Advice
Getting Started
Things You Need To Know
Get the knowledge… know the rules. Before you learn to drive a vehicle, understand which restrictions apply to you. This is crucial because different vehicles have different age - and other - restrictions.
It’s non-negotiable… before you learn to drive, you must:
- Have a valid, provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland.
- Make sure any car you drive is roadworthy
- Make sure any car you drive is properly taxed
- Make sure it’s insured
It’s your responsibility to get this sorted.
Get into good habits… your first driving experiences behind the wheel could shape your whole approach to driving. They could effect what you do on the road for the next 50 years. Scary? You bet. Learn safe driving habits from the start because bad habits are hard to break.
Get thinking, trust the pros… it’s unlikely anyone except an approved driving instructor (ADI) will have the experience, the knowledge or the training to teach you the correct way to drive. Learning safe driving habits from the start will improve the safety of yourself and others.
But… driving lessons cost money and it’s good to practise. If you’re going to practise, make sure the person beside you is over 21, holds a full driving licence and has held their licence for over 3 years. Be careful; learning to drive can be stressful. Think about the person who’s coaching you – and the kind of relationship you have with them - and remember, when you’re behind a wheel you’re not a son, daughter, sibling or best mate: you’re a DRIVER with a driver’s responsibilities!
Get noticed… wear your L plates (or D plates in Wales) so everyone can see you’re a learner. It’s true, other drivers might get frustrated by learner drivers but remember, they were once learners too. Display your plates at the front and back of your vehicle.
17 is the magic number. You can’t take your Theory or Practical tests until you’re 17 but you can apply for your licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday. Apply early and get studying your Highway Code. Click the link for more details on how to apply for your Provisional Licence.
Disability Living Allowance
If you’re receiving disability living allowance at the higher rate, your Provisional Licence will come into effect when you’re 16. You can still apply for it within 3 months of your 16th birthday.
Physical Requirements
Before you start to drive, make sure you’re aware of the eyesight requirements. If you need glasses or contact lenses to meet the requirements you need to ensure you wear them EVERY time you drive.
When you apply for your Provisional Licence, you have to let the DVLA know if you have:
- Any visual condition which affects both eyes (that doesn’t include short or long sight or colour blindness).
- Any visual condition which affects your sight ((that doesn’t include short or long sight or colour blindness) egg: if you have sight in only one eye.
- If you have had sight correction surgery
Get The Licence
You can’t learn to drive a car, ride a moped or a motorbike until you apply for your Provisional Driving Licence. It doesn’t stop there. If you already hold a Full Driving Licence and want to apply to drive larger vehicles (e.g. mini-buses, buses) you’ll need to apply for a provisional entitlement for these vehicles.
Apply… Online
Just click here to link to the DVLA site for a secure and easy to use online service.
Apply… In Person or By Post
Just complete the D1 application form available from the DVLA or your local Post Office branch. When you fill in the form you’ll also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity (birth certificate, passport), a passport style colour photo and a cheque or postal order for £45.00. Send your application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD… or you may be able to use the premium checking service.
You’d best allow 3 weeks until you receive your Provisional Licence. It takes time for the DVLA to check your personal details so be patient.
Don’t forget… you can’t start driving until
- You have your Provisional Licence in your possession.
- You are 17 years old.