Learning To Drive - Legal Requirements

You will need to apply for a provisional driving licence

You must complete driving licence application form D1 (available from most post offices). The current cost of a first provisional licence is £38.00 (car, motorcycle, medium/large vehicle, minibus/bus).

The minimum age, which you can legally, drive a car on the public roads is 17. If you are disabled and in receipt of mobility allowance, the minimum age is 16.

When you apply for your licence you must also enclose original documentation confirming your identity these include either:

• Full Valid Current Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Certificate of Registry of Birth (Provided your name is present on the certificate)
• Adoption certificate
• ID Card issued by a member state of the EC/EEA

You MUST NOT drive until you have received this first licence.

Until the day you pass the practical part of the Driving Test you are not allowed to drive on your own.

Your eyesight must meet a minimum standard

You must satisfy the instructor/examiner that in good daylight you can read a vehicle number plate with letters 79.4mm (3.1in) high at a minimum distance of 20.5 metres (about 67 feet).

Number plates with a narrower font, such as the new style number plates introduced during 2001, should be read from a distance of 20 metres (66 feet).

If you need glasses or contact lens to read the number plate, that is OK. However, you must wear them whenever you drive.