How Much is a Provisional Driving Licence in the UK? Provisional Driving Licence

Yes, as a foreign national, you no longer have to wait 185 days before you can apply for a provisional driving licence. The Law has recently changed, and you can now apply for a provisional licence and start learning to drive when it arrives.

However, you’ll need to provide proof when you apply you have been given permission to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland & Wales) for at least 185 days.

You apply in the same way as everyone else (see above)

The New 185 Days Rule is as follows:

• You can apply right away for a provisional driving licence.
• You can start driving lessons once you receive your provisional licence.
• You cannot take your theory or driving test or obtain a full licence before 185 days have passed.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland uses a different system.

How you prove your identity in the UK depends on which identity documents you have.

There are different rules in Northern Ireland.

How to prove identity with a UK passport

Do you have a valid UK passport? You can copy the 9-digit passport number onto the application form.

You cannot use the passport number of an expired passport.

Prove your identity using a Share Code

You use a Share Code to prove your identity.

If you used either the EU Exit: ID Check Document app or the UK Immigration ID Check app when applying:

• to the EU Settlement Scheme
• for a Visa

You can get a Share Code from the View & Prove Your Immigration Service.

What if you do not have a UK Passport or a Share Code?

You can post some other form of ID to prove your identity. Send one of the following documents when you apply:

• A current and valid foreign passport not from an EU or EEA country –  with a visa sticker or stamp showing you have permission to live in the UK.
• A valid Irish passport – it does not need to have a visa sticker or stamp.
• A UK biometric residence permit (BRP)
• A travel document.
• A UK birth, adoption or naturalisation certificate – you’ll need to send further proof of identity with this.
• Evidence you receive a state pension.

UK birth, adoption and naturalisation certificates

You can use a UK birth, adoption or naturalisation certificate. You must send it with one of the following:

• National Insurance (NI) card or a letter from the DWP or HMRC showing your National Insurance number. Find your National Insurance number if you’ve lost it.
• Photocopy of a benefits book’s front page or an original benefits claim letter.
• A College or University Union Card, Education Certificate or PASSCard (issued after June 2014)
• P45, P60, or pay slips.
• Marriage or civil partnership certificate.
• Divorce or end of civil partnership document.
• A gender recognition certificate.