Disability Driving Instructors

If you want to start driving you must hold a provisional licence. You would normally need to be aged 17 to hold a licence to drive a car (Category B) but if you receive the higher rate mobility component of DLA (Disability Living Allowance) or the enhanced rate mobility component of PIP (Personal Independence Payment) you may hold a licence from age 16.

You can apply for your licence three months before your birthday, if you are applying on-line you will need to hold a valid UK passport (or one that has expired within the last 12 months), if you don’t have a UK passport you would be advised to apply for one well before you need to apply for your driving licence so that you have the necessary identification in plenty of time.

Get a licence application form from any Post Office or on-line from www.direct.gov.uk/myprovisional The cost to apply by post is £43 (if you apply on-line the fee is £34).

Or you can apply on-line at www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence – you will need to confirm your identity by providing the following:

• Your UK passport number (a passport that expired within the last 12 months can be used)
• Addresses where you have lived for the past 3 years
• Your National Insurance Number
• A £34 payment by MasterCard, Visa, Electron, Maestro or Delta debit or credit card.

You’ll get a confirmation email from DVLA after you’ve applied, your licence should arrive within one week if you apply on-line.

Your eyesight must meet the legal standard, you must declare this on the application form and state whether you need glasses or contact lenses to comply. You must also complete the health declaration; if you think that you have a medical condition that could affect your fitness to drive, get advice from your doctor or optician or visit the DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency) website www.gov.uk/driving-medical-conditions . You can also contact your local “Driving Mobility” assessment centre for advice, ring 0800 559 3636 or go to www.drivingmobility.org.uk

If you have declared a medical condition you may be asked to fill in a medical questionnaire, these can be downloaded from www.direct.gov.uk/driverhealth and enclosed with the licence application or alternatively the questionnaire will be sent to you by DVLA, if they consider it necessary, by post on receipt of the application form.

If you are applying to drive a car from age 16, you must tick the relevant box in section 1 of the application; you will subsequently be asked by DVLA to send proof of your DLA/PIP award. (see – Driving at 16 with high rate mobility of DLA/PIP)

You must not drive until you receive your licence as it will give details of what and when you can legally drive. If driving at age 16 check that the “from” date for Category B (car) on the rear of the plastic card does allow you to drive at 16.

Updated 03.04.2022