In the UK, how long before you turn 17 can you apply for a provisional driving licence?

Question

I turn 17 in about three months, and would like to start learning to drive as soon as possible. Can I apply for my provisional licence while I'm still 16, or do I have to wait for my birthday? Thanks in advance! x

Answer 1

You can apply now and start learning as soon as your 17.

Answer 2

Apply for it NOW in order to get it for your bday. They take an absolute age to process it and send it back to you, and chances are they'll be mistakes on it and it will need to be sent back (well mine did). I applied for mine last November and got it in January.

Answer 3

yer you can get it wen ur 16 but cnt start driving or take your theory till ur 17- Ive jus passed my theory 50 otta 50 ! but i just passed on hazard and perception!

Answer 4

You can get it as soon as your 16.

Answer 5

You can apply 2 or 3 months before your birthday, so you're all good to go as soon as you want!

But, you cannot drive on the road until you are 17, or without someone who has been driving for 3 years.

xx

Answer 6

You can apply for a provisional as soon as you turn 16, but dont use it until your 17. Apply now and you should get it before you turn 17 ready to use.  

Answer 7

www.dvla.gov.uk

Answer 8

You can apply now and state the start date as your 17th birthday, that's what I did and had my first lesson on my 17th.

Answer 9

You can apply for a provisional driving lesson 3 months before your 16th Birthday, this enables you to ride a moped or any other vechile with an engine size of 50CC once you've turnt 16. Unfortunately you can't start your driving lessons until your 17th Birthday, nor are you insured to sit in the drivers seat of a car with a fully qualified driver beside you.

Answer 10

i got mine when i was 16

Answer 11

You can apply 3 months before your 16th but will only get moped entitlement on it but will have the cat B on it for when you turn 17. You can start driving then on your 17th birthday. All the best.

Answer 12

3 months before your b'day although i know people that claim to have got it long before they turned 17

Answer 13

You can apply 3 months before your birthday but it wont be valid untilyour 17th birthday. People who have had MOPEDs have to have a provisional which also enititles them to drive when they turn 17.

Answer 14

you can apply for one when you 16 and wont get it till 17th birthday