Track your driving licence application

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Track your application online

If you’ve applied for a new driving licence or renewed your driving licence online, you can track its progress.

This guide is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg).

Use your driver and vehicles account to track your application. There’s a different way to track applications for:

Sign in or create an account

You’ll need to sign in to your driver and vehicles account to use this service. If you do not already have a driver and vehicles account, you’ll be able to create one.

You’ll be told when you sign in if you need to prove your identity. This is to keep your details safe and usually involves using photo ID like a passport or driving licence.

You’ll also need your application reference. This was emailed to you after you applied. This will be a series of 12 letters, for example TYAB-ABCD-ABCD.

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How long applications usually take

You’ll normally get your driving licence within a week of completing your online application.

If you applied by post

Contact DVLA to track your application.

View a printable version of the whole guide

Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

    1. Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules

  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

    1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence £34 to £43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practise.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test £23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test £62 to £75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses