Learning to drive

Before you can drive a car, you’ll need:

• To be 17 years old
  
  
• A provisional driving licence. You can apply up to three months before your 17th birthday. To get a licence, go to the Post Office, pick up and send off two application forms – a D1 and the new photolicence application form D750.
  
  
• To book your lessons. You will need your provisional licence before you can take any lessons, although you can book them at any time.
  
  
• Instruction. We recommend professional instruction, but you can also practise in another vehicle if:
  
  1.  you are accompanied by someone who is at least 21 years of age
  2.  they have held a full driving licence for at least three years.
  3.  you display ‘L’ plates at the back and front of the car
  

• Insurance cover – but only if you are not learning in a Driving School car.

Links

www.dvla.gov.uk
www.theaa.com
www.drivers.com
www.learners.co.uk