Getting Started
Before you can legally learn to drive, you must ensure the following:
A Provisional Licence
You can apply for a provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday – or as soon as you are 16 if you are disabled and receive Motability allowance, but you need to be 17 before you can learn to drive on public roads.
Presently, the fee for a provisional licence is £34.00 if you apply online https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence
You can also get an application form from your local post office or from Roadrunner’s office at 468 Katherine Road, Forest Gate, London, E7 8DP.
Good Standard Vision
You must be able to read (with spectacles or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate from 20 metres away, which is approximately five car lengths. If you normally wear spectacles or contact lenses then you must wear them when driving.
L Plates
L Plates (or D plates in Wales) must be displayed visibly at the front and back of your car at all times while you are learning. You are only allowed to learn to drive when you are with someone over 21 years of age, who has a full valid driving licence and has had their full driver’s licence for 3 years or more.