Learn to drive
Most young people can’t wait to get behind the wheel of a car. Being able to drive not only gains you your freedom and independence to go where you want when you want, it’s also vital for many jobs. And with kids on the go all the time it’s handy to have two qualified drivers in the family. Driving isn’t difficult – driving well is much more demanding. If you’re going to learn to drive, it’s important to find a good instructor who will not only help you to get through your test, but who will also help you to become a safe, responsible driver.
Who can drive?
The minimum ages for driving on British roads are:
- 16 years for invalid carriages and mopeds
- 17 years for agricultural or forestry tractors, small vehicles and motorcycles
- 21 years for medium/large sized vehicles, minibuses and buses
Choosing a driving instructor
Only an approved driving instructor (ADI) registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) can charge a fee for teaching someone to drive. A fully qualified ADI must display a green certificate on the windscreen of the car during lessons. Some trainee driving instructors are granted a licence enabling them to gain experience before their qualifying examination. Trainee driving instructors must display a pink certificate on the windscreen. You should take advice from an ADI on all aspects of driving, what to read, when to take your test and how to practice. The best way to find a good instructor is to get a recommendation from a friend or relative.
Theory test
Learner drivers must take and pass a theory test before booking their practical test. If you already have a driving licence you might not have to take another theory test if you want to start driving a different vehicle. Some other drivers who simply want to driver another catergory of vehicle might not need to take a theory test. Check with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) or the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA).
Driving test fees
Theory test
Standard fee for car and motorcycle £21.50 (£28.50 from September 3 2007)
Practical test
Car (weekday) £48.50 (evening and weekends) £58
Motorcycle (weekday)£60 (evening and weekends) £70.00
How to get started
Before you start learning to drive, you must hold a valid, provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland and make sure the vehicle you drive is roadworthy, properly taxed and insured. To practise you must be accompanied by a driver over the age of 21 who has held - and still holds - a full licence for three years. As a learner driver you must display 'L' plates conspicuously on the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving. Different vehicles have different minimum ages and restrictions. Check with the DSA or DVLA.
When can you take the test?
You can take a theory test once you have a valid provisional licence. For car drivers, the earliest date is your 17th birthday, but you can apply for a licence up to three months before then. People receiving disability living allowance at the higher rate can have a provisional licence from the age of 16, and can apply for it within three months of their 16th birthday.
Driving eyesight requirements
If you need glasses or contact lenses you must wear them every time you drive. When applying for your driving licence from the DVLA you must make them aware of: any condition which affects both eyes, except short or long sight or colour blindness any condition which affects your sight, not including short or long sight or colour blindness, for example, if you have sight in one eye only sight correction surgery, which must be declared when applying for a provisional licence. Before the practical driving test, the driving examiner asks the driver to read the number plate on a stationary vehicle at a distance of 20.5 metres for old-style number plates and 20 metres for new-style number plates that start with two letters . If you can read the number plate correctly you will be allowed to take your driving test. If you can’t read it you should have two more attempts before the examiner decides you do not meet the required eyesight standard and you will fail the driving test. The examiner will send a form (D255) to DVLA notifying them and the DVLA will ask the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) to conduct a separate eyesight test at a test centre. If you are successful you will still have to pass the standard eyesight test at your next practical driving test.
Apply online
You can apply for your first provisional driving licence for a car, moped or motorcycle using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) online service www.dvla.gov.uk, in person at the Post Office or by post to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD.
You should complete the D1 application form available from the DVLA or Post Offices. branches. You’ll need original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £45.
For more information about learning to drive and taking a test go to www.direct.gov.uk/motoring