New to Driving? Start Here

STEP 1: Get Your Provisional Driving Licence 

You might be eager to get going, but before you can start your driving lessons you will need to hold a UK provisional driving licence. If you apply online your licence usually arrives within a week, while postal applications can take up to three weeks.

You can apply for your licence online, or pick up a D1 form from your local post office and apply by post. Applying online is usually quicker and cheaper. 

If you are a foreign national, you may need to exchange your EEA/EC licence for a British provisional licence.

Please note: you must inform the DVLA of any medical conditions or disabilities when applying for a provisional licence, or that may affect an existing licence.

STEP 2 - Pass Your Theory Test

Feeling enthusiastic and ready to get your theory test done?

We can help witih recommending mobile apps and books that are useful when studying at home.

Once you're feeling ready, you can apply for your theory test online.

You will need:

• Your current provisional licence
• A debit or credit card to pay the fee

STEP 3 - Book and Pass Your Practical Driving Test

To take your practical driving test you must hold a provisional driving licence and have already passed your theory test.

Your driving instructor will advise you when you are ready to book your driving test. The test can only be booked by you, the provisional licence holder, with the date agreed with your instructor beforehand to ensure both your instructor and the car are available.

Prior to your test, you will also complete mock driving tests with your instructor to make sure you are fully prepared and driving to the required standard before your test.

Please be aware the practical test may have an extended wait time. As of May 2026, only the learner can book, change, or manage their own driving test. We recommend asking your instructor to set up their availability on the DVSA's system and to provide you with their personal reference number, so that when you book using this, you will only see test slots that work for both of you, which helps to avoid scheduling clashes.

It's also worth knowing that you can only make two changes to a test booking, so it's important to get the date right first time.

Important: It is the pupil's responsibility to bring the following documents to the test centre. Without them you will not be able to sit your test, and neither the DVSA test fee nor your driving lesson will be refunded:

1) Your valid photo card licence

2) Your theory test pass certificate

3) Your appointment confirmation

STEP 4 - You've Passed! What Happens Next?

Congratulations!

After passing your test you will usually receive your full UK driving licence within three weeks. Provided your car is legal (with a valid MOT and road tax), you can insure and drive your own vehicle the same day as passing, using your pass certificate number whilst you await your licence in the post.

At this stage, you may wish to consider further training such as a Pass Plus course, which can lower your car insurance by up to 30% with participating insurance companies.

Ready to Get Started?

Now you know the steps, the next one is the most exciting - getting behind the wheel!

Whether you are a complete beginner or returning after a break, our patient, friendly, DVSA-approved instructors are here to help you every step of the way.

Find out more about our manual and automatic driving lessons and let's get you started on your journey.

You will also find answers to lots of common questions over on our FAQs page.