Learning to drive - What do I need?
Get your provisional licence
You should apply for your provisional photocard licence using form DL1 (application for a driving licence). For your first licence you must fill in this form (available from most post offices, Local Vehicle Licensing Offices, DVA Testing offices, or directly from DVA by calling 0845 402 4000. (Further details about provisional driving licences).
Take lessons
You can choose how you prepare yourself for your theory and practical driving tests, but research shows that learner drivers who have had plenty of practice and driving lessons from an approved instructor perform well during the driving test.
Car driving instructors must be approved and registered with DVA Testing.
Pass your theory test
Theory tests are generally available on:
- Monday to Friday, from 9am to 6pm
- Saturday mornings
But some theory test centres may have different opening times.
Apply for your theory test on the relevant form which you can get from:
- theory and practical driving test centres
- approved driving instructors
- the national test booking line, 0845 600 6 700, where you can also book your test using a credit or debit card
You must pass the theory test before you can apply for your practical driving test. Once you have passed your theory test, you have two years in which to pass the practical test, otherwise you must take (and pass) the theory test again.
