Rules for learner drivers

The minimum ages and restrictions vary from one type of vehicle to another. When you are learning to drive, you must ensure that the vehicle you are learning to drive in is roadworthy and also properly taxed and insured. In addition you need to have a valid provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland. It is highly recommended that you use an ADI or approved driving instructor to teach you how to drive because they are suitably trained especially to help learner drivers and to teach them good technique from the start. The driver who accompanies you must be over 21 and have a full licence, which they've held for at least three years. Learners also have to display L plates on the front and rear, in Wales it might be 'D' plates. In terms of getting your provisional licence, then the earliest date is your 17th birthday, but you can apply for it up to three months before so that if you want to start as soon as you turn 17 you can.

Related Articles...

driving theory test
Risks when driving: bright or low sun
When the sun is low and bright, it can be very hard indeed to drive. This is because we may have to squint and the bright light can make it hard to pick out objects and to see, sometimes right in...

Testing your driving ability
The driving part of the test to assess if you are safe to let on the roads is called the practical test, and it lasts in the region of 40 minutes in total. The purpose is to assess if you can drive...

The photocard driving licence
The new type of driving licence is a photocard, and it has several features on it that it is worth understanding once you are issued with your photocard driving licence. It contains your...

Your driving licence: getting it back
As the New Drivers Act article outlines, if you get six penalty points or more in the first two years of having a licence, then it is revoked and you have to retake both tests: the theory and the...

Ways to drive in a greener way
There are several methods that you can employ to ensure that you drive in a green way. The advantages of this are that you consume less fuel pro rata so it is good for your bank balance too, and...

Vehicles that cannot be used for a practical test
The vast majority of drivers will of course use the vehicle of their instructor or driving school when they take their practical test and so will not need to worry about the vehicle. However...

The New Drivers Act
The New Drivers Act is legislation that applies to those who have just passed their test and are categorised as new drivers, which in this legal definition refers to the first two years of passing...

Using head restraints
Your car will have head restraints in it, but do you take the time to adjust these before using the vehicle and ensuring they are set at the correct level for you? Head restraints in vehicles are...

What to check on your car daily
A car is a sophisticated piece of machinery, although it is commonplace and therefore taken for granted by many there are considerable elements working together to make it work. And if one...

Rules regarding the use of seat belts
When it comes to seat belts, you should be certain of what the rules are with regard to seat belt usage, and your responsibilities as the driver in terms of other passengers in your vehicle and...


Back to home page of driving theory test questions