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At all times when driving, learner drivers must be supervised by someone who is 21 years or older, and who has held a valid EU drving licence for at least 3 years. It is not mandatory for learner drivers to take paid driving lessons from a professional instructor, although this is recomended.

When a car is being driven in a puublic place by a learner driver, he is legally required to display red 'L' plates in a prominent position on both the front and back of the vehicle. In Wales, red 'D' plates may be used instead.

The Provisional Licence

Before you can begin driving under supervision, you must first apply for and recieve a provisional driving licence. This is a simple procedure, which involves the filing in of DVLA form D1 (apllication for a drving licence) and form D750 (application for a photocard licence), and sending them to: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB. Both fors are available free from post offices, traffic area offices, and local DVLA offices.

You can apply for a provisional licence within 3 months of your 17th birthday (I.e. when you are 16 years and 9 months). However, it will not come into effect until your 17th birthday.

The Driving Test

The Theory Test
You must apply for the theory test using form TT26, which you can get from:

• Theory and Practical Driving Test Centres
• Approved Driving Instructors
• The National Test Booking Line 0870 01 01 372

The theory test is a 35 question multiple choice test, and in order to pass it, you must get at least 30 correct answers. Your test will be compiled from a list of 1000+ questions, all of which are published, together with answers, in the book The Official Theory Test for Car Drivers and Motorcyclists.

The Practical Test
You must have passed your theory test before you can apply for a practical test. If you do not apply for a practical test within 2 years of passing your theory test, you will have to resit your theory test.

You must apply for the theory test using form DL26, which you can get from:

• Theory and Practical Driving Test Centres
• Approved Driving Instructors
• The National Test Booking Line 0870 01 01 372

The test will take between 40 and 45 minutes, and will involve driving in town, driving on a dual carrigeway, and performing manouveurs like emergency stops.

After The Test

You must exchange your Practical Driving Test Certificate for a full driving licence, by completing the declaration section of your certificate and sending it to the DVLA at DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AB, together with your photocard provisional licence, its paper counterpart and the appropriate fee. If you do not do this within 2 years, your Practical Driving Test Certificate will expire, and you will have to sit both the theory, and the practical test again.

© Luke Culverwell 2001, All Rights Reserved