Learning To Drive A Car In The UK

Okay, so you are thinking of learning to drive a car and pass the UK driving test, and are not sure where to start. Well how about starting at the beginning!

If you have not already done so, then your first step is to:

1. Apply for and get a Provisional Licence. The current fee (August 2015) is £50.
   An international or foreign driving licence can not be used to prepare for the UK driving test, though you can use one to drive unsupervised within the 1st 12 months of you arriving in the country.
   Anyone normally resident in the UK and aged 17 or over can apply for a provisional license, If you are 16 and in receipt of the higher disability benefit you can also apply for one. Doing it online is quicker especially if you have a new biometric passport.
2. Start preparing for your theory test. You need to pass the theory test before you are allowed to book a practical driving test appointment, so the earlier you get this out of the way, the better as you can concentrate on your lessons.
   Some advise: You can getting your learning underway preparing for the driving test by getting a copy of the Highway Code and reading it. If you can read through it twice before you get in the car, you will be amazed at how much easier your lessons will be.
3. Another thing you can do is start reading your Official Theory Test CD/DVD material. This is the material by the people who conduct the test, so make sure you understand it fully, especially the Hazard perception portion which is where a lot of candidates fail.
   The Highway Code will start you on the way, but you will need to read the additional official book and practise your hazard perception skills (there are other resources out there including apps for your smartphone). You can not however apply to sit the theory test until you've received your provisional licence. Once you've received your provisional licence, you can now start thinking about when you want to book your Theory Test and choosing an instructor.
4. Take driving Lessons! There are currently no legal requirements (August 2015)that make it compulsory for a provisional licence holder to take driving lessons with a fully qualified ADI in order to sit and pass the UK test, however I advice you do at least take some in order to make sure you are at the right standard, get a knowledge of the area you will taken, deal with bad habits and therefore increase your chances of passing and getting a full licence. This is especially true if you are a foreign licence holder or have been taught by parents or friends.

More Reading
10 Easy Steps to Passing The Driving Test