What You Need to Know as a Learner Driver (UK)

As soon as you turn 17, you can start learning to drive in the UK.

Chances are you will have to wait at least a few months to start learning to drive.

The earlier you start looking for lessons, the sooner you can get your name on a waiting list.

Read on and find out when you can start driving lessons, what to expect from the lessons and more.

 

When Can You Start Driving Lessons?

In the UK, you can start learning to drive once you are 17 years old.

You can also drive a car at 16 if you have – or have applied for – the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

You can apply for a provisional driving licence when you turn 15 years and 9 months old.

You will need a provisional licence to take lessons or practice for your practical driving test and theory test.

 

How Much Are Driving Lessons?

Learning to drive can cost you around £1,500, on average.

Applying for a provisional licence online costs £34 and by post this will cost £43.

The theory test will cost you £23.

If you choose a driving school, the average UK rate for driving lessons can range from £30 to £50 an hour.

An independent driving instructor can cost far more, and the cost of driving lessons will vary depending on your instructor.

You may be able to pay per hour, or otherwise buy 5 or 10 hour blocks at a time.

Of course, there will be various additional costs relating to insurance premiums and ensuring your vehicle is ready to be used on the road.

 

Why Are Driving Lessons So Expensive?

Driving lessons are so expensive in part due to the costs required to maintain tuition vehicles.

As with any vehicle, the costs of car servicing, repairs, new tyres and any additional administration charges can all mount up.

This explains why some driving instructors may have had to increase their prices to ensure their vehicle is roadworthy for you to learn to drive in.

 

What Happens During a Driving Lesson?

To start out, your instructor will do most of the driving.

You will learn the basics in a car park or on a quiet side street, before moving onto main roads once you have a good level of control over the car.

As your confidence grows, so will your time behind the wheel.

Eventually, your driving instructor will focus on giving you directions, rather than guiding you through gear changes.

Once you know all the necessary manoeuvres, your instructor can begin preparing you for the test.

 

How Long Does It Take to Learn to Drive?

It can take around 45 hours of driving lessons and an additional 22 hours of practice to prepare for and hopefully pass a practical driving test.

There is no legal minimum number of lessons you need to book.

 

Can I Practice Outside of Lessons?

Outside of the lessons you book with a qualified driving instructor, you will want to practice as much as you can.

If your parent/guardian agrees, you can practice in their car provided you are covered by the car owner’s insurance policy or take out your own insurance policy which covers learner drivers.

If your parent/guardian leases or hires their car, they may not be able to insure you on it.

As the leasing/hiring company owns the car, they probably won’t want a learner driver due to the extra risk.

A parent or a guardian must always be with you in the car, sitting in the front passenger seat.

They must also have had a UK driving licence for more than 3 years and be at least 21 years old.

You must drive with the correct supervision, or you could be fined up to £1,000 and receive up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence.

Likewise, you can receive an unlimited fine, 8 penalty points and even a driving ban if you drive without insurance.

You should also know that it is illegal for you to drive on the motorway when practicing with family or friends – or for them to use a mobile phone whilst supervising you.

Alternatively, you can gain experience by practicing in your own car – but you will still need learner driver insurance and a supervisor with you when you drive.

 

Do You Need L Plates When Learning to Drive?

Learner drivers must always display L plates – this is a legal requirement.

If you don’t display an L plate – or you display one that is the wrong size – you can receive up to 6 penalty points on your driving licence.

 

How Many Passengers Can a Learner Driver Have?

If the car’s total capacity isn’t exceeded, a learner driver can have any number of passengers.

If you don’t feel confident yet, it is a good idea to wait before you have a larger audience in the car with you.

Not to mention that the more passengers you have, the heavier your car will be – making acceleration slightly more difficult and meaning it will take longer to slow down.

 

What Should I Do Before My Driving Test?

Before each driving lesson, try to get a good night’s sleep.

Make sure you eat breakfast, and know exactly where you will be picked up.

You should wear comfortable shoes that won’t slip on the pedals - and don’t forget your glasses if you wear them.

Unless you have already paid for the lesson, remember to bring cash as well. 

When it comes to the driving test itself, be sure to arrive at the test centre in plenty of time.

If possible, try and fit a driving lesson into your schedule on the day of your test.

This can give you a chance to perfect any manoeuvres or ask any remaining questions. 

Make sure you remember to bring any required documents so that the test can go ahead as planned.

You will need to bring both your provisional driving licence and your theory test pass certificate. 

During the test, know that you can ask an instructor to repeat any instructions you may have missed or misunderstood.

In preparation, you may wish to familiarise yourself with the area surrounding your chosen test centre, so that you know roughly what to expect on the day. 

Though learning to drive is a big step, it is by no means the end of your driving journey.

Always be willing to learn more about the process, and make sure that your car is safe to drive at all times by booking in for a car service when needed.