Frequently Asked Questions
PREPARING FOR YOUR PROVISIONAL LICENCE
You need to be 17 years old before you can start learning to drive. The only exception to this is if you're disabled and are receiving a mobility allowance, in which case you can start at 16. The Government is currently considering raising the age for able-bodied people (to 18) but, as yet, no decision on this issue has been made. There is a legal requirement that you must be able to read an old-style number plate in good daylight from 20.5 metres, and a new-style number plate (which was introduced in September 2001) from 20 metres. This requirement will be checked by your driving instructor on your first driving lesson and by a DSA examiner at the start of your practical driving test.
You can apply for your provisional licence up to 3 months before your birthday so that it's ready for your immediate use when you reach the required age. This can be done online at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/BeforeyouapplyA/DG_10032690 and currently costs £50, or by completing an application form D1, which can be obtained from most Post Offices.
PRACTICE IN A PRIVATE CAR
If you are fortunate enough to have access to a private car you can practice learning to drive in this vehicle. You are strongly advised to have lessons with a Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor first as they will have the appropriate skills and a dual-controlled car in which to teach you safely. Your instructor will then advise you on when they consider it safe for you to practice in a private vehicle. If you practice in a private car you must not drive alone. The front seat passenger that sits with you whilst you practice must be at least 21 years of age and have held a full British driving licence for the vehicle category that you are driving for at least 3 years. The private car must also display Government approved L-plates that are clearly visible to the front and the back of the car during the time you drive it.
ESSENTIAL READING MATERIAL
In order to prepare for your Theory and Hazard Perception tests you will need to study a combination of books and CD-ROM's or DVD's. As a minimum you will need a copy of the Highway Code (book or CD-ROM) which covers the legal requirements of driving on the road, a DSA Approved version of the Theory Test for Car Drivers (book or CD-ROM) and an interactive CD-ROM for the Hazard Perception Test (also available on DVD). These will also help you develop your practical driving skills as, for example, they will teach you the meaning of road signs and markings and develop your awareness skills. All of this material is available from good bookshops or online from many sources including http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/bookstore.asp?FO=1162833
