Driving FAQ’s

You can apply for a provisional driving licence from the age of 15 years and 9 months. However, you can only legally start driving a car on public roads when you are 17 years old. If you receive the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can start at 1

You must apply online through the official GOV.UK website. You will need a form of identification (like a UK passport), your addresses for the last three years, and your National Insurance number.

There is no minimum number of lessons required by law. The DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) suggests that the average successful learner has around 45 hours of professional instruction plus 22 hours of private practice. This figure varies greatly per person.

You can take the Theory Test once you have your provisional licence. You must pass the Theory Test before you can book your Practical Driving Test.

Your Theory Test certificate is valid for two years from the date you passed. If you do not pass your Practical Test within this two-year period, you will have to take and pass the Theory Test again.

The test lasts about 40 minutes and includes:

• An eyesight check.
• One “Tell Me” vehicle safety question before you start driving, and one “Show Me” question while you’re driving.
• General driving ability, including an emergency stop.
• One reversing manoeuvre (bay parking, parallel parking, or pulling up on the right).
• Approximately 20 minutes of Independent Driving, mostly following a sat nav.

You can make up to 15 minor driving faults and still pass. However, a single serious or dangerous fault will result in an immediate fail.

If you pass your test in an automatic car, your licence will only permit you to drive automatic vehicles. If you pass in a manual car, you can drive both manual and automatic vehicles. The choice depends on your preference and future needs; automatics can be simpler to learn.

Yes, learner drivers are now allowed to drive on motorways, but only when accompanied by an approved driving instructor and in a car fitted with dual controls.

Recent emphasis has been placed on training for eco-driving techniques (to conserve fuel), understanding Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in modern cars, and, increasingly, EV-focused instruction. There are also stricter penalties for mobile phone use while driving.

Due to high demand and a backlog, the waiting time for a Practical Test booked directly via the DVSA website is typically 4 to 6 months or longer at many busy centres. Many learners use cancellation checker services or intensive course providers to secure earlier dates.

Yes, you can, but it must meet strict DVSA criteria. It must be roadworthy, correctly insured, have working seatbelts, an extra rear-view mirror for the examiner, and L-plates displayed. Most learners use their instructor’s car as it is dual-controlled.

The overall UK pass rate hovers around 48-50%. Pass rates are generally highest in smaller, more rural test centres (often in Scotland or remote areas) and lowest in busy urban centres (like London or Birmingham) due to the complexity of the roads.

This is a $\sim$20-minute section where you drive without turn-by-turn instruction. In most cases, you will follow directions from a sat nav provided by the examiner. You are allowed to follow road signs if the sat nav fails, or ask the examiner for confirmation if you’re unsure of a direction.