Getting a Provisional Driving License
Before you take driving lessons you need to have a UK Provisional License from the Driving and Vehicle Licensing Association (DVLA). After this you can start learning to drive under instruction. Your instructor must be aged over 21 and/or must have held a full license for three years.
Top tip: ensure your car insurance covers the vehicle you're practicing in.
Driving Lessons
Passing your driving test is your ticket to freedom. It can be great to finally get behind the wheel after all that hard work.
If you've still to get your license and that all-important ticket to freedom, here a few things to think about:
Choosing a Driving Instructor
Before you decide on a driving instructor make sure he/she is a DVLA Approved Driving Instructor (ADI for short).
Approved instructors place a green octagonal DSA badge in the front windscreen on their tuition vehicle. Find out how long they're been teaching for and what their pass rate is.
- Check the DSA instructor's grade. Grade 6 indicates that the instructor performs to a very high standard.
- Ask if the instructor will pick you up and drop you off at your home or work address.
- Shop around for different lesson prices. These can often vary slightly between instructors. Discounts are often given if you book in bulk.
- Why not try asking for a free or reduced-price initial lesson to see how you get on with the instructor?
- Check for any extras, such as software or study aids to help prepare for the theory test.
- Find out what model of car is used during the lessons.
- If you're learning to drive in your own vehicle, shop around to find the right car insurance.
The Theory Test
The UK Driving Theory Test is made of two parts – multiple choice and hazard perception – and has to be passed before you can go on to sit the practical test.
You can book your Driving Theory Test through the DirectGov website.
Practical Driving Test
Once all that's sorted there's nothing left to do but to start with the practical lessons.
The driving test has been designed to see if you can drive competently and safely and to test your knowledge of the Highway Code. You'll be asked to reverse your car, turn in the road or reverse park – into a parking bay – and parallel park at the side of the road. You might also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.
You're allowed to make up to 15 minor faults during the test. Any major fault is classed as an automatic fail.
Car insurance premiums can often be higher for new drivers but there are a few things you can do to keep costs down. Visit our cheaper car insurance page for hints and tips on how to keep your premiums low.
