Your provisional licence

Before you can begin to learn to drive, you must have a provisional licence.

Until the day you pass the practical part of the driving test you are not allowed to drive on your own.

It is also worthwhile having an eyesight test to check that you meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving.

More details are on the DSA web site.

Minimum ages

The minimum age, which you can legally, drive a car on the public roads is 17, with the exception that if you are disabled and in receipt of mobility allowance, the minimum age is 16.

The tests

In order to get your full drivers licence you must pass both the two-part theory test and the practical driving test.

The theory test consists of a hazard perception test followed by a multiple choice test based on the Highway Code.

Your theory test pass is valid for two years. If you have not successfully passed your practical test within that time, you will have to retake the theory test.

More details are on the DSA web site.

The practical test is a 40 minute practical driving examination taken with a Driving Standards Agency examiner.

More details are on the DSA web site.

Why choose to learn with a driving school?

The Driving Standards Agency strongly recommends that you take lessons from an Approved Driving Instructor. If your friend or relative teaches you they must be over 21 years of age and have held a Full British Driving Licence for at least 3 years. It's worthwhile remembering too that learning with a friend or relative means you could pick up their bad habits. Your instructor will advise when they feel you are ready to gain additional experience by going out with a friend or a relative. Remember their cars will more than likely not have the safety of dual controls.