How Long Does a Provisional Licence Last?
15 March 2023 | 
Andy Moody
Learning to drive is often seen by young people as an exciting way to get more independence.
Before you start learning to drive, you’ll need to apply for your provisional driving licence. If you’re learning privately with a friend or family member, you’ll also need to consider temporary learner driver insurance to ensure the vehicle is covered while you’re on the road.
In this guide, we briefly cover what a provisional driving licence is, how long it lasts, and how to renew it if you need to.
What is a provisional driving licence?
Almost any UK resident over the age of 15 years and 9 months may apply for a provisional driving licence.
Whilst learning to drive, you must be supervised at all times. This could be done by an approved driving instructor or another individual who has held a full UK driving licence for more than 3 years and is over the age of 21.
Who can apply for a provisional driving licence?
Almost any UK resident over the age of 15 years and 9 months may apply for a provisional driving licence.
Many people apply as soon as they can, partly to be ready to start driving lessons as soon as possible once they reach 17 years old. Others may apply for a provisional licence so they have a valid form of identification. To apply for a provisional licence, you must meet 3 criteria:
- Be at least 15 years and 9 months of age.
- Be able to read a number plate from 20 metres
- Have permission to live in England, Scotland or Wales for a minimum of 185 days
If you apply for a provisional licence before you reach the age of 16, the licence will be valid for 10 years from your birthday.
How long does a provisional driving licence last?
Almost anAlmost any UK resident over the age of 15 years and 9 months may apply for a provisional driving licence.y UK resident over the age of 15 years and 9 months may apply for a provisional driving licence.
Whilst learning to drive, you must be supervised at all times. This could be done by an approved driving instructor or another individual who has held a full UK driving licence for more than 3 years and is over the age of 21.
Renewing a provisional driving licence
Renewing a provisional licence is straightforward. You can easily renew your provisional licence via an online form, in the same way you would renew a full UK driving licence. If you have been disqualified from driving for any reason, you cannot simply renew online.
Alternatively, if you do not have a valid UK passport or your name or title has changed, you will need to renew your provisional licence at a Post Office. In order to renew your provisional licence, you will need to return your expired licence and meet the following requirements:
Eyesight
You will need to confirm you can still safely read a car registration plate number from at least 20m away.
ID
You must be able to provide a legitimate form of identification. E.g a valid UK passport.
Address
You must be able to provide your address for the past 3 years, along with proof of residence.
Cost
The current cost to renew your licence online is £14.00. If you renew via the Post Office, the fee is currently £21.50.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does insurance cost for a provisional driving license?
SORN status will not be transferred between owners when a car is bought or sold. The new owner will have to tax the vehicle or contact the DVLA to make a new SORN request.
Road tax works in the same way when buying or selling a vehicle, and buyers must ensure the car is taxed to comply with legislation and ensure their insurance is valid.
If you sell a vehicle with months of tax left, you should notify the DVLA, and you will be reimbursed for the remaining months after the vehicle is sold.
Can you take the theory test before getting a provisional license?
When a SORN is applied to a vehicle, you will not have to renew it, as it lasts until the vehicle is scrapped, exported, sold, or re-taxed.
If you intend to use the vehicle again, ensure it has a valid MOT, and is fully insured and taxed. You will be able to tax a vehicle at any point after a SORN. As soon as the vehicle is taxed, the SORN is automatically removed.
You can tax your vehicle online or by phone with the DVLA, and you will need to produce your 11- digit V5C reference number.
How long do you have after taking the theory test to take the practical test?
Making a SORN is straightforward and completely free if you follow the online instructions to ensure the correct information is entered.
You may only have to pay if you do not have your vehicle logbook and need to buy a new one. A new vehicle log book costs £25, and you can apply online by contacting the DVLA.
Explore Learner Driver Insurance with GoShorty
A temporary car insurance policy from GoShorty provides learner drivers with exactly the right amount of coverage for just the right length of time.
GoShorty’s fully comprehensive cover for learner drivers provides insurance for anywhere from an hour to 24 weeks. We also have a range of other temporary insurance policies to consider, including young driver temporary car insurance and temporary student car insurance.
Similar articles you might like
-
What is the Best Way to Insure a Learner Driver?
Learning to drive is an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, often raising questions like whether they should learn to drive automatic […]
-
When is The Best Time for Your Driving Test?
Learning to drive can be an arduous process, but it’s all worth it when you finally get to upgrade from […]
-
What Happens if a Learner is Driving Alone?
Upon receiving your provisional licence, you’ll likely have some questions about the various rules associated with practising to drive – […]