Learning To Drive A Car In The UK

There seems to be a LOT of confusion at the moment about whether or not the age at which you can start learning to drive a car in the UK has gone up or not...

Let me put the record straight...THE AGE AT WHICH YOU CAN LEARN TO DRIVE HAS NOT GONE UP TO 18, 21 OR ANYTHING ELSE...AND WHAT'S MORE IT'S NOT GOING TO INCREASE IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE!

For most people, the age at which they can start taking driving lessons is 17 and it's staying at 17!

There has been a rumour going around for as long as I can remember that the driving age is going to increase but lately, the rumour seems to be even more active than ever before.



The reason for the confusion is that the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), the government department who set the driving tests, employ all the driving examiners and regulate the driver training industry etc, recently circulated a Consultation Paper in which a number of different proposals concerning the driving test and the way people learn to drive in the UK were under consideration. However, raising the driving age was NOT one of the proposals discussed - prior to the Consultation Paper being published there was a lot of speculation that raising the driving age was going to be under consideration, but as it turned out, it wasn't!

So how old do I have to be before I can learn to drive?

Most people in the UK can start learning to drive a car when they are 17.

The exception to this is people who have a disability and receive the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (the higher rate of DLA). If you receive higher rate DLA you can apply for a provisional driving licence any time from 3 months before you are 16 and start to learn to drive a car from the date of your 16th birthday.

Those NOT in receipt of higher rate DLA, can apply for a provisional licence 3 months before they are 17 and start driving lessons from the date of their 17th birthday.

To apply for a provisional driving licence, get form D1 from a Post Office or the DVLA form ordering service, fill it in and send it off with proof of ID, a recent passport size photograph and the fee of £50.00. For more information visit the DirectGov website - Applying for a provisional driving licence.

For more information about what vehicles you can drive and how old you must be to drive them, see the DirectGov website - Vehicles you can drive and how old you must be to drive them.

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Everyone who wants to learn to drive on the public road needs to have a suitable driving licence. For most people, this will be a UK provisional driving licence.

You will need to be in possession of a valid signed driving licence before you drive on public roads.

Young Drivers
You may apply for your provisional licence up to three months before your 17th birthday. Just follow the instructions below.

Disabled Drivers
If you are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate, you are able to take driving lessons from the age of 16 and may apply for your licence up to three months before your 16th birthday.

Applying For A Provisional Driving Licence
A provisional licence currently costs £50.00.

You can apply for your first provisional driving licence for a car, moped or motorcycle on the DirectGov website

Alternatively, you can apply in person or by post. Simply complete the D1 application form that is available from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service or Post Office branches.

Foreign Licence Holders
If you already hold a driving licence issued in another country, there are some quite complex rules as to whether you are able to drive in the UK. For full details on these rules, please see DirectGov-Driving In GB On A Foreign Licence

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You should take good care of your driving licence as it is an important document and is widely acceptable as proof of identity - losing or throwing away the paper part of your driving licence could easily leave you vulnerable to identity fraud

YOU MUST PRODUCE BOTH THE PAPER AND PHOTOCARD PARTS OF YOUR DRIVING LICENCE WHEN YOU TAKE BOTH THE THEORY AND PRACTICAL DRIVING TESTS - IF YOU DO NOT PRODUCE BOTH PARTS OF YOUR LICENCE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE EITHER TEST AND YOU WILL LOSE THE FEE YOU HAVE PAID FOR THE TEST

You must replace your driving licence if it has been lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed.

You must also report changes in your circumstances that affect your driving licence.

Both the photocard and paper counterpart constitute your driving licence and they should ideally be kept together.

You can apply for a replacement driving licence online, by telephone or by post.

Fee For A Replacement Driving Licence
The fee for a duplicate driving licence is £20.00

How To Apply For A Replacement Driving Licence
The DVLA accepts the following forms of payment for online or phone applications; Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard and Maestro.

