Learn to Drive a Car: Step by Step
A plain-English summary of the official GOV.UK learner driver pathway.
1. Check you are allowed to drive
Most learners start car driving from age 17. Before anything else, make sure you meet the age, eyesight, and legal requirements.
2. Apply for your provisional licence
Your provisional licence unlocks the rest of the learner journey. Keep it safe because you will need it for lessons and test bookings.
3. Start lessons and build road awareness
A good instructor helps you develop safe habits from the beginning, not just basic car control.
4. Prepare for and pass your theory test
You need a theory pass before you can book the practical. This includes both multiple-choice questions and hazard perception.
5. Progress toward practical test standard
As your confidence improves, your lessons should move from general practice into consistent independent, test-ready driving.
6. Book and pass your practical test
When your instructor agrees you are ready, you can book the driving test and prepare for the final stage with focused mock-test practice.
Official GOV.UK link
For the full official checklist and related services, use:
Learn to drive a car: step by step on GOV.UKTake the First Step Today
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