Practical driving test & Theory test
What do I need to learn to drive a car?
Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17. You must have a provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland when you’re learning to drive. You must be supervised when you’re learning to drive a car. This can be by a driving instructor. You can apply for a provisional licence at 15 years and 9 months old. You can learn to drive a car and take a test at 17.
If you’re getting Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
You can learn to drive a car and take a test when you’re 16 if you get, or have applied for, the mobility part of PIP.
Get a provisional Licence
Get your first provisional driving licence for a car from DVLA online. To apply you must be at least 15 years and 9 months old and be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away. You need a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practice.You can start driving a car when you’re 17.
Driving lessons and practise
You must be supervised when you’re learning to drive a car. This can be by your driving instructor.Your instructor will have the appropriate car ready for driving lessons and practical test. The car would be fully insured and fitted with dual controls.
Rules for learning to drive
You must be supervised when you’re learning to drive a car. This can be by your driving instructor. The car you learn in must display ‘L’ plates. You can drive at any time, day and night. You can only drive on motorways if all of the following apply: you’re driving in England,
Scotland or Wales you’re with an approved driving instructor and the car is fitted with dual controls. Speed limits In England, Scotland and Wales the speed limits when driving with ‘L’ plates are the same as when you’ve passed your test.
Theory test
You need a provisional licence to book your theory test. There are 2 parts to the test: multiple-choice questions and hazard perception - a video test about spotting hazards on the road. You book and take them as a single test. You must pass both parts to pass the test. You can take the theory test from your 17th birthday. You can take it from your 16th birthday if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). You usually need to take the theory test before you can get your full car driving licence.
Practise theory test
For Theory test revisions and practice, You can use books and software to revise for the theory test and take practice tests. To prepare for Hazard perception test you can use the official guide to hazard perception. In the button below you can also find links to buy the necessary materials for revision.
Theory test pass mark
You’ll get the result at the test centre after taking the theory test. You must pass both parts to pass the test. Minimum pass mark for Multiple-choice questions is 43 out of 50. Minimum for Hazard and perception is 44 out of 75. If you pass You’ll get a letter with a pass certificate number at the test centre. You need this when you book and take your driving test. Your pass certificate number lasts for 2 years. You must pass your driving test in that time, otherwise you’ll have to pass the theory test again. If you fail You’ll get a letter at the test centre. It’ll tell you which parts you didn’t score enough points on so you know what to practise. You must book and take the full test again, even if you passed one part this time. You have to wait at least 3 working days before taking your test again.
Driving test
You must pass your theory test before you can book your driving test. You can book practical test by clicking the box below. You must take: your UK provisional driving licence,your theory test pass certificate. You can use Your driving instructor’s car. Your test will be cancelled and you won’t get your money back if you do not take the right things with you. Bring a valid passport in case your photo do not match your provisional licence. Your examiner will ask if you want someone to: sit in the back of the car during the test or be with you for the result and feedback This will usually be your driving instructor but they cannot take any part in the test. They can only observe the test and give you any feedback's or tips at the end of the test after the examiner has left. Booking your driving test will cost you £62. You will need to pay for your instructors car to use for your test.
After you pass
After you pass you can do a Pass Plus course which is a practical course to improve your driving skills. This is taken with your instructor and is minimum 6 hours - once completed you may get a discount on your car insurance. 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. You must also have road tax and valid MOT for your vehicle.