Driving On A Provisional Driving License

Things you need to know

Every learner driver requires a provisional driving license. This can be obtained from the DVLA when you reach the age of 17 (or 16 if you are disabled). You may apply for the license from 3 months before your 17th birthday (or 3 months before your 16th birthday if you are disabled). A provisional license enables you to drive under the supervision of a full license holder.

A provisional licence remains valid until you have obtained your full driving licence. The provisional license is needed to take your theory and practical driving tests and driving instructors are legally required to check that you have a valid provisional licence before carrying out your first driving lesson. The provisional license can be applied for from the DVLA at a cost of £50.

The consequences of driving without having a provisional license are very serious. If, for example, you are receiving driving lessons and do not hold a provisional licence, both yourself and your driving instructor could face criminal prosecution if you are caught and if you are involved in an accident then any insurance claim you make may be invalid.

Equally, if you hold a provisional license but do not use it in the correct manner, you could be liable for prosecution. For example, if you are caught driving on a provisional license without the supervision of a full license holder you may face an allegation of driving otherwise than in accordance with your licence. This could mean you face a fine and/or penalty points on your licence. It may also invalidate any insurance you have and this alone could mean you face a fine, penalty points or disqualification.

Similarly, if you are caught - whilst driving on a provisional license - speeding, driving without due care and attention, driving whilst using a mobile phone or any other driving offence you will face the same consequences as a full licence holder and as well as the possibility of having civil or criminal charges brought against you, you risk points on your license, a fine and/or disqualification from driving.

It is important that when you obtain your provisional license you are aware of how you are entitled to use it, to be within the law, and to avoid any penalties. Chose a reputable driving instructor and ensure that whenever you are out practising your newly acquired driving skills you do so under the supervision of a full license holder.

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