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Learning to drive

At 17 you are able to apply for a provisional drivers licence – which means that you can start to take driving lessons with an instructor. You can either find an instructor through a motoring school or be taught by a responsible adult over the age of 21 who has held a a full EC driving licence for 3 years or more. If you are learning to drive you must use L plates or D plates on the front and back of your car.

You will need to fill out a D1 form which can be obtained at the Post Office or directly from the DVLA. It usually takes about 3 weeks for your licence to arrive after posting off you D1 form. If you are applying for your first licence you must not drive until it arrives and comes into effect.

There are plenty of driving schools out there – there’s no shortage of choice! Many offer special deals if you book more than one driving lesson at the same time, however some people prefer to buy just one lesson to see how they get on with the driving instructor. Make sure the driving school you chose is a reputable one. Asking friends or older brothers and sisters and their friends who have already learned to drive if they can recommend a driving instructor can be worth while.

The Test
Prior to your practical test you will also be required to complete a written exam. This is designed to test you knowledge of driving theory. There is also a Touch Screen version of the theory test that provides your results on the same day. It may suit you if you have reading difficulties, dyslexia, or a hearing impairment. The test is available in 15 different languages, including Welsh. Ask at your test centre for details.

The Driving Standards Agency website (link below) has some useful advice about getting started for all new drivers.

Pass Plus
Young people who opt to take the Pass Plus option after their practical driving test can now pay less insurance. Insurance companies that support the scheme will give one year’s free no claims bonus for comprehensive, third party, fire and theft and third party policies as soon as the Pass Plus candidate insures his or her own car.

Pass Plus consists of six specially designed training lessons that follow on from the practical driving test – aimed to increase new driver confidence and increase road safety for all.

Links and contact details

Name: Direct Gov – Learner and New Drivers Pages
Web: Direct Gov – Learner and New Drivers Pages
Email:
Tel:
Info: Learning to drive advice from DirectGov

Name: RAC
Web: www.rac.co.uk/know-how/learning-to-drive/
Email:
Tel:
Info: Learning to drive information from the RAC.

Name: Driving Standards Agency
Web: www.dsa.gov.uk
Email:
Tel:
Info: Provides details on good driving practice and the current driving test regulations.

Name: DVLA
Web: www.dvla.gov.uk
Email:
Tel:
Info:

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