Most people can start learning to drive a car on public roads at 17. Some people receiving a qualifying mobility benefit can start at 16. In either case, you must hold a valid provisional licence and meet the eyesight rules before you drive.
You can apply for your first provisional licence on GOV.UK . You can apply from the age of 15 years and 9 months, although you will usually need to wait until you are 17 before learning to drive a car on public roads.
The application service explains the current identity, residency, eyesight and payment requirements.
Yes. Your provisional licence must have been issued before you take a lesson or practise on public roads. Your instructor will need to check that it is valid before your first lesson.
There is no official minimum number of lessons or practice hours. The right amount depends on your previous experience, how regularly you drive and how quickly you can apply new skills consistently.
You should be able to drive safely and independently across different roads and traffic conditions before taking the test. Your instructor can help you assess this without rushing you.
Yes, provided the person supervising you:
- Is at least 21 years old
- Is qualified to drive the type of vehicle you are using
- Has held a full licence for that type of vehicle for at least three years
- Meets the same legal responsibilities as any other driver, including eyesight and mobile phone rules
You must be properly insured, display L plates and use a roadworthy vehicle. Learners may only drive on a motorway with an approved driving instructor in a dual-control car.
The car theory test has two parts:
- Multiple-choice questions covering the Highway Code, road signs and safe driving
- Hazard perception clips in which you identify developing hazards
You must pass both parts to pass the theory test.
You can book the theory test once you have your provisional licence. Many learners study alongside practical lessons so that the rules and hazards relate to situations they are already experiencing on the road.
Yes. You must pass the theory test before you can book a car driving test. Your theory pass is valid for two years, and you must pass the practical test before it expires.
The test usually lasts around 40 minutes and includes:
- An eyesight check
- One “tell me” and one “show me” vehicle safety question
- General driving in different road and traffic conditions
- One reversing exercise
- Around 20 minutes of independent driving
- Possibly an emergency stop
The examiner will assess whether you can drive safely, legally and independently, rather than whether the drive is faultless.
The official term is a driving fault. You can pass with up to 15 driving faults, provided you do not make a serious or dangerous fault. Repeating the same driving fault can become a serious fault, depending on the circumstances.
The examiner will explain the result and you will receive a record of the faults made. Use that feedback with your instructor to plan focused practice before trying again.
You can book another test, but the new appointment must be at least 10 working days after the test you did not pass.
It varies from person to person, and there is no required minimum learning period. Your progress will depend on factors such as:
- Your starting experience and confidence
- How regularly you take lessons
- The amount and quality of private practice available to you
- How readily you can apply feedback in different conditions
- Theory and practical test availability
A steady learning routine is usually more useful than trying to meet an arbitrary deadline.
Yes. You can select a test centre when you book, subject to appointment availability. It can help to be familiar with the local road types, but the test assesses safe independent driving rather than your ability to memorise a route.
You must bring:
- Your UK driving licence
- Your theory test pass certificate, if you still have it
- A car that meets the driving test rules
If you are using your instructor’s car, confirm the arrangements with them in advance. Your test can be cancelled if you do not bring the required documents or a suitable vehicle.
The examiner will give you a pass certificate. If your details have not changed and you hand over your provisional licence, the examiner can usually arrange for your full licence to be issued automatically. Otherwise, you will need to apply yourself.
Contact the DVLA if your new licence has not arrived within three weeks.
Yes. You can drive immediately after passing; you do not need to wait for the physical full licence. Your insurance must cover you as a full licence holder, and the vehicle must be taxed, insured and roadworthy.
No. P plates are optional in Great Britain. You can use them for as long as you find them helpful, but they do not change the rules that apply to you as a qualified driver.