Driving lessons and learning to drive

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Overview

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

You can usually start driving a car when you’re 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’re learning to drive or ride.

You must be supervised when you’re 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 ‘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
  • 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.

In Northern Ireland the speed limit is 45 miles per hour when you’re 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’re 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 £34 to £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
    3. Theory and hazard perception test app

  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 £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 £62 to £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