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Learn to drive: every step, in the right order

Sorted keeps the steps in sequence, shows the official cost before you start, and sends you to the real DVLA and DVSA services — never a paid middleman. Progress is saved in this browser only.

Start with your provisional licence
Why the order matters. GOV.UK requires a provisional licence before you can book a theory test, and a theory pass before a practical test. Sorted locks steps you cannot use yet, so you never start something that will be refused.

  1. Provisional licence

    Official service GOV.UK / DVLA

    Cost: £34 when you apply online GOV.UK, checked 13 August 2026

    What you need

    • At least 15 years and 9 months old
    • Able to read a number plate from 20 metres
    • Permission to live in Great Britain for 185 days
    • Photo ID, usually a passport
    • Credit or debit card

    Watch out: You can apply from 15 years and 9 months, but you cannot drive a car until you are 17.

    Start on DVLA ↗

  2. Theory test

    Official service GOV.UK / DVSA

    Cost: £23 for car and motorcycle tests GOV.UK, checked 13 August 2026

    What you need

    • Your UK driving licence number
    • An email address
    • Credit or debit card

    Watch out: GOV.UK requires a provisional driving licence before you can book - that is why this step unlocks after step 1.

    Start on DVSA ↗

  3. Practical test

    Official service GOV.UK / DVSA

    Cost: From £62 (GOV.UK lists £62 to £75) GOV.UK, checked 13 August 2026

    What you need

    • Your UK driving licence number
    • Credit or debit card
    • Your instructor reference number if checking their availability

    Watch out: To change or cancel without losing the fee, DVSA needs at least 10 full working days notice (GOV.UK, checked 13 August 2026). Your test is also cancelled with no refund if you do not bring the right things.

    Start on DVSA ↗

  4. After you pass

    Official service GOV.UK / DVLA

    What you need

    • Insurance in your own right before driving alone
    • Vehicle tax if you own a car
    • A valid MOT if the car is over three years old

    Watch out: Check the details on your full licence when it arrives.

    Start on DVLA ↗

Licence and vehicle admin

Costs were checked against the official GOV.UK pages on 13 August 2026. Fees change — the figure on the official service is the one that applies. SortedUK is independent, not a government body, and never charges for anything that is free.
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