How to Get a UK Driving Licence
Apply for a provisional licence. Then pass the theory test and the practical test. If you have a foreign licence, check if you can swap it for a UK licence. You may not need to take any tests.
At a glance
- Cost:
- £34 provisional + ~£85 tests + lessons
- Total time:
- 3–6 months (learner route)
- Steps:
- 6 steps
- Where to apply:
- gov.uk
Last reviewed October 2026 against official sources. Re-checked annually · next review due October 2027.
The Steps
Follow these in order
Each card shows the phase, expected time, and any cost. Data checked against official UK sources(October 2026).
0 of 6 steps
- Before You Go 20 min
Check if you can apply and what to do with a foreign licence
You must be at least 17 to drive a car. You must be at least 16 to ride a moped. An EU/EEA licence stays valid until age 70 in most cases. If you were 67+ when you became resident, it stays valid for 3 years. You can swap it for a UK licence if you want, but you do not have to. If you have a "designated country" licence, you may be able to swap it for a UK licence with no tests. This includes licences from Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and more. Other foreign licences stay valid for 12 months. After that, you must pass both UK tests to keep driving.
Click to mark as done
- Submit & Pay 1 week
Apply for a provisional licence
Apply online at gov.uk for £34, using your biometric passport details and your NI numberNational Insurance number — Your UK tax and social security number. You need it to work, pay tax, and claim benefits.Click for official info ↗. Or apply by post for £43, using form D1 from a Post Office. If you apply online, it usually arrives within a week. You can start getting ready for the theory test on the same day.
Click to mark as done
- Fill / Prepare Study 2–8 weeks
Book and pass the theory test
The test has two parts. The first part has 50 multiple-choice questions. You need 43/50 to pass. The second part is a hazard-perception video test. You need 44/75 to pass. The test costs £23 for cars. You can book it at gov.uk. Your pass lasts for 2 years. You must pass the practical test before it ends. If you do not, you must take the theory test again.
Click to mark as done
- Go 2–6 months typical
Take driving lessons and the practical test
Take lessons with an ADI instructor. Or practise with a driver who can sit with you. That driver must use L plates. They must be aged 21+ and have held a licence for 3+ years. The car must be insured. The practical test costs £62 on a weekday. It costs £75 in the evening or at the weekend. You will drive for around 35 minutes. This includes driving on your own. You will also answer 2 questions about vehicle safety. One is a "tell me" question before you drive. One is a "show me" question while you drive. Only the learner can book or manage their practical car test. You can change a booking at most twice. Since 9 June 2026 the rules say you can only move a test to one of the 3 nearest test centres.
Click to mark as done
- Receive By post
Receive your full licence
The examiner gives you a pass certificate. Your full licence then arrives by post. The examiner sends your details for you. For the first 2 years, the rules are stricter. If you get 6 penalty points, your licence is taken away. This is instead of 12 points. You must then take both tests again.
Click to mark as done
- Follow Up Usually within 3 weeks
Exchange your foreign licence if eligible
If you have a designated-country licence, apply by post. Use form D1 from a Post Office. Send your foreign licence and pay £43, and you will get a UK licence with no tests. It usually arrives within 3 weeks. You have 5 years from the date you became resident to swap your licence with no tests. But after 12 months, you must stop driving on your foreign licence until you have swapped it.
Click to mark as done
Be Careful
Don't make these mistakes
Driving on a foreign licence past 12 months. Any valid foreign licence lets you drive for 12 months from the date you become resident. After that, the rules change. An EU/EEA licence stays valid until age 70 in most cases. A designated-country licence must be swapped if you want to keep driving, and after 12 months you must stop driving on it until you have swapped it. With any other licence, you must pass the UK theory test and practical test, just like a new driver.
Letting your theory pass run out. Your theory pass lasts for 2 years. You must pass the practical test before it ends. If you do not, you must take the theory test again.
Practising without the right supervisor or cover. Practise with a driver who can sit with you. That driver must use L plates. They must be aged 21 or over and have held a licence for 3 or more years. The car must be insured.
Letting someone else book or manage your practical test. Only the learner can book or manage their practical car test. You can change a booking at most twice. Since 9 June 2026 the rules say you can only move a test to one of the 3 nearest test centres.
Getting 6 points in your first 2 years. For the first 2 years, the rules are stricter. If you get 6 penalty points, your licence is taken away. This is instead of 12 points. You must then take both tests again.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I drive on my foreign licence in the UK?
Any valid foreign licence lets you drive for 12 months from the date you become resident. After that, the rules change. An EU/EEA licence stays valid until age 70 in most cases. Swapping it is your choice, and no test is needed. A designated-country licence must be swapped if you want to keep driving. With any other licence, you must pass the UK theory test and practical test, just like a new driver.
Do I need lessons to pass the practical test?
The law does not set a minimum number of lessons. But most learners need around 40–45 hours with an instructor. They also need private practice. If you go to the test with no preparation, you will almost always fail. You will then have to pay the £62 fee to book again.
I lost my licence. How do I replace it?
You can replace it online at gov.uk for £20 with your Government Gateway details. It arrives within a week. If you have a paper licence from before 1998, apply for a photocard licence instead.
Keep Reading