Before you start
You need to meet a few criteria before you begin to learn to drive:
- You must be at least 17 years of age;
- You will need a provisional driving licence. These are issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA). You can apply apply online up to 3 months before your 17 th birthday or by post with a form D1 which can be obtained free online or from a Post Office.
- You must be able to read in good daylight, with glasses or contact lenses if you wear them, a motor vehicle number plate from a distance of 20.5 metres, which is about 67 feet or the length of about 5½ MINIs.
- Find a driving instructor! The Thomson Local gives some suggestions as to how to choose, as does the “Learning to Drive” leaflet which is sent to you with your provisional licence. The Motor Schools Association (MSA), of which I am a member, also gives some tips on their website. Instead of just asking “how much?” and choosing the one with the cheapest hourly rate it can be worth asking if the instructor is fully qualified.