Starting Driving What you need to know

How to start learning to drive As driving instructors, we often get asked the same questions when learners are enquiring about driving lessons. All driver related tests and licences (with exception to the police) are dealt with through the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). All theory test and practical driving test telephone numbers and website links can be found on this page. Provided are the most frequently asked questions that potential learner drivers ask driving instructors on how to start learning to drive.

What age must I be to start learning to drive?

To drive on a public road, you must be at least 17 years of age. Certain driving schools do offer driving lessons conducted on private land. In this situation, you can start learning to drive at a younger age than 17.

I'm 17, what do I need to start driving lessons?

You will need to apply for your provisional driving licence. The current fee for a provisional driving licence is £50 and can be applied for in two ways;

1. The easiest way is to apply online. By visiting the official direct.gov.uk website, you can apply for your licence providing you are:

Residential to Great Britain Are no younger than 3 months before your 17th birthday Can meet the minimum eyesight requirement Are currently not prevented from driving due to a conviction or health Are able to pay £50.00 by MasterCard, Visa, Electron or Delta debit or credit card Hold a valid form of identification, for example a UK passport Are able to produce evidence of residence for the previous 3 years

2. Obtainable from most Post Offices, application form D1 and a photo card application form D750 should be completed and sent up to 3 months before your 17th birthday to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD.

When can I take the theory test?

Your theory test can be booked and taken once you receive your provisional driving licence. There are 2 ways in which a theory test can be booked;

1. Book your theory test online by visiting the official direct.gov.uk website
2. By calling the DSA on 0300 200 1122

To successfully book your theory test, you will need a:

• Valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional licence number
• Credit or debit card

Note; there are many websites offering to book your theory test. Including the theory test fee of £31.00, they will also charge a booking fee. By booking your theory test using the official link above, the DSA will not charge a booking fee.
Note; if you were unsuccessful in passing your theory test, you will need to wait 3 working days before you become eligible to re book the theory test. For help with passing the theory test, please see our tutorial ontips for passing the theory test.

When can I book my driving test?

To book your driving test, you will need to have received your provisional driving licence and to have passed your theory test. There are 2 ways that your driving test can be booked:

1. Book your practical driving test online by visiting the official direct.gov.uk website
2. By calling the DSA on 0300 200 1122

To successfully book your driving test, you will need a:

• Valid Great Britain or Northern Ireland provisional licence number
• Credit or debit card
• If applicable, a theory test pass date and certificate number

Note; as with the theory test above, if your driving test is booked using the official website, no booking fee will be charge.
Note; if you were unsuccessful in passing your driving test, ten working days must be cleared before you are entitled to retake the driving test.

The current fee for the driving test is:

• £62.00 for weekday prices
• £75 for weekday evenings, weekends or bank holidays

Cancelling or rescheduling the driving test

The DSA state that 3 clear working days must be providing if you wish to cancel or reschedule the driving or theory test. The above contact methods can also be used to find an earlier driving test appointment. Providing these conditions are met, a full refund will be given. The above contact methods can be used for such purposes.

DSA cancelling driving tests

The DSA can on occasions cancel driving tests. If your driving test has been cancelled, you will receive notification in the post. Driving tests can be cancelled due to:

• Ill health of your driving test examiner and the DSA are unable to find a replacement
• Bad weather conditions including snow, fog, rain and ice

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