Before starting any lessons, you will need a provisional driving license. The process takes around three weeks, although can vary depending upon the level of security checks required and how many applications are currently being processed.

You can apply for your license online, in person at a post office or through the post.
Whichever method you choose to apply through, a charge of £50 will need to be paid.

Link to the directgov website for all application information

For those wishing to learn to drive on their 17th brithday, you can apply for a provisional license when you reach 16 years and 10 months in age. Don't forget though that you are not permitted to drive a vehicle under tuition or otherwise until you reach 17.

When you receive your license, check it! Make sure all details are correct, or your license will be invalid.

Your license will entitle you to drive a car but you must have your L-Plates displayed on the front and back of the vehicle and be supervised at all times by a full UK licence holder that has held a full UK license for a minimum of 3 years and is over the age of 21. So no, your 20 year old brother cannot legally take you for a drive!

Note that without a provisional license no-one not even an official, registered fully qualified instructor can allow you to drive a vehicle on the public highway. Your instructor will request to see your license at the start of your first lesson to ensure it is valid.

We recommend that before you come to the first lesson you have familiarised yourself with the highway code. You will not be tested at this point (!) but it is only sensible to understand some of the basics before getting behind the wheel.

Jump to the highway code section now.