Rules for learner drivers

Before you start to drive, you must:

It is important to learn safe driving practice from the beginning of your driving career                                                                                because bad habits are hard to break.

It is unlikely that anyone except an approved driving instructor (ADI) would have the                                                                                 experience, knowledge and training to teach you properly. Learning safe driving                                                                       habits from the start will improve the safety of yourself and other road users.

If you want to practise your driving with an accompanying driver, the accompanying                                                            driver must be over the age of 21 and must have held (and still hold) a full licence for three years.

As a learner driver you must display 'L' plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) in a                                                           conspicuous position on the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving.

Minimum age you can take a test
You can take your theory test once your provisional licence becomes valid.

Normally, for car drivers, the earliest date your provisional licence can become valid is your                                                17th birthday, however you can apply for the licence up to three months before your 17th birthday.

So, if you apply for your provisional licence before you are 17 you will still have to wait until your                                    birthday before you can take your theory test.

For more information about applying for a provisional licence, please click on the link below.

Disability living allowance
If you are receiving disability living allowance at the higher rate your provisional licence will come                                        into effect when you are 16, but you can apply for it within three months of your 16th birthday.