Driving School OVERVIEW .....

Before you can learn to drive a car, moped or motorcycle you must apply for a provisional driving licence. If you already hold a valid full driving licence and want to learn to drive larger vehicles, minibuses or buses you will need to apply for provisional entitlement for these vehicles.

You can apply for your first provisional driving licence for a car, moped or motorcycle using the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) secure and easy to use online service.

You can online for a first provisional driving licence, in person or by post

You can apply for your provisional driving licence by completing the D1 application form that is available from the DVLA form ordering service or Post Office® branches. You will also need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £50.00. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD or you may be able to use the premium checking service.

• For transactions, services, interactive tools, and forms click here ..

• For downloadable Information leaflets on driver licensing, driving tests, registering and licensing a vehicle click here ..

• For practical driving test safety questions click here ..

• For the online version of the Highway Code click here ..

• For information about booking your test, newly qualified drivers and Pass Plus click here ..

If you're learning to drive, there's a lot to remember. 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. You can apply online for your first provisional driving licence by visiting the Directgov website as detailed above.

As with a bike, you must also make sure that any vehicle you drive is roadworthy and properly taxed and insured - learning with an Approved Driving Instructor means that it is their responsibility, not yours!

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, in the relevant vehicle category, 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.