To start learning to drive you need to be at least 17 years old, which is the minimum age that you can legally drive a car on public roads in the UK. There have been numerous myths around discussing the age limit being raised but as of yet the age limit is still the same as before. Under 17 Of course, if you're not yet 17 and want to start practising on private land, that's ok, but please remember that places like supermarket car parks are classed as public roads.
As a learner driver, you have to display 'L' plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) in a highly visible place on the front and back of the vehicle you're driving. And until the day you pass the practical part of the driving test you'll have to display these and drive with someone who has passed their test (full details below). 'L' plates have to conform to a legal specification, so make sure you buy them rather than making your own. Whenever the vehicle isn't driven by a learner, you should take off the plates or cover them (except on driving school vehicles). Once youve started your lessons, ask your instructor for advice about practising your driving between lessons.
Remember, until the day you pass the practical part of the driving test, youre not allowed to drive on your own. Practising with a friend or relative is a great idea, but they must be over 21 years old and have held a full British driving licence for at least 3 years. Its also important to know that only instructors who are licensed by the DSA (approved and part qualified instructors) are allowed to charge for giving driving lessons or accompanying a driver. No one else is allowed to charge for this.
You can apply for your provisional licence quickly and easily online or by completing the D1 application form available at post offices. The current cost of a first provisional licence is £38.00 (for a car, motorcycle, medium/large vehicle, minibus/bus). If you apply using the D1 form, you'll need to send documents with it to confirm your identity. If you wish you can apply for your licence up to three months before your 17th birthday. But you'll have to wait until you're 17, and you've received and signed your provisional licence, before you can start driving and take your Theory Test.
There are various classifications of licence, which authorise what type and size of vehicle you are allowed to drive, and some of the vehicle types require additional accreditation or training. In general, the minimum ages for driving on British roads are 16 years for invalid carriages and mopeds, 17 years for small vehicles and motorcycles, agricultural or forestry tractors, and 21 years for medium/large sized vehicles, minibuses and buses. If you already have a full motorcycle licence and you got this before 1 February 2001, you'll still need to take the Practical Test, but you'll be exempt from the car Theory Test.
There are some circumstances where you may be refused a driving licence, find out the reasons why here
As a learner driver, you have to display 'L' plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) in a highly visible place on the front and back of the vehicle you're driving. And until the day you pass the practical part of the driving test you'll have to display these and drive with someone who has passed their test (full details below). 'L' plates have to conform to a legal specification, so make sure you buy them rather than making your own. Whenever the vehicle isn't driven by a learner, you should take off the plates or cover them (except on driving school vehicles). Once youve started your lessons, ask your instructor for advice about practising your driving between lessons.
Remember, until the day you pass the practical part of the driving test, youre not allowed to drive on your own. Practising with a friend or relative is a great idea, but they must be over 21 years old and have held a full British driving licence for at least 3 years. Its also important to know that only instructors who are licensed by the DSA (approved and part qualified instructors) are allowed to charge for giving driving lessons or accompanying a driver. No one else is allowed to charge for this.
You can apply for your provisional licence quickly and easily online or by completing the D1 application form available at post offices. The current cost of a first provisional licence is £38.00 (for a car, motorcycle, medium/large vehicle, minibus/bus). If you apply using the D1 form, you'll need to send documents with it to confirm your identity. If you wish you can apply for your licence up to three months before your 17th birthday. But you'll have to wait until you're 17, and you've received and signed your provisional licence, before you can start driving and take your Theory Test.
There are various classifications of licence, which authorise what type and size of vehicle you are allowed to drive, and some of the vehicle types require additional accreditation or training. In general, the minimum ages for driving on British roads are 16 years for invalid carriages and mopeds, 17 years for small vehicles and motorcycles, agricultural or forestry tractors, and 21 years for medium/large sized vehicles, minibuses and buses. If you already have a full motorcycle licence and you got this before 1 February 2001, you'll still need to take the Practical Test, but you'll be exempt from the car Theory Test.
There are some circumstances where you may be refused a driving licence, find out the reasons why here
Driving's Cool - Get Started
Contact Us
