Learning to drive a car

Some people learn to drive at 17, and some start much later. Either way, the path runs from a provisional licence through lessons to two tests. These steps are for England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland has its own services.

The provisional licence

GOV.UK says most people can start learning to drive a car when they are 17. A learner must have a provisional driving licence to take lessons or practise.

To apply for a first provisional licence from DVLA, GOV.UK says a person must:

be at least 15 years and 9 months old
be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
have been given permission to live in Great Britain for at least 185 days

Choosing an instructor

GOV.UK says anyone you pay to teach you to drive must be either a qualified and approved driving instructor (ADI) or a trainee driving instructor.

GOV.UK says instructors have to display a badge in their windscreen to prove they are registered with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). A qualified instructor shows a green badge. A trainee shows a pink one.

DVSA runs a service to find approved instructors. GOV.UK says instructors choose whether to be listed, so not every ADI appears there. For an instructor who is not listed, you can contact DVSA with their name, and their ADI number if you have it, to check they are qualified.

GOV.UK says there is no minimum number of lessons you must have.

The theory test

GOV.UK says you must have a provisional licence to book the theory test. You can take it from your 17th birthday. GOV.UK says it can be from your 16th birthday if you get, or have applied for, the higher weekly rate of the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment.

The test has 2 parts, multiple choice questions and hazard perception. GOV.UK describes hazard perception as a video test about spotting hazards on the road. You book and take the parts as one test, and you must pass both.

GOV.UK says the pass certificate number lasts for 2 years. You must pass the driving test in that time, or pass the theory test again.

The practical test

GOV.UK says you must pass the theory test before you can book the driving test.

To pass, GOV.UK says you must be able to drive safely in different road and traffic conditions. You must also show that you know The Highway Code by the way you drive. GOV.UK says to take the test only when you can do everything without instruction.

Booking your own test

Since 12 May 2026, GOV.UK says you must book your car driving test yourself on GOV.UK. Your driving instructor is not allowed to book it for you. GOV.UK says it is against the law to book a car driving test for someone else. GOV.UK says you can still help someone you know to book and manage their test, as long as they are with you.

GOV.UK says you are not allowed to use unofficial services that scan the driving test booking service for appointments. That includes cancellation finder websites and apps.