Legal Requirements

A Provisional Driving Licence

You will need to apply for, and have received, a valid provisional driving licence before starting your lessons.

To apply for the provisional driving licence you can either apply online by visiting www.direct.gov.uk or by post by completing the driving licence application form D1 (available from most post offices or can be ordered online). The current cost of a first provisional licence is £34 (car, motorcycle, medium/large vehicle, minibus/bus).

You Must Be Over The Minimum Driving Age

• The minimum age for legally drive on the public roads is 17.
• If you are disabled and in receipt of mobility allowance you can drive when you are 16.

You can apply for your license three months before the date of your birthday but the license will not be valid until your birthday is reached.

You MUST NOT drive until you have received your valid provisional driving license. You must bring the license with you on your driving lessons.

Your Eyesight Must Meet a Minimum Standard

You will need to satisfy the instructor or examiner that in good daylight you can read a vehicle number plate with letters 79.4mm (3.1in) high at a minimum distance of 20.5 metres (about 67 feet).

Number plates with a narrower font, such as the new style number plates introduced during 2001, should be read from a distance of 20 metres (66 feet).

It is OK if you need glasses or contact lens to read the number plate. However, you must always wear them whenever you drive.

Driving on Your Own

Until the day you pass the practical part of the Driving Test you are not allowed to drive on your own.