Driving lessons and learning to drive

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Overview

You can apply for a provisional driving licence when you鈥檙e 15 years and 9 months old.

You can usually start driving a car when you鈥檙e 17.

The rules are different if you have a disability or long-term health condition.

Check which vehicles you can learn to drive.

Rules for learning to drive

You must have a provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland when you鈥檙e learning to drive or ride.

You must be supervised when you鈥檙e learning to drive a car. This can be by a driving instructor or someone else who meets the rules, for example family or friends.

The car you learn in must display 鈥楲鈥� plates.

You can drive at any time, day and night.

You can only drive on motorways if all of the following apply:

  • you鈥檙e driving in England, Scotland or Wales
  • you鈥檙e with an approved driving instructor
  • the car is fitted with dual controls

Speed limits

In England, Scotland and Wales the speed limits when driving with 鈥楲鈥� plates are the same as when you鈥檝e passed your test.

In Northern Ireland the speed limit is 45 miles per hour when you鈥檙e learning to drive a car.

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Part of Learn to drive a car: step by step

  1. Step 1 Check you're allowed to drive

    Most people can start learning to drive when they鈥檙e 17.

    1. Check what age you can drive
    2. Requirements for driving legally
    3. Driving eyesight rules

  2. Step 2 Get a provisional licence

    1. Apply for your first provisional driving licence 拢34 to 拢43

  3. Step 3 Driving lessons and practice

    You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practise.

    1. The Highway Code
    2. You are currently viewing: Taking driving lessons
    3. Find driving schools, lessons and instructors
    4. Practise vehicle safety questions

  4. and Prepare for your theory test

    1. Theory test revision and practice
    2. Take a practice theory test

  5. Step 4 Book and manage your theory test

    You need a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.

    1. Book your theory test 拢23
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your theory test appointment
    4. Check your theory test appointment details
    5. Cancel your theory test

  6. Step 5 Book and manage your driving test

    You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test.

    1. Book your driving test 拢62 to 拢75
    2. What to take to your test
    3. Change your driving test appointment
    4. Check your driving test appointment details
    5. Cancel your driving test

  7. Step 6 When you pass

    You can start driving as soon as you pass your driving test.

    You must have an insurance policy that allows you to drive without supervision.

    1. Find out about Pass Plus training courses