START LEARNING TO DRIVE

Learn what you need to do to start driving and pass your driving test in 8 easy steps
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STEP 1 

CHECK YOU'RE
​ ALLOWED TO DRIVE

STEP 2

​APPLY & GET A PROVISIONAL LICENCE

STEP 3

​FIND A LOCAL
​DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

STEP 4 

​BOOK YOUR
​DRIVING LESSONS

Step 5

​PRACTICE
​DRIVING REGULARLY

STEP 6

​PASS YOUR
THEORY & HAZARD TEST

STEP 7

​ARE YOU
​READY CHECKLIST

​STEP 8

​BOOK AND PASS
​YOUR DRIVING TEST

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SCROLL DOWN TO SEE WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

Unlock the Freedom of the Road: A Step-by-Step Guide to Learning to Drive

Embarking on the journey to become a licensed driver is an exciting milestone that opens up a world of independence and opportunity. Whether you're a teenager eager to gain mobility or an adult seeking a new skill, learning to drive can be a rewarding experience. Follow this step-by-step guide to navigate the whole learning to drive process with confidence and ease with these 8 easy to follow steps.
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Step 1: Ensure EligibilitY

Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that you meet the legal requirements for driving. In most cases, you can start learning to drive when you reach the age of 17. However, it's crucial to check the specific age requirements in your area and ensure that you meet the necessary eyesight standards for safe driving.
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Specific age requirements +

Minimum age requirements

The minimum age requirement for obtaining a provisional driving license in the UK is:15 years and 9 months old

Specifically: States: "You can first apply for a UK provisional licence when you're 15 years and 9 months old." Mentions: "The minimum age for applying for a provisional driving licence is 15 years and 9 months" From the official gov.uk website: "To apply you must: be at least 15 years and 9 months old" However, it's important to note that while you can apply for the provisional license at 15 years and 9 months, you cannot actually start driving lessons or practice until you reach the age of 17, unless you receive certain disability benefits which allow you to start at 16.

The search results consistently confirm that 15 years and 9 months is the minimum age at which an individual can apply for their first provisional driving license in the UK, even though the legal driving age with that license is 17 for most people.

​Read more here on Gov website

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Step 2: Obtain a Provisional LicencE

Your first step on the road to becoming a licensed driver is to apply for a provisional driving licence. This document serves as a legal permit to take driving lessons and practice under the supervision of a qualified instructor or an accompanying driver. The application process is straightforward, and you can expect to receive your provisional licence within a few weeks.
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Further details and key requirements +

Key requirements for obtaining a provisional licence

Here are the key requirements for obtaining a provisional driving license in the UK:

Age Requirement

You can apply for a provisional license when you are 15 years and 9 months old.

However, you cannot start driving lessons or practice until you are 17 years old (16 if you receive certain disability benefits).

Residency Requirement

You must be a resident of Great Britain or Northern Ireland.

You need to have lived in the UK for at least 185 days in total in the past 12 months.

Eyesight Requirement

You must be able to read a standard number plate from a distance of 20 meters (with glasses or contact lenses if needed).

Identification Documents

You need to provide proof of identity, such as a passport, biometric residence permit, or UK naturalization certificate.

If you don't have those, you can provide a birth/adoption certificate along with proof of your National Insurance number,

benefits claim letter, pay slip, marriage/divorce papers, etc.

Address History

You must provide details of all addresses where you have lived for the last 3 years.

Photo and Signature

You need to supply a recent passport-style color photo and signature for the license.

Medical Conditions

You must declare any medical conditions or specifications that could affect your driving, such as epilepsy, diabetes, vision impairments, etc.

The application can be done online through the DVLA website or by submitting a form (D1) from the Post Office. The fees are £34 for online applications and £43 for postal applications.It's important to meet all these requirements and provide accurate information, as driving without a valid provisional license can result in fines of up to £1,000 and penalty points on your license once obtained.

