Learning to drive can be daunting. We’ve put together a guide for everything you need to know about how to prepare, driving lessons, and some things to remember.
Applying for a provisional license
The first step is to get a provisional license.
You can apply when you’re 15 years and nine months old, but you’ll only be able to get behind the wheel when you’re 17.
Before you apply, you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.
You can apply for a provisional license online, which costs £34 currently.
Rules for learner drivers
There are a few things you have to do and remember when learning to drive for the first time.
L plates
You must have L plates on display at the front and back of the car you're learning in.
If you’re learning in Wales, you can display D or L plates – either are fine.
You can get up to six penalty points on your licence if you're caught driving without the right plates, or if they’re the wrong size.
Read our guide on L plates.
Criteria for teachers
You must be accompanied by a driving instructor, family member or friend who:
- is over 21 years old
- is qualified to drive the type of vehicle you're learning in
- has held a full driving licence for at least three years
Read our guide for more information on supervising a learner driver.
Rules for your instructor
Whoever your instructor is – whether they’re a friend or formal teacher – there are two things that are illegal for them to do:
- use their mobile phone while teaching you
- take you on motorways
Driving lessons
On average, learner drivers need around 45 hours of lessons with an instructor, as well as 20 hours of practice.
It’s important to find an instructor who’s the right fit for you.
It’s worth asking for recommendations from friends and family, as well as doing your research online.
How much do driving lessons cost?
Driving lessons can cost roughly between £25 and £45 per hour.
When you consider how many lessons you may need to pass, this can easily add up.
Some instructors offer blocks of lessons for discounted prices.
On the other hand, some people choose to get in extra practise with their parents to help reduce the cost of driving lessons.
Intensive driving courses
You can choose to do an intensive driving course, which is when you do all your lessons over the course of a week or fortnight.
If you have the funds to pay in one lump sum, it will often end up cheaper than paying individually over a longer period of time.
They can cost anything from around £200 to £2000.
However, you need to be ready to commit to a huge amount of driving in a very short period.
Should I learn to drive automatic or manual?
There are a few things to consider when deciding whether to learn to drive automatic or manual cars.
Learning to drive in a manual car takes longer, as you need to learn clutch control and shifting gears.
This means it could cost you more in lessons, but automatic lessons are often more expensive, so you need to weigh up the costs before deciding.
It’s also worth noting that if you get an automatic license, you’ll only be able to drive automatic cars – but a manual license means you can drive both manual and automatic cars.
For anyone with limited mobility or a disability, an automatic vehicle could be better to learn in as they’re easier to control.
It's all up to your personal circumstances and finances.
Getting insured
The insurance you need depends on whether you have your own car already, or if you’re learning in a friend or family member’s car.
If you’re learning in your own car
If you're lucky enough to already have your own car, then you'll need your own car insurance for that vehicle.
On the plus side, you'll start building up your own no claims bonus right away, which could help you get cheaper cover.
While you're learning, it would be a good idea to add a parent onto your policy as a named driver so they can drive your car if they ever need to during one of your lessons.
It's important you don't put them as the main driver if this isn't true - this is called fronting and it's against the law.