Apply for a replacement driving licence online

Telephone - 0870 240 0009 (Monday to Friday 8.00 am - 8.30 pm or Saturday 8.00 am - 5.30 pm)

For full details of how to apply for a replacement driving licence, please see DirectGov-Duplicate driving licence, replacing if lost, stolen, defaced or destroyed

You must also report any changes affecting your driving licence to the DVLA such as change of address, change of name etc - for more details, please see DirectGov - Change of name and address on your driving licence

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Photocard driving licences must be renewed every 10 years due to changes in your appearance. You can also change the photo on your driving licence at any time

You can get a new photo put onto your licence AT ANY TIME, so if you don't like your photo or your appearance has changed significantly, you can update the photo on your licence...You have to pay though and the fee is currently £20.00.

Photocard driving licences are only valid for 10 years and they have to be renewed before the expiry date. The expiry date of your photocard licence is printed on the licence. The reason that they are only valid for a set period is because over the course of 10 years, everyone's appeaance changes and therefore, like passports, the photographs need to be updated to accurately show how you actually look.



How Do I Change The Photo On My Driving Licence?/How Do I Renew My Photocard Driving Licence?

You will need to get form D1 from a Post Office or via the DVLA form ordering service, fill it in and send it off to the DVLA together with the fee of £20.00, both parts of your current driving licence and a new passport sized photograph.

Visit the DirectGov website for more information on renewing your photocard driving licence - Photocard driving licence holder - If you need to renew your photo

Click here for more information about acceptable standards of photographs for use on driving licences - The photo for your driving licence

...remember it is a legal requirement to provide a new photo every 10 years.

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Manual or automatic car - what's the difference?

Well, very simply put, these are the differences between manual and automatic cars;

A manual car has gears and three foot pedals, including the clutch that is operated with the left foot. You have to change up and down the gears yourself. If you pass your driving test in a manual transmission car, your driving licence will permit you to drive both manual and automatic transmission vehicles.

An automatic car has an automatic gearbox that changes the gears for you and only two foot pedals which are operated with the right foot. This makes learning in an automatic a popular choice by learners who find it difficult to get used to the gears and clutch when driving a manual car or for older or disabled learner drivers. If you pass the practical driving test in an automatic car you will not be licensed to drive a manual. If you pass in a manual you can drive both legally.

Here's a link to some useful info for those who are not too sure of what's involved in driving automatic vehicles - Driving An Automatic Car

Most people learn to drive in a manual car.

There are far more driving instructors who teach in manual cars than teach in automatic cars, so it may be more difficult to find an instructor and lessons in an automatic car tend to be more expensive.

Altough it may seem far easier to not have to worry about gears and a clutch pedal, in reality, most people have few problems mastering them and after you pass your driving test, there is a much wider range of vehicles available than if your restrict yourself to automatic.

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On the DirectGov website, the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) state;

"Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice. Learners who prepare this way, with a combination of plenty of professional training and plenty of practice, do better in the test."

In reality, everyone is different and learns at their own pace - some people will need longer and some people will be able to learn more quickly.

Your driving instructor will be able to advise you how many hours tuition overall you are likely to need as your lessons progress.

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You don't have to have driving lessons from a professional driving instructor.

Anyone over the age of 21 who has held (and still holds) a full UK driving licence for three years covering the class of vehicle you wish to drive, can teach you how to drive.

While driving instructors are proven (and regularly tested) to be both good drivers AND good teachers, a friend or family member may be neither of those things - they may well not have the experience, knowledge or training to be able to teach you all of the skills required to pass a driving test, let alone to become a safe driver.

As a learner driver you must display 'L' plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales) in a visible and prominent position on the front and rear of the vehicle you are driving.

Also, the vehicle will need to be insured for you to drive as a learner driver.

Advantages
1.Lessons will not cost you much, if anything. By law, no-one apart from a Driving Standards Agency licenced driving instructor is allowed to charge money for giving driving tuition (or monies worth such as gifts, gratuities or services e.g. mowing the lawn for your Dad in exchange for a driving lesson!).

2.You can learn in your own car if you have one.

