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Applying for a provisional driving licence

Before you can learn to drive a car, moped or motorcycle you must apply for a provisional driving licence. If you already hold a valid full driving licence and want to learn to drive large vehicles, minibuses or buses you will need to apply for provisional entitlement for these vehicles.

Apply in person or by post

You can apply for your provisional driving licence by completing the DL1 application form that is available from main Post Office® branches or Local Vehicle Licensing Offices or MOT centres.

You will also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £50.00. Send your completed application and payment to DVA, Driver Licensing, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB.

The new version of Provisional licence, issued from 1st July 2011, has a green plastic photocard and a green and pink paper counterpart. Further information is available in the information leaflet below.

Applying for provisional entitlement for larger vehicles, minibuses and buses

If you currently hold a valid full licence and want to add provisional entitlement to drive large vehicles, minibuses and buses you must complete the application form DL1 and the medical report form DLM1. These are available from main Post Office® branches, local vehicle licensing offices or MOT centres.

The DLM1 has to be completed by a doctor and you should ensure that all the relevant questions are completed. The doctor will normally charge you for completing the report and those registered for VAT are also required to charge the current rate on top of their fee.

If you are applying for a passenger-carrying vehicle entitlement (PCV) i.e. minibuses / buses, a Basic Disclosure Certificate is also required, further information on the Basic Disclosure Certificate is available at the link below:

It is also necessary to return original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and your current driving licence. There is no fee required for the application. The address to send this information is DVA, Driver Licensing, County Hall, Coleraine, BT51 3TB.

When to expect your licence

The DVA aims to deliver your driving licence to you within three weeks of receiving your application. It will take longer if your health or personal details have to be checked.

You will need to wait for your new licence to arrive before driving. Please allow at least three weeks for your licence to arrive before contacting the DVA.

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