What age can I start Learning

 

1. Get Your Provisional Driving Licence

Before you can start driving lessons, you’ll need a provisional driving licence. Here’s how to get one:

• Apply online at the official GOV.UK website.
• You’ll need:
• Proof of ID (like a passport).
• Your address history from the last 3 years.
• Your driving licence number (if renewing).
• The licence costs £34 and usually arrives within a week.

 

2. Prepare for Your Theory Test

The theory test costs £23 and must be passed before you can book your practical test. Here’s how to get ready:

• Study using official materials and apps with practice tests.
• The test includes multiple-choice questions and hazard perception clips.
• Passing your theory test early gives you more time to focus on driving lessons.

 

3. Start Your Driving Lessons

Once you have your provisional driving licence, you can begin lessons with a qualified driving instructor.

• Choose between learning in a manual car or an automatic car.
• Manual cars let you drive both manual and automatic vehicles.
• Automatic cars are easier to learn but restrict you to automatics only.
• During your lessons, you’ll learn to:
• Use the brake pedal, clutch, and accelerator.
• Drive a manual car with manual gearboxes.
• Navigate common driving situations, like roundabouts and junctions.

 

4. Practicing Outside Lessons

You can practice driving with a friend or family member if they:

• Are over 21 years old.
• Have had a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years.
• Make sure you have:
• Learner driver insurance.
• L plates on the car.

 

5. How Long Does It Take to Pass?

There’s no set number of lessons, but most learners need about 45 hours with an instructor and 20 hours of practice. Everyone learns at their own pace, so don’t rush.

 

 

6. Preparing for Your Practical Driving Test

The practical driving test costs £62 on weekdays and £75 on weekends or evenings. Before taking a test, ensure you:

• Feel confident handling different driving scenarios.
• Take a mock driving test with your instructor to simulate real test conditions.
• Practice parking, reversing, and using mirrors correctly.

A DVSA examiner will asses your driving at one of their many centres.

 

 

7. Tips for Passing Your Driving Test

To pass your driving test, you need to show you can drive safely and independently. Here’s what helps:

• Practice regularly in your lessons and outside with supervision.
• Use mock tests to identify areas for improvement.
• Stay calm and confident during the test.

 

8. Dealing with Driving Test Cancellations

Sometimes, it can take weeks to get a test date. If you’re in a rush, search for driving test cancellations to find earlier slots.

 

 

9. What If You Don’t Pass?

If you don’t pass your first attempt, don’t worry!

• You can rebook your test after 10 days.
• Review your mistakes with your instructor and focus on improvement.

 

10. FAQs About Learning to Drive

• Should I learn in a manual or automatic car?
• Learning in a manual gives you more flexibility, but automatic cars are simpler if you’re nervous.
• What should I bring to my test?
• Your provisional driving licence, reference number, and any glasses you wear.
• How can I pass faster?
• Prepare early, practice often, and take a few mock tests before the real one.

 

Final Thoughts

Learning to drive is a journey, but with a great driving instructor and enough practice, you’ll be ready to take on the road. Whether you choose to drive a manual car or automatic, stay focused on your goal to pass your driving test and earn your full UK driving licence. Good luck! 🚗