will cost £14 if you do it online and £17 if done via post. If you are 70 or over the renewal is free regardless of how you do it, however it must be done every three years. It is also possible to renew your licence at a Post Office for £21.50.
You will need a valid UK passport, be a resident of Great Britain, have your National Insurance number at hand and not be disqualified from driving if you plan to renew your licence online with the DVLA. Northern Ireland uses a different system which can be reviewed here.
How much is a replacement driving licence?
It will cost £20 to replace your driving licence, the fee is the same whether it is lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed. In the case of a lost or stolen licence, you will also need to report it to the police.
For a replacement card you will need to:
- be a resident of Great Britain, there is a different service for Northern Ireland
- not be disqualified from driving for any reason
- pay the £20 fee
- provide addresses where you’ve lived for the last 3 years
- supply your National Insurance number, driving licence number and passport number if possible
How do I apply for a driving licence?
If you already have your provisional licence and have passed your practical driving test, then you can apply for a full driving licence. It is free to apply online, however, it will cost £17 if you apply by post and use a different photo from your provisional licence.
If you have a photocard provisional licence, then your examiner will send the driving test pass certificate to the DVLA on your behalf.
If you have a paper provisional licence or have changed your name, you will need to:
- fill in the declaration on your driving test pass certificate
- fill in form D1 ‘application for a driving licence’, these are available at most Post Offices.
- provide original documents confirming your identity
- provide a passport photograph – only in the case of a paper provisional licence
- Send these docs and your provisional licence to the DVLA within 2 years of passing your test – otherwise you will have to retake it
- How long does it take to get a driving licence?
If you apply online, it takes about one week to receive your licence. If you apply via post it can take between three to four weeks – and sometimes a lot longer post covid.
What if I’ve changed my address since my last driving licence?
If you only need to change your address, you can do it free online or via post and can still drive while waiting for the new licence.
A photo change costs £14 online, and £17 by post, so if you wish to change your address and photo at the same time, you will have to pay one of these amounts.
A name change is also free but can only be done by post and there is a different process for Northern Ireland.
