Minimum ages and rules for learner drivers and riders

Before you learn to drive or ride a new vehicle make sure you know
about the rules and restrictions that apply to you. Different vehicles
have different minimum ages and restrictions.

Rules for learner drivers

Before you start to drive, you must:
Hold a valid, provisional driving licence for Great Britain or
Northern Ireland
Make sure that any vehicle you drive is roadworthy and properly taxed
and insured
It is important to learn safe driving practice from the beginning of
your driving career because bad habits are hard to break.

It is unlikely that anyone except an approved driving instructor (ADI)
would have the experience, knowledge and training to teach you
properly. Learning safe driving habits from the start will improve the
safety of yourself and other road users.

If you want to practise your driving with an accompanying driver, the
accompanying driver must be over the age of 21 and must have held (and
still hold) a full licence for three years.

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

Minimum age you can take a test

You can take your theory test once your provisional licence becomes
valid.

Normally, for car drivers, the earliest date your provisional licence
can become valid is your 17th birthday, however you can apply for the
licence up to three months before your 17th birthday.

So, if you apply for your provisional licence before you are 17 you
will still have to wait until your birthday before you can take your
theory test.


Disability living allowance

If you are receiving disability living allowance at the higher rate
your provisional licence will come into effect when you are 16, but
you can apply for it within
three months of your 16th birthday.

Motorcyclists Direct access scheme

Direct access is a scheme which allows a person over the age of 21 to
avoid the two year/25 kW restriction by taking a test on a machine of
at least 35 kW (46.6 bhp). A pass allows you to ride any size of bike.
Any instruction given on a machine that exceeds the normal learner
motorcycle specification must be supervised at all times by a
certified motorcycle instructor who should be in radio contact. You
should also wear fluorescent or reflective clothing and follow all
other provisional licence restrictions.

Accelerated access

Riders who reach the age of 21, while still within the two year period
where they are restricted to maximum 25 kW (33 bhp) machines, but who
wish to ride larger bikes need to pass a further test on a motorcycle
of at least 35 kW ( 46.6 bhp). They may practise on bikes over 25 kW
(33 bhp) under the same practice conditions for direct access riders.
You will revert to learner status while practising (on a motorcycle
greater than 25 kW (33 bhp) although test failure will not affect your
existing licence.

Mopeds and tractors

If you want to ride a moped you can take your theory test when you are
16, but again you must make sure you have a valid provisional
licence.

If you are 16 and already have a provisional licence for an
agricultural vehicle or a moped, this will give you provisional
entitlement to drive car when you are 17.


Most convenient way to arrande for your driving lessons is to log on
to www.123driving.co.uk, www.pass-test.co.uk, www.theory-test.co.uk