The Green Insurer
How long does a provisional licence last?
By Paul Baxter, 8th April 2025
Category: Learner driver
A UK provisional driving licence is valid for 10 years from the date it's issued. If you don’t pass your theory and practical driving tests within that time, you’ll need to renew your licence before you can continue learning to drive.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how long a provisional licence lasts, how to renew it, and what happens if it expires.
What is a provisional driving licence?
A provisional driving licence allows you to start learning to drive a car, ride a moped or motorbike, or drive a light quad bike in the UK before you have passed your driving test.
It’s a legal requirement for anyone learning to drive, and you must hold a valid provisional licence before booking a theory or practical test.
What happens if your provisional licence expires?
If your provisional licence expires before you've passed both your theory and practical driving tests, you won’t be legally allowed to drive until it’s renewed.
Driving with an expired licence can result in penalties, and it will invalidate your learner driver insurance policy.
How do I apply for my provisional driving licence?
According the DVLA you must:
- be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
- have been given permission to live in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) for at least 185 days
You can apply below:
Apply for you’re here: provisional driving licence.
How to renew your provisional licence
You can renew your provisional licence online via the GOV.UK website , by post, or at selected Post Office branches.
To renew online, you’ll need:
- A valid UK passport
- Your current provisional driving licence
- Your National Insurance number
- Your addresses from the last 3 years
Cost:
- £14 (as of 2025, subject to change)
Once renewed, your new licence will be valid for another 10 years.
Can you still drive with an expired licence?
No. Driving with an expired provisional licence is illegal. You must stop driving immediately and apply for a renewal. If caught, you could face a fine and points on your licence.
FAQs about provisional driving licences
Can I renew a provisional licence more than once?
Yes. There is no limit to how many times you can renew your provisional licence, as long as you still meet the eligibility criteria.
Does the expiry date change when I pass my theory test?
No. The theory test has its own expiry date (2 years from the pass date), separate from your provisional licence.
Can I drive a car alone with a provisional licence?
No. With The Green Insurer, you must be supervised and supervisor must be at least 25 years old. They must have a full driving licence for the type of car being driven (manual or automatic) and have held that valid licence for a minimum of three years.
About the author
Paul Baxter - CEO, The Green Insurer
Paul Baxter is the Chief Executive Officer of The Green Insurer. With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Paul has held senior leadership positions at Marmalade Insurance, Chaucer Insurance Service, Tesco Insurance, and Direct Line, shaping the future of motor insurance in the UK.
With a strong track record in insurance, his expertise spans digital transformation, insurance innovation, and customer-centric solutions. Passionate about shaping a future that is not only safer for drivers but also better for the planet and all people. Paul is committed to giving customers a genuine option to buy green insurance easily.
Connect with Paul on LinkedIn.