How to Apply or Reapply for a Driving Licence in the UK

Applying for a driving licence is usually simple. But if you have been banned from driving, had your licence revoked, or need to reapply after a medical issue, it can feel stressful.

The good news is that there are clear steps to follow. This guide explains how to apply for a licence, reapply after a ban, and prepare for car insurance.

At Got You Covered, we help drivers who may find standard cover harder to arrange. This includes drivers with motoring convictions, previous claims, and a low no-claims bonus.

Applying for your first provisional driving licence

You need a provisional driving licence before you can learn to drive on public roads.

You can apply for your first provisional driving licence through DVLA if you:

• are at least 15 years and 9 months old
• can read a number plate from 20 metres away
• have permission to live in Great Britain for at least 185 days

Most people apply online. GOV.UK currently lists the online fee as £34. You can also apply by post using form D1, but this usually costs more.

For car drivers, most people can start learning on the road when they are 17. You must follow learner driver rules and have valid learner driver insurance if you are practising in your own car or someone else’s car.

Renewing your driving licence

A photocard driving licence normally needs to be renewed every 10 years. You can renew your driving licence online, by post, or at some Post Offices.

You must not be disqualified from driving when you renew your licence.

If you are aged 70 or over, or will be 70 in the next 90 days, you can renew your driving licence if you’re 70 or over. This renewal is free for eligible drivers in this age group. Once you reach 70, you must renew every 3 years. You must also meet the eyesight and medical rules.

Reapplying after a driving ban

A driving ban can happen for many reasons. These may include drink driving, drug driving, dangerous driving, or getting 12 or more penalty points within 3 years.

If you have been banned, try not to panic. The key point is simple: you must not drive until your ban has ended and you are legally allowed to drive again.

Under driving disqualification rules:

• If your ban was less than 56 days, you do not need to apply for a new licence before driving again. You must still wait until the ban has ended.
• If your ban was 56 days or more, you must apply for a new licence before driving again.
• If the court says you must retake your test, you must pass the required test before driving again.

You can view your driving licence record to check your ban, points, and endorsements.

Will you need to retake your driving test?

Not always. The court will tell you if you need to retake your test.

You may need to:

• apply for a new provisional licence
• take a theory test
• take a practical test
• take an extended practical test, if the court orders it

GOV.UK explains what to do if you need to retake your test after a ban.

Reapplying after a drink-driving ban

If you were banned for drink driving, you will usually need to apply for a new licence after your disqualification ends.

Some drivers are classed as high-risk offenders. This can apply if, for example, you had a very high alcohol reading, refused to give a sample, or had 2 drink-driving offences within 10 years.

If you are a high-risk offender, DVLA will not return your licence until you can prove you are fit to drive again. This usually means a medical exam with a DVLA-appointed doctor. You can read more about drink-driving disqualification and high-risk offenders.

Medical conditions and your licence

You must tell DVLA about some medical conditions that could affect safe driving. This can include epilepsy, some heart conditions, sleep apnoea, diabetes treated with insulin, strokes, and glaucoma.

GOV.UK says you could be fined if you do not tell DVLA about a condition that may affect your driving. You can check the rules on medical conditions, disabilities and driving.

If you gave up your licence for medical reasons, you may be able to reapply when you meet the required medical standards again.

Can you get car insurance after a ban?

Yes, in many cases you can. But it may be harder to find cover, and the price may be higher.

Some insurers may not offer cover for drivers with recent bans or serious convictions. Others may look at your case in more detail.

Insurers may ask about:

• the offence code
• the date of conviction
• the length of the ban
• penalty points
• claims history
• your car
• your job and mileage
• how long you have been back on the road

Got You Covered works with drivers whose circumstances may not fit the standard market. This includes people with motoring convictions, previous claims, and a low no-claims bonus. You can read more about our convicted driver insurance.

What do you need to disclose to insurers?

You must answer insurance questions honestly and carefully.

Insurers may ask about motoring convictions, bans, penalty points, claims, cancelled policies, or medical restrictions. If you leave out information you were asked for, your policy could be cancelled, changed, or a claim could be refused.

Penalty points and endorsements stay on your driving record for either 4 or 11 years, depending on the offence. You can check the official rules on penalty points and endorsements.

Criminal convictions can become spent after a set period. MoneyHelper explains that, for insurance, the key issue is usually whether a conviction is spent or unspent. You can read more about getting insurance if you have a criminal conviction.

It is also important to provide accurate details when requesting a quote. We explain this in more detail in our blog on why accurate details matter when getting a car insurance quote.

Getting insured with Got You Covered

A driving ban or licence issue can feel like a setback, but it does not always mean you are out of options.

At Got You Covered, we take time to understand your situation. We can help you look for suitable cover based on your licence, driving history, vehicle, and needs.

Whether you are applying again after a ban, rebuilding your driving record, or need help after previous claims, we can help you explore car insurance or van insurance options that fit your circumstances.