​Read more here on Gov website

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STEP 3: FIND A QUALIFIED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Ensure your driving instructor is a Guaranteed Part Three DVSA Approved instructor All of our driving instructors in south London are part 3 driving instructor certified. Guaranteeing they have each spent at least 40 hours of driving instructor lessons with a accredited driver training instructor. All of our driving instructors in south London carry their ‘Approved Driving Instructors’ DVSA certification badge with them in their cars at all times.

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Step 4: Embark on Driving Lessons and Practice

With your provisional licence in hand, it's time to hit the road! Enroll in a reputable driving school and begin taking lessons with a qualified instructor. These professionals will guide you through the fundamentals of vehicle operation, road rules, and safe driving practices. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to practice your skills under their supervision, gradually building confidence and experience.
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Step 5: Prepare for the Theory Test

Before you can take your practical driving test, you must pass the theory test. This assessment evaluates your knowledge of road signs, traffic laws, and hazard perception. Dedicate time to studying the Highway Code and utilise practice tests and revision materials to ensure you're well-prepared for this crucial step.
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Step 6: Book and Take the Theory Test
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Once you feel confident in your theoretical knowledge, it's time to book your theory test. This can be done online or through authorized test centres. On the day of the test, arrive early and bring the necessary documentation, including your provisional licence and a valid form of identification.
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Step 7: Book and Take the Practical Driving TesT

After passing the theory test, you can proceed to book your practical driving test. This assessment evaluates your ability to drive safely and competently in real-world conditions. Practice diligently with your instructor, focusing on areas that need improvement, and ensure you're well-prepared for the test day.
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Step 8: Celebrate Your Success and Explore Further Opportunities

Congratulations! Upon passing your practical driving test, you'll receive your full driving licence, granting you the freedom to drive independently. However, your journey doesn't have to end there. Consider enrolling in additional training programs, such as Pass Plus, to further enhance your skills and confidence on the road.

Remember, learning to drive is a continuous process, and safe driving practices should be a lifelong commitment. Embrace this exciting new chapter with responsibility and enthusiasm, and enjoy the freedom and independence that comes with being a licensed driver.

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Want to pass your practical car test first time? Watch the Official DVSA Video Guide to learning to drive in south London.

DVSA Learning to drive guide

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GET READY TO PASS

Get ready to pass your driving test in South London with  readytopass campaigns helpful tips and advice

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQS

Our Comprehensive Driving COurses

As well as Pass Plus driving lessons and courses in South London we also provide the following driving courses.

• Automatic Driving Lessons. Ideal for Londoners iff you have tried a manual car and find it just a bit too much for you, especially with driving on the busy, stop start capitals congested roads.
• Advanced Driving Courses, for those drivers in south London wanting to take their driving skills and ability to the next level. Ideal for those that drive in their everyday working life.
• Pass Plus Driving Courses, ideal if you have just passed your London driving test, along with substantial car insurance discounts in South London
• Crash Driving Courses & Lessons - Need to pass your driving test in London quickly, then take our crash driving course which is the same as an intensive driving course. It's just some Londoners choose to call it this instead.
• Intensive Driving Courses Again this driving courses will enable you to pass your test in the shortest possible time. If you live in south London we can help you pass your driving test within two weeks.
• Motorway Driving Courses for those drivers needing extra confidence in their motorway and dual carriageway driving abilities. Motorway driving is quite different to driving on busy south London streets.
• Refresher Driving Lessons, ideal for those experienced in inexperienced drivers wanting to enhance and or refresh their driving skills. Or perhaps you have just moved to South London and are a bit wary of driving in London or the UK.
• Beginner Manual Driving Lessons we have a range of courses to suit beginners of all ages and abilities we will be able to quickly assess your driving needs.
• How to Start Practical Driving Lesson this is a quick guide that tells you in 7 easy steps all you need to do and check to start your driving lessons in London.​