Learning To Drive – Part One

The Minimum age for learning to drive in the UK is 17, and you can apply for your provisional licence two weeks before your birthday.

For those with disabilities and in receipt of mobility allowance the minimum age for learning to drive is 16.

To apply for your provisional driving licence you need to complete form D1, which is available from the Post Office or local BSM centre. You will need to enclose documents which confirm your identity, such as your passport, birth certificate, adoption certificate or travel documents from the home office.

A provisional licence allows you to learn to drive when accompanied by another driver, who must be over 21years old and have held a full British Driving Licence for at least 3 years.

There are two main parts to the driving test – the Theory Test (incorporating the Hazard Perception Test) and the Practical Driving Test.

You don’t need to pass the theory test before you start taking lessons, and it is recommended that you study for the theory test at the same time as taking lessons to consolidate what you are learning.

You cannot drive alone on the road until you have passed both the theory and practical tests.