Many people still think that driving lessons are just about learning how to operate a car safely, being able to make it start, stop and go round corners and familiarizing themselves with the Highway Code.

Of course, you need to be able to handle your car well, that is the fundamental skill of driving a car. You must however have a much greater understanding of the rules of driving, how drivers (that means you as well) should think, behave and react. Much more emphasis is placed on driver attitude, the ability to spot potential hazards, driver's judgment and developing safe driving procedures and routines for life.

Learning to drive can seem quite complicated, with all the forms you need to fill out, not to mention everything you will need to remember so we have included a number of useful links to the sites you can click through to, when applying for both your licence and your test.




Before you can learn to drive a car, you have to be at least 17 years old, and hold a provisional driving licence.

To apply for this, you must complete the application form (D1), which is available either from the Driver Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service, or from your local Post Office.

It takes approximately 4 weeks to be processed. We suggest that you send off for your licence in good time, so that you are not delayed once you have made the decision to get started. You must NOT drive until you have one.




Many people ask how long it will take to learn to drive – unfortunately, there is no exact formula but the DSA have estimated that you might need your age x 1.5 in lessons.

It is only a rough guide and not a guarantee of how many lessons you will need




You must be able to read a car number plate from a distance of at least 20.5 meters, or about 67 feet. If you wear glasses or contact lenses to be able to do this, you must use them when driving. If you have any doubts, have your eyes tested.

Once you can meet the above requirements, you are ready to start your training




The Highway Code is essential reading for everyone learning to drive and a copy will be provided