There are few things in life more exhilarating than learning to drive, and for the majority of the UK population, this represents the start of some personal freedom. However, before you can get out on the road, you are probably asking yourself When can you learn to drive in the UK? Whether you are excited about an upcoming first lesson or you are planning, you must know the law and the guidance surrounding learning to drive.
We’ll explain when you’re able to start your driving lessons in the UK, what you need before you start, and how Learn and Drive UK can help you start learning to drive.
The Legal Age You Can Get Lessons in the UK
You can start learning to drive when you are 17 in the UK. This is the youngest legal age for driving a car in public. In fact, you are eligible to take driving lessons and prepare for both the theory and practical driving test when you are 17.
But if you claim disability benefits, you could potentially begin lessons at 16 years old, provided you meet the conditions laid down by the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency).
What You’ll Need Before You Begin Learning to Drive
A few important things you need to do before you hit the road. Here’s everything you need to know before you can take driving lessons in the UK:
- Obtain a Provisional Driving License
- Before you commence driving lessons, one of the first things you have to have in place is your provisional licence. You can apply for your provisional license if you:
- Be 17 years or older (or 16 if receiving disability benefits).
- Meet vision standards (you’re able to read a number plate from 20 meters away).
- Supply name and address verification.
You can take your driving theory test in England, Scotland and Wales when you’re 17 years old, and once you’ve successfully passed, you can then apply for your provisional driving licence. If you reside in Northern Ireland, you can apply when you’re 16 years and 10 months. Apply for your first provisional Driving Licence. You can apply online through the DVLA website for your provisional driving licence if you’re a resident in Great Britain. Alternatively, use the D1 application form, available from the DVLA form ordering service or from your local Post Office. Apply by post if living in England, Scotland or Wales: send it to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD with the correct fee, make a cheque or postal order payable to DVLA (no cash). Apply by post: in Northern Ireland, to the Driver & Vehicle Agency. Once you have your license, you can begin learning to drive on the road with an instructor. - Book Your First Driving Lesson
As soon as you receive your provisional driving license (usually at the age of 16), you will be able to book your first driving lesson on a provisional license with an instructor. At Learn and Drive UK, we tailor our lessons to all abilities. If you are a new student or a refresh student, our patient instructors will explain the process and make it fun and easy for you to drive with confidence on the road.
You should get a few driving lessons at a driving school to learn the right methods and be observant of the important road regulations. Training with a professional instructor, in addition, will allow you to familiarise yourself with the on-road testing criteria, and you will be confident going in for the actual driving test. - Understand the Theory Test
You’ll also have to pass a theory test before sitting for your practical driving test. Theoretical examination: Two elements are part of the theoretical test:
Multiple-choice questions based on the effects of alcohol and drugs while driving.
Hazard perception test – this measures your ability to identify hazards when you’re driving.
The theory exam can be sat as soon as you receive your provisional license. It’s good to start preparing for the theory test early by reading the Highway Code, using online resources and trying out mock theory tests. - How to get ready for your driving lessons
If you’re ready to learn how to drive, here are some pointers to make the most of your lessons:
Nothing beats road signs and driving rules and regulations.
Some knowledge of road signs and driving rules may be useful to obtain before your first lesson. The more familiar you are with the Highway Code and common road signs, right of way, etc, the more confident you’ll feel driving. You can work through these on your own time or have your teacher lead you through them in lessons. - Practice Basic Car Controls
Even if you don’t have a chance to get behind the wheel before you’re in the classroom (or the parking lot), you can still practice some of the basic car skills in your head, or with a friend or relative. Getting to grips with words such as the accelerator, brake, clutch (for manual cars), steering wheel and gearstick will make you feel more at ease when you start driving. - Understand the road safety and traffic signs.
This will be something your driving instructor will go over in more detail, but you can also start understanding road safety, which includes knowing the two-second rule when it comes to keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and signalling before changing lanes or turning. An important step toward becoming a skilled driver is learning how to share the road safely with other road users.
What Comes After Driving Lessons?
When you go for driving lessons, you’re going to learn in stages. Here’s what to expect:
- Gain Confidence on the Road
Our Focus is on Getting You Ready for the Road. Here at Learn and Drive UK, we are dedicated to making you feel comfortable and confident behind the wheel. Our instructors will provide you with comprehensive, step-by-step instruction, beginning with basic driving skills and moving on to more complicated situations like heavy traffic, roundabouts and highways. You’ll also be taught how to park, drive in reverse, and manage difficult conditions on the road. - Prepare for Your Driving Test
Your instructor should help you gain confidence and prepare you for your practical test as they see fit. This is to test that you are able to manage the car, obey road signs and drive safely in a variety of conditions. You will also perform a sequence of driving manoeuvres, such as parallel parking and emergency stops. - Book Your Driving Test
When your instructor considers you are ready, they will assist you in booking your driving test through the DVSA. Upon passing, you will be awarded a full UK driver’s licence.
Why Learn and Drive UK for Driving Lessons?
Here at Learn and Drive UK, it’s our combined driving instruction skills and experience which make taking driving lessons so cheap and easy to learn to drive. Here are a few reasons we could be the perfect driving school for you in the UK:
- Experienced Instructors
Our instructors are DVSA-approved and are patient, professional, and very experienced. They’ll walk you through all you need to learn and make sure you are confident and skilled for your driving test. - Flexible Scheduling
We know how hectic life on the North Shore can be, so we provide convenient scheduling for your driving classes. If you would rather take evening classes, or even have them on the weekends instead, we’ll schedule your classes accordingly to fit your personal schedule so you can make learning how to drive as convenient as possible. - Affordable Prices
We offer excellent prices for learning to drive with us at Learn and Drive UK, so you can get learning without going short of money.
Conclusion
You can learn to drive when you are almost 17 in the UK, with a provisional driving licence. After that, you can start learning to drive so you can develop your skills and apply for the theory and practical driving tests.
Here at Learn and Drive UK, we pride ourselves on guiding you step by step to ensure you get up to your full driving potential and provide guidance to enable you to pass your driving test. From beginners and refreshers to certificate courses, our expert instructors will keep you on track – every step of the way.
Why not begin your driving adventure? Check out WWW.LearnandDrive.UK and book your 1st lesson now!