Find out when you can start learning to drive in the UK based on your date of birth.
Apply online at GOV.UK. You'll need your National Insurance number, passport or UK birth certificate, and addresses for the last 3 years. Costs £34 online or £43 by post.
Once you have your provisional licence, you can start learning. Consider professional lessons alongside private practice with friends/family.
Book at GOV.UK when you feel ready. Costs £23. Includes multiple choice questions and hazard perception. Pass is valid for 2 years.
Book your practical test at GOV.UK. Costs £62 weekdays or £75 weekends/evenings. You must have passed your theory test first.
Pass your practical test and your provisional licence becomes a full licence. Remove L plates (or D plates in Wales) and you can drive independently!
New drivers have a 2-year probationary period. If you get 6+ penalty points, your licence will be revoked and you'll need to reapply and retake tests.
In most cases, no. The minimum age to drive a car in the UK is 17. However, you can:
If you apply online, you'll usually receive your provisional driving licence within one week. Paper applications take around 3 weeks. Apply at 15 years 9 months so you have it ready for your 17th birthday!
You cannot drive on public roads until you're 17 (or 16 with mobility allowance). However, you can drive on private land with the landowner's permission at any age. Some driving experience centres offer lessons for under-17s on private tracks.
To apply for a provisional driving licence you'll need:
On average, most people need around 45 hours of professional lessons plus 22 hours of private practice. However, this varies significantly based on individual ability, how often you practise, and where you learn to drive.
| Apply for provisional | 15y 9m |
| Moped (CBT) | 16 |
| Car (with mobility) | 16 |
| Car (standard) | 17 |
| Motorcycle (125cc) | 17 |
| Motorcycle (A2) | 19 |
| Any motorcycle (A) | 24 |
Average driving lesson: £30-45/hour depending on location