3.Flexibility for times of lessons - friends and family can take you out at any time of the day or night, whereas a driving instructor has to fit you in for lessons around their other customers.

Disadvantages
1. You will have to pay the insurance costs to allow you to drive the car as a learner. This may cost quite a lot.

2. You will almost certainly not have dual controls in the vehicle meaning that your accompanying driver cannot help if you get into difficulties.

3. Bad habits can get passed on. Your accompanying driver may not practice good driving habits and cause you to learn the incorrect way to do things - this could prove disastrous on your driving test.

4. Your accompanying driver may well not be aware of current practice or be up-to-date with current legislation. They are also unlikely to know what sort of standard a driving examiner will be expecting you to meet on your drivng test.

5. Lack of experience - if you are struggling with a particular skill, your accompanying driver is unlikely to have the experience necessary to adapt their teaching to overcome the problem.

6. Mistakes may lead to disagreements which can cause friction in families and friendships.

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There are two types of professional driving instructor; a fully qualified Driving Standards Agency Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or a trainee driving instructor, officially known as a Potential Driving Instructor (PDI)

ADIs are all trained and tested to rigourous standards and are better equipped than anyone to teach you the relevant skills needed to pass your driving test and, more importantly, to become a safe driver for life.


In order to qualify as an ADI, driving instructors need to pass three separate exams. An ADI will display a green badge in the windscreen of their tuition vehicle.

Some trainee instructors obtain a short-term trainee driving instructors licence in order to gain experience whilst they study for the third exam. These instructors are known as PDIs and display a pink badge in the windscreen of their tuition vehicle. It is important to note that a PDI has not yet passed the third exam which is a test of their instructional ability.

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) check the standards of all ADIs on a regular basis.

Advantages
1. You can have confidence that your instructor is up-to-date on all aspects of driving.

2. Your instructor will tailor their teaching style to suit the way you, as an individual, learn best.

3. Driving instructors use dual-controlled cars if you get into difficulties, they can help you out quickly and easily.

4. Most driving instructors cars are comfortable, modern, well-maintained and equipped with numerous safety features.

5. You can be sure that the tuition vehicle is properly insured, so if you did have an accident that's one less thing to worry about.

6. Your instructor will be able to advise you which training aids (e.g. books, computer software etc) are most effective. They also know from regular experience, the standards you need to achieve for the theory and practical tests and will advise you when they feel you are fully prepared to take them.

Disadvantages
1.Learning with an ADI or PDI will cost you more money than learning with friends or family. However, this is offset by the increased likelihood of you becoming a safer driver and passing your test sooner.

2. Driving lessons with a driving instructor are less flexible as you have to fit-in with their diary and commitments to other pupils.

3. Learing with a trainee driving instructor (PDI) could leave you needing to change instructor if they do not pass their final exam before their short-term trainee instructors licence expires.

If you are paying someone to teach you to drive, they must be approved and registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA). Only a PDI or ADI are allowed to offer driving instruction for money. The Driving Standards Agency are also currently in the process of completing enhanced Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checks on all driving instructors. ALWAYS check whether a driving instructor is properly licenced with the DSA for your own peace of mind. Not everyone who looks like a driving instructor is licenced to teach you to drive - anyone can get dual controls fitted, put L-plates and a roof box on their car and "look the part". If they are not properly licenced, they are teaching illegally and this could mean that their tuition could be of a very poor standard, that their vehicle insurance is invalid which could lead to problems for you in the event that you had an accident while you were driving their car, or even that they have a criminal record for sexual offences, fraud etc...

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In the Summer 2006 issue of the Driving Standards Agency magazine "Despatch", the DSA provided some official facts and figures regarding how people learn to drive.

Source: Despatch - Summer 2006 - "Learning to drive and beyond..."
"Ninety nine per cent of test candidates have taken some professional instruction and the graph below shows that, on average, women take more than men, and older people take more than younger people (however it should be noted that the numbers of people over 40 taking their tests are very small). Older candidates also have a lower pass rate than the younger ones (40-50% for those aged 17-24, but down to around 30% for those aged 50+)."

