How to Start Learning to Drive – A Beginner’s Guide

🚦Let’s start with a quick reality check…

Imagine this: you're 17, eager to get your independence, dreaming of driving to your college, part-time job, or that long-awaited road trip. You’ve finally decided—it’s time to learn to drive.

But then you start hearing stories...

"There's a 5-month wait for the driving test."

"I’ve called 6 instructors and no one’s available!"

"You’ve got to book the test before you even start lessons, just to get a spot in time!"

Sound familiar? Don’t worry—you’re not alone.

Right now in the UK, learning to drive is more popular than ever, which means driving instructors are often booked up, and driving test wait times are longer than usual. That’s why planning ahead is key—the earlier you get started, the better chance you have of getting on the road sooner.

So if you’re a beginner thinking about getting your driving licence, this guide will walk you through every step of the process, with links, tips, and advice to help you get started the right way.

Step 1: Apply for Your Provisional Driving Licence

Before you can book lessons or take your theory test, you’ll need a provisional driving licence. You can apply for it from the age of 15 years and 9 months, but you must be at least 17 to start driving a car.

How to apply:

Apply online via the official GOV.UK website: 👉 https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licence
Cost: £34 (online) or £43 (by post)
You'll need an identity document (like a passport), your National Insurance number, and a passport-style photo if applying by post.

⏳ Top Tip: Apply early—it can take up to 3 weeks to receive your licence.

Step 2: Find the Right Driving School or Instructor

Choosing the right driving school is key. Look for a DVSA-approved driving instructor and consider whether you'd prefer:

Manual or automatic lessons
A male or female instructor
Someone who is calm, patient, and communicates clearly

You can check if an instructor is approved here: 👉 https://www.gov.uk/find-driving-schools-and-lessons

💬 Advice: Ask friends or family for recommendations, read reviews, and even request a trial lesson before committing to a full block.

Step 3: Book Your Driving Lessons

Once you’ve chosen your instructor, you can book your first lesson! Most instructors will recommend 2-hour sessions to get the most value and practice.

📱 With us, after booking you’ll get access to our platform "TD", where you can:

View upcoming lessons
Communicate with your instructor
Pay or book additional lessons
Track your progress

You can pay via:

The app
Bank transfer
Cash before the lesson

🧍 Nervous? Totally normal! Let your instructor know how you're feeling—they're trained to support learners of all confidence levels.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Theory Test

While you’re learning to drive, you’ll also need to pass the theory test, which includes:

Multiple-choice questions
Hazard perception clips

Book your theory test here: 👉 https://www.gov.uk/book-theory-test

📚 Great resources:

Official DVSA app
Theory Test Pro
Driving Theory 4 All

💡 Tip: Don’t leave it too late—passing your theory test is required before you can book the practical test.

Step 5: Practice, Learn & Stay Consistent

Driving is a skill built through regular practice. Try to book lessons consistently, and don’t be discouraged if things take time. Everyone learns at their own pace.

📝 Keep track of:

Lesson progress
Feedback from your instructor
Areas to improve

Practice with a friend or family member (with the right insurance and requirements) to boost your confidence if possible.

Step 6: When You’re Ready, Book Your Practical Test

You’ve been learning for a while now, building confidence behind the wheel, and you’re starting to think… “Maybe I’m ready for the test?”

That’s great—but before you go ahead and book your practical driving test, there’s one very important step:

✅ Make sure your instructor agrees that you’re test-ready.

Many learners feel eager to secure a test date as early as possible—especially with current waiting times—but booking too soon can backfire. Your driving instructor plays a key role in this decision for good reason:

They are responsible for your safety
They are also responsible for the safety of the examiner during the test
They can legally refuse to take you to your test if they believe you are not yet ready

If an instructor feels you don’t yet meet test standards, they may not allow the use of their vehicle for the test. This is not to hold you back—it’s to protect you, the examiner, and others on the road, and to give you the best possible chance of passing.

🛑 Important: Don’t book your practical test without first speaking to your instructor. Not only does it show respect for their expertise, but it avoids last-minute issues or cancellations.

🗓 Tip: If you're nearing readiness, your instructor might recommend securing a test date 6–8 weeks ahead, giving you time to focus on final prep and mock tests.

Beginner Driving Checklist: ✅

Apply for provisional licence
Choose an instructor
Book regular lessons
Study for and pass theory test
Track progress
Book your practical test

Final Tips for Beginners:

✅ Be patient with yourself

✅ Don’t compare your progress to others

✅ Communicate openly with your instructor

✅ Stay consistent with lessons

✅ Practice road safety from day one

You're on the road to success—literally! 🌟

Ready to Get Started? You’ve Got This! 🚗💨

Learning to drive is a big milestone—and while the process might feel overwhelming at first, taking it step by step makes all the difference. From getting your provisional licence to choosing the right instructor, every choice brings you closer to the freedom of the open road.

The key is to start early, stay consistent, and remember that everyone learns at their own pace. Whether you’re excited, nervous, or a bit of both—that’s completely normal. The most important thing is that you’ve taken the first step, and we’re here to guide you the rest of the way.

🗓 Looking forward to next week?

Make sure to check back for our next blog:

👉 "What to Expect in Your First Driving Lesson" – a full breakdown of how it works, how to prepare, and tips to boost your confidence from day one.

Until then—drive safe and dream big! 🚦