GETTING STARTED

The minimum age

17, is the minimum age that you can legally drive a car on public roads in the UK. There has been some speculation about raising the minimum age to 18 but this is currently under review by the government and no decision has yet been made.

If you are not 17 and want to practice on private land, that’s ok just remember that supermarket car parks are classed as public roads.

If you are disabled and receiving mobility allowance you can start at 16.

Provisional Licence

You can apply for your provisional licence easily online or by completing a D1 application form available from the Post Office. The current cost for your first provisional licence is £45.

You can apply for your licence up to three months before your 17th birthday. You have to wait until you are 17 though, till you have received and signed your provisional licence before you can start to drive and sit your Theory Test.

If you are disabled and receiving mobility allowance you can apply at 16.

Eyesight

There is a minimum standard for driving so it maybe worth checking your eyesight is ok. Make sure you can read a vehicle registration plate from the minimum distance. If you need glasses or contact lenses you must wear them when you are driving.

You must be able to read a number plate in good daylight from a distance of 20 metres (66 feet or 5 car lengths)

Choosing the Right Driving Instructor

When you choose a driving school, you want an instructor who teaches you how to drive, not just how to pass the test. The two are not the same thing. Learn to drive, and then pass the test, not the other way around. A good driving instructor develops your risk awareness and hazard management skills preparing you to survive in a very demanding driving environment. A good driving instructor will teach you the importance of a correct attitude to driving.

A patient driving instructor knows that you might be nervous and that is why our instructors offer our learner drivers a more relaxed approach when learning to drive. We will always match the drivers abilities with the learning. The learner driver will not be pushed beyond their limitations but will be set realistic and achievable targets that they are comfortable with.

A good driving instructor will devote the entire lesson to you and not use your lesson to pick up his next pupil.

In the UK, only Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) and licensed instructors under training (PDIs) can charge money for teaching you to drive. The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) issue two types of badge, fully qualified and approved instructors (ADI) will be displaying a green octagonal badge in their car and an instructor licensed under training but not yet qualified (PDI) will be displaying a pink triangular badge.

 Lessons and Practice

Regular, structured lessons are the best way to learn to drive. Once you have built up your confidence you may want to practice with friends and family as this can be an excellent way to continue learning and increase your driving experience.

Remember:

• The supervising driver must be at least 21 and held a full driving licence for at least 3 years. They must be insured to drive the vehicle
• You must be insured to drive the vehicle
• The vehicle must have a current MOT certificate
• The vehicle must have a current tax disc
• The vehicle must display ‘L’ plates on the front and rear and they must be clearly visible. When you are not driving the vehicle the ‘L’ plates must be removed

WE'LL HELP YOU TO

learn quickly

build on your strengths

conquer your driving weaknesses

drive safely and confidently

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