This graph shows a summary of the DSA's findings.
Key:
Men = Grey
Women = Red

The full article can be read at Despatch - Summer 2006 - "Learning to drive and beyond..."

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How much does learning to drive cost?

There's no simple answer and no magic formula to work it out...it depends on lots of things!

The overall cost of learning to drive will vary from one person to another. Variables include whether you fail your Theory or Practical tests and have to take them again, what area of the country you live in as driving lesson prices vary throughout the country, how many lessons you need, whether you can get any private practice, etc.

Here's some of the most important things you should take into account;

Driving licence
Everyone who wants to learn to drive legally in the UK MUST have a valid provisional driving licence. The current cost of a UK provisional licence is £50.00. As this is a fee payable to a Government department it's not negotiable and it's unavoidable. Once you pass your test though, your provisional licence is upgraded to a full licence for no further cost.

Test Fees
Also unavoidable and non-negotiable are the costs of the two statutory tests. Currently the Theory Test costs £31.00 and the Practical Test costs £62.00 on weekdays during the daytime, or £75.00 weekday evenings and weekends (see Driving Test fees for full info)

Insurance
If you don't take lessons with a driving instructor, you need to ensure that the vehicle you are using is properly insured for you to learn in it, which may entail some cost.

Driving lesson prices
If you take lessons from a driving instructor, the fees charged for lessons vary throughout the country and from instructor to instructor. Many instructors will give some kind of discount to those paying in advance and block booking a course of lessons rather than paying as you go. Some will also give other discounts such as discounted introductory lessons or discounts for students or those in certain types of low income professions etc. Discounts are entirely at the discretion of the individual instructor or driving school, so it's usually worth asking whether any discounts are offered.

Sometimes however, you'll come across driving lessons offered for well below the average lesson rate in an area. If you're on a budget, this may seem like the answer to your prayers, but offers along the lines of "5 Lessons For £25" may well turn out to be much less of a bargain than they seem at first sight...price is only one factor you should consider when choosing a driving instructor...(see the section - How To Choose A Driving Instructor for more advice on what else to look for.)

How Many Lessons
The Driving Standards Agency guideline states that "Those who pass their driving test have had, on average, about 45 hours of professional training combined with 22 hours of private practice..." (see the section further down the page - How Many Driving Lessons Will I Need? for more details.)

Remember...both the Theory Test and the Practical Driving Test are very challenging and require a significant amount of preparation. Don't under-estimate what is involved...thorough preparation and a realistic approach to the cost, timescale, complexity and your own level of competence is far more cost effective than inadequate preparation and/or taking the tests before you are ready

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For those who don't have access to a computer, this interactive DVD is invaluable. It will run on a DVD player or DVD compatible games console and enables those without a PC to get useful visual help and practice for both the Theory and Practical tests.

Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD

Driving Test Success ALL TESTS 2008/09 Interactive DVD
by Focus Multimedia Ltd
(DVDi - interactive DVD, no PC required - all you need is a TV and DVD player)

DVD 1 - NEW THEORY TEST
Containing everything you need to know about the Driving Theory Test, this interactive DVD contains ALL the questions and answers from the OFFICIAL DSA Theory Test, valid for tests taken from the 1st September 2008 onwards.
DVD 2 - HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST
This highly realistic DVD is packed with over 190 unique video clips that will help you to recognise potential dangers on the roads. Gain the vital experience and confidence you need to pass the Hazard Perception part of your Theory test, and for a lifetime of safe driving.
DVD 3 - PRACTICAL TEST
Gain the confidence and knowledge you need to pass your Driving Test using this fully comprehensive DVD. With over 60 video lessons, you can revise and refresh the essential driving skills taught to you by your Approved Driving Instructor, before and after lessons

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Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition
(PC)

Driving Test Success ALL Tests 2008/09 Edition (PC)
by Focus Multimedia Ltd

"The best and most comprehensive learner driver product on the market." - Approved Driving Instructor News

