Before you learn to drive

The legal minimum age which you can drive a car in the UK is 17 years (16 years, if you are disabled and in receipt of mobility allowance).

You must not drive until you have received your provisional licence and you have signed it in ink. Provisional licences can be applied for online or using a D1 application form available at most post offices.

You must also be able to read a vehicle number plate. Old style plates (eg Z123 ABC) with letters 79.4mm (3.1in) high at a minimum distance of 20.5 metres (about 67 feet) in good daylight. The newer style number plates (eg AB12 ABC) introduced during 2001, should be able to be read from a distance of 20 metres (66 feet).

If you need glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate, that is acceptable, however these must be worn whilst driving.

Driving Lessons