Learning to Drive

You need to be 17 to start learning to drive and have a valid provisional licence before you take your first driving lessons. You can obtain a provisional licence by completing a D1 form (available from the post office) and sending it to the DVLA with your passport or birth certificate, and a passport-sized photo. You can also apply online. Visit the link below:

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/Beforeyoua pplyA/DG_10032690

Apply for a provisional licence up to three months before your 17th birthday and you could book your first driving lesson for the big day!

The Theory Test

You have to pass a theory test before you can book a practical driving test. The theory test is in two parts the multiple choice part and the hazard perception part.

For the first part you are asked 50 multiple choice questions. A question and several possible answers will appear on a computer screen - you have to select the correct answer. Some questions may need more than one answer.

You can move between questions and 'flag' questions that you want to come back to later in the test. Some car and motorcycle questions will be given as a case study. The case study will:

  • show a short story that five questions will be based on
  • focus on real life examples and experiences that you could come across when driving

The pass mark is 43 or more.

The hazard perception test is the second part of the theory test. You will be show a series of 14 clips showing everyday road scenes. The clips containing at least one developing hazard (one clip features two developing hazards). A developing hazard is something that may result in you having to take some action, such as changing speed or direction. The pass mark is 44 out of a possible 75.

The theory test is currently £23.00. For more information see the links page.