* THEORY TEST - Contains the complete DSA Theory Test question bank
* HAZARD PERCEPTION TEST - Includes the 10 OFFICIAL DSA Hazard Perception sample video clips and OFFICIAL introduction video
* PRACTICAL TEST - Over 60 high quality video tutorials
* ROAD SIGNS TEST- Test your knowledge of every road sign that you may come across in your theory exam
* The OFFICIAL Highway Code
* SAFE DRIVING for Life
* Learn ON THE GO using your iPod, mobile phone or portable music player

All In One Driving Test 2008/2009
£9.78
Click here to buy direct from manufacturer

All In One Driving Test 2008/2009
£9.78

The UK's Best-Selling All-In-One Driving Test Software

Manufacturer's Product Description:
We're so confident that using this product will significantly increase your chances of passing the Theory Test, we're offering £50 worth of Avanquest software to anyone who fails the Theory Test, having thoroughly used the product!

* New official DSA Theory Test Questions
* Over 400 Hazard Perception Clips
* 10 Official DSA Hazard Perception practice clips
* The Official Hazard Perception Test introduction video
* Practical Test Training Tutorials
* Mock Driving Test to see what the examiner is looking for
* New official DSA Show Me, Tell Me questions
* Learn on the move - practise DSA questions on your mobile phone, iPod, PDA etc.
* Printable E-books - Theory Test and Highway Code workbooks

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The Official Highway Code

The Official Highway Code [Illustrated] (Paperback)
by Department for Transport (Author), Driving Standards Agency (Author), HMSO (Editor)

Essential reading for all road users in England, Scotland and Wales. This latest edition of the only official Highway Code contains the very latest rules of the road. Many of these rules are legal requirements and must be adhered to, in order to avoid penalty fines, penalty points, disqualification or even prison. The rules also include a reference to the legislation that creates the offence. The Official Highway Code reflects the latest legislation that road users must adhere to, advice on road safety and best practice.

Know Your Traffic Signs
(Driving Skills)

Know Your Traffic Signs (Driving Skills) (Paperback)
by Department for Transport (Author)

This handy reference title illustrates and explains the vast majority of traffic signs that a road user is likely to encounter. A thorough knowledge of all traffic signs is essential for all road users, not just new drivers or riders. Although The Official Highway Code contains most of the commonly used road signs which are prescribed by the Traffic Signs Regulations, it does not give a comprehensive explanation of our signing system. This is therefore a perfect complimentary title to The Official Highway Code.

The Official DSA Guide to Driving:
the essential skills

The Official DSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills (book)
by Driving Standards Agency (Author)


"Driving: The Essential Skills is the only official industry-standard driving manual from DSA, the Driving Standards Agency. There is no other comparable, comprehensive, official product available on the market.

Driving: The Essential Skills is ideal for all drivers - whether learner, experienced or instructor - to help them learn and maintain safe driving skills and improve their driving technique."

The Official DSA Complete Learner Driver Pack:
2008/09 Edition

The Official DSA Complete Learner Driver Pack (Driving Skills) (book)
by Driving Standards Agency (Author)

"Great value learner driver book pack, containing THREE titles:
* "The Official DSA Theory Test for Car Drivers"
* "The Official DSA Guide to Driving - the Essential Skills"
* "The Official DSA Guide to Learning to Drive".
The pack provides everything you need to fully prepare for and pass the multiple choice theory and practical tests."

Helping Learners to Practise:
The Official Guide
(Driving Skills)

Helping Learners to Practise: The Official Guide (Driving Skills) (book)

"The only official guide which shows how to help a learner practise the skills needed to pass the practical driving test. Essential advice and comprehensive guidance for anyone helping someone learn to drive.
Most people fail their driving test because they are not prepared. It has been shown that professional lessons combined with extra practice is the best preparation. This product will help the person sitting in the passenger seat understand what the learner needs to practice and the potential hazards they may encounter."

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Learner Driver Online Shop - for all your learning to drive theory and practical test training materials and study aids

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