Getting a Personal Licence in England and Wales takes eight steps, from checking you are eligible to submitting your application to your licensing authority.
New to personal licensing? Start with our guide: What is a personal licence?
You must be 18 or over and have the right to work in the UK.
You must not have had a Personal Licence forfeited in the last five years. Having a conviction does not automatically stop you applying, but relevant offences must be declared.
What is a personal licence?All applicants need an accredited licensing qualification, such as the Level 2 Award for Personal Licence Holders (APLH).
With Licensing Solutions you study online, in your own time.
Personal licence course & examThe exam is 40 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes, with a pass mark of 28 out of 40 (70%).
Our exams are remotely invigilated online, so you can sit yours from home or work.
Try the personal licence mock examYou must provide a basic DBS certificate as part of your personal licence application.
The certificate must be no more than 28 days old when your application is submitted.
Request a basic DBS check on GOV.UKTwo passport-style photographs, one endorsed as a true likeness by a suitable person.
Your original APLH certificate, proof of your right to work in the UK, the completed application form and the declaration of relevant or foreign offences.
Personal Licence applications go to the licensing authority for your home address, not the area where you work.
If you are not sure which authority covers you, use the GOV.UK council finder.
Find your licensing authorityThe £37 fee is paid to your licensing authority with your application.
The APLH course and the DBS check are separate costs.
How much does a personal licence cost?The licensing authority checks your application. If relevant offences have been declared, the police may be notified and can object, and some applications go to a licensing hearing.
Processing times vary between licensing authorities. Once granted, your licence is issued by the authority.
Before you submit, make sure you have:
Apply to the authority where you live. Not sure which one? Use the GOV.UK council finder.
Most applications are granted without issues. An application may not succeed if, for example:
If you have relevant convictions, it may be sensible to get advice before applying.
Once you have passed your APLH exam, Licensing Solutions can prepare and submit your Personal Licence application for you.
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