Learn to drive: your step-by-step guide

Learning to drive is exciting, but there are lots of steps, fees and rules. This page puts the whole journey in order, from your first licence to your first car. Each step links to a simple, longer guide. You can test yourself any time with our free practice tests.

Quick summary

Apply for a provisional licence from 15 years and 9 months. Most people can drive a car from 17.
Official fees: £34 for a provisional licence online, £23 for the theory test, £62 for a weekday driving test.
Pass the theory test first, then the practical test within 2 years.
After you pass, 6 penalty points within 2 years means you lose your licence.

Learn to drive guides

Theory practice testsFree questions by topic and a timed 50-question mock test.Theory test explainedFormat, cost, pass marks and what to bring.Hazard perception test tipsHow scoring works and how to spot developing hazards.Road signs explainedShapes, colours, key signs and road markings.Practical driving test guideFees, booking rules, manoeuvres and common faults.New driver rulesThe 6-point rule, P plates, insurance and your first car.

moValue is not connected to DVSA. Our practice questions are written by us from The Highway Code.

Step 1: Get your provisional licence

You need a provisional licence before you can take lessons or book a test. You can apply from 15 years and 9 months old. Most people can start driving a car at 17 (some people who get the higher rate of PIP mobility can start at 16). You can ride a moped from 16.

It costs £34 online or £43 by post. You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres.

Example: Mia turns 17 in June. She applies online in March, so her licence is ready for her birthday.

Step 2: Lessons and practice

You must always be supervised. You can learn with an approved driving instructor (ADI), or practise with family or friends if they:

are over 21
have held a full licence for that type of car for 3 years
are not paid

Show L plates on the front and back (D plates are allowed in Wales). You need insurance that covers you as a learner. Learners can only drive on motorways with an ADI in a dual-control car.

Example: Your dad can supervise you in the family car, but only once you're insured on it as a learner.

Tip: start revising for the theory test while you take lessons. See Theory test explained.

Step 3: Pass your theory test

The car theory test costs £23. It has 50 multiple-choice questions (pass mark 43) and a hazard perception test (pass mark 44 out of 75). You must pass both parts in the same test. Your pass lasts 2 years.

Example: Sam passes in January 2027. He must pass his driving test by January 2029, or take the theory test again.

Step 4: Pass your practical driving test

The test costs £62 on weekdays or £75 on evenings, weekends and bank holidays. You must book it yourself. You drive for around 35 minutes. You can pass with up to 15 driving faults, but no serious or dangerous faults.

Example: Priya gets 6 minor faults and no serious ones. She passes.

Step 5: After you pass

You can drive straight away if your insurance covers you to drive alone. Green P plates are optional. The big rule: 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing and your licence is cancelled.

Example: Using a hand-held phone while driving brings 6 points. For a new driver, that one mistake means losing the licence.

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Frequently asked questions

How many lessons do I need?

There's no minimum. Take your test when you can drive safely without help.

Can my mum or dad teach me?

Yes, if they're over 21, have held a full licence for 3 years, aren't paid and you're insured as a learner.

Can my instructor book my test?

No. Since 12 May 2026, only you can book or change your car driving test.

Are your practice tests official?

No. moValue is not connected to DVSA. We write our own questions from The Highway Code.

Will I have to wait a minimum time before my test?

Not at the moment. The government has consulted on a minimum learning period of 3 or 6 months, but this is only a proposal and not law.

Sources

Official figures in this guide come from the sources below. Ranges and examples not linked to a source are general guidance from our editors, not official statistics.