What is a driving licence?

A driving licence is the legal document, issued in Great Britain by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and in Northern Ireland by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), that authorises its holder to drive specified categories of motor vehicle on public roads.

The licence has two forms. A provisional licence allows a learner to drive while supervised by a qualified adult, provided the vehicle displays L plates (or D plates in Wales). A full licence is issued when the holder passes both the theory test and the practical driving test. The minimum age to hold a provisional car licence in Great Britain is 17, though 16-year-olds can drive a moped or certain small motorbikes. Disabled drivers in receipt of the enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment can apply from age 16.

The licence is a photocard showing the holder's photograph, date of birth, address, licence number, signature, and the categories of vehicle they are entitled to drive. Paper counterpart licences were abolished in 2015. Modern licences use category codes: AM (mopeds), A1, A2 and A (motorcycles), B (cars and small vans), C (large goods vehicles), and D (buses and coaches). Additional codes cover trailers and specialist vehicles.

The photocard must be renewed every 10 years, a renewal that confirms the photograph and address are current. The entitlement to drive itself lasts until the driver's 70th birthday, after which it must be renewed every three years. Drivers are required to notify DVLA of any medical condition that might affect their ability to drive safely, including certain heart conditions, diabetes requiring insulin, and some neurological conditions.

Endorsements and penalty points appear on the DVLA driver record and, for serious offences, remain for either four or eleven years. Twelve or more points within three years usually results in a disqualification of at least six months under the "totting up" provisions. New drivers who accumulate six or more points within two years of passing their test have their licence revoked and must take the theory and practical tests again.

Driving without a valid licence is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and carries a fine of up to £1,000, between three and six penalty points, and potential disqualification. Driving without insurance, without a valid MOT where required, or without road tax is a separate offence.

UK licence holders can drive in most EU and EEA countries using their British licence. An International Driving Permit may be required in other countries.