UK driving age limits & legalities

Provisional driving licence and age limits

Currently in the UK the legal age a person can start learning to drive on the road, and sit the test, is 17. To be eligible to learn you must hold a valid provisional license. While you must wait until you're seventeenth birthday before going on the road you can apply for a provisional license up to three months before. The license, however, does not become valid until you are 17.

The easiest way to apply for your first provisional licence is to do it online through the DVLA website - click here. You can also apply for a provisional licence by obtaining a D1 form from the DVLA or a local participating Post Office. D1 form applications still require supporting identity documents but can be paid for over the counter at your Post Office.

In order to qualify for a UK provisional licence you must:

• be a resident of Great Britain
• meet the minimum age requirements
• meet the minimum eyesight standards
• not be prevented from driving for any reason (medical or legal)
• have a valid UK passport or other suitable official form of identity
• be able to provide a verifiable series of addresses for the last three years

Who can teach you and what vehicle can you learn in

You are legally allowed to learn in your own, or an acquaintance's vehicle, so long as you are accompanied by an licensed driver who is over 21 and has a minimum of three years experience. As with normal driving you must ensure your vehicle is road worthy and that you have the correct insurance. Although many new drivers will have a friend or family member to help them learn, it is recommended that you use an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) for the bulk of your learning and practice. They will usually have a dual control car greatly improving your safety on the road. They will also be aware of the official syllabus and will structure your learning around what you will need to pass your test.