Provisional licence

Before you begin to drive on UK public roads you must have a valid provisional driving licence for the category you intend to drive. In some circumstance it is possible to drive with:

• A signed, valid international driving permit (IPD)
• A full driving licence issued outside the UK

If you are a visitor to the UK you may drive on your current licence or permit for up to one year

To drive a car on UK roads you must be at least 17 years of age, unless you are in receipt or have applied for the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), in which case you can start to learn to drive at age 16 years. 

• You must not drive on the road until your provisional licence has arrived,and you have checked all the details are correct. 

You can apply for a provisional licence aged 15 years and 9 months