When you decide to learn to drive, the first thing you should do is apply for a provisional driving license. You must be 17 years old before you can start driving with a provisional license, but you can apply for one up to two months before.
How to apply
If you have a passport and a credit or debit card, you may be able to apply online. Or you can get a D1 application form from your local post office to fill out and send to the DVLA. You will also need to submit the fee and proof of identity.
If you have a UK digital passport, simply provide the nine-digit number so the DVLA can verify it and use your passport photo. Otherwise, you must include original documents proving your identity, as well as a color passport-style photograph.
Rules for provisional license holders
When you have received your license and have reached the age of 17, you can drive with L plates in the car, provided it is supervised by someone who has held a full UK driving license for more than three years. And of course, it must be properly insured. The easiest way to comply is to take a course of lessons with an approved driving instructor. If you have an L-plate, insured car, and a qualified, willing driver to accompany you, you may want to practice between lessons, once you’re confident enough and your instructor thinks you’re ready.
Useful Posts
No one should try to learn to drive without reading the Highway Code book, which was revised and updated in 2007. While the Department of Transportation has made an online version available, it would be wise to purchase a hard copy to study. You can also consult a copy of the Know Your Traffic Signs brochure to supplement the information in the Highway Code. Finally, reading the document from the Driving Standards Agency Official guide to learn to drive it means you’ll know what key skills your driving instructor will teach you and what standards you’ll need to meet before you take your road test.