Process of Learning to Drive

Learning to drive may seem quite complicated, with all the forms you have to fill out and other information you have to remember. For this reason information in this section is aimed at giving you everything you need to know about getting your provisional licence and starting your driving lessons, through to the Theory and Practical Test completion to get your Full Driving License.

• Application for a Provisional Licence
• Recommended reading
• The Theory test
• Applying for your practical test
• The practical Driving Test
• Getting Your Result

Application for a Provisional Licence:

Before you get into a car to start learning to drive, you must have a valid Provisional Driving Licence. To apply for this, you must complete the application form D1 that's available from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency), or from your local Post Office. Alternatively you can now apply for a Provisional Licence online. Visit www.direct.gov.uk and follow the directions. It takes about 4 weeks for your application to be processed and for your licence to be sent to you - so if you want to start learning to drive as soon as you turn 17, ensure you apply early.

Recommended Reading:

The Highway Code is essential for everybody learning to drive. It contains all of the rules and regulations that you must adhere to when driving in the UK. As a driver, it's your duty to know these rules - and remember if you don't abide by them, you'll be breaking the law and could end up being prosecuted. We recommend that you also read 'Driving: the Essential Skills', a DSA publication. This book is about the skills of driving a car and will help new drivers with their practical driving lessons.