You can legally start learning to drive a car in the UK at age 17, provided you have a provisional driving licence. However, you must be supervised by someone over 21 who has held a full licence for at least three years. The earliest you can drive alone is after you pass both your theory and practical driving tests, which cannot be taken before your 17th birthday.
The rules differ if you receive the enhanced rate of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) mobility component. In this specific case, you can apply for your provisional licence at age 16 and drive a car, but the same supervision requirements apply until you pass your tests.
The process involves several key milestones, each with its own age and licence requirements. The table below outlines the critical stages for most new drivers.
| Milestone | Minimum Age | Licence Required | Key Conditions |
|---|
| Apply for Provisional Licence | 15 years and 9 months | None | Application can be submitted early; licence becomes valid at 17. |
| Start Learning to Drive | 17 | Provisional | Must be supervised by a qualified driver (21+, held full licence for 3+ years). |
| Take Theory Test | 17 | Provisional | Must pass before booking the practical test. |
| Take Practical Driving Test | 17 | Provisional | Must have passed the theory test. |
| Drive Alone (Full Licence) | 17 (or 16 for eligible PIP recipients) | Full | Granted immediately upon passing the practical test. |
Before you even get behind the wheel, you need to apply for a provisional driving licence from the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency). You can do this up to three months before your 17th birthday. Once you have your provisional licence, every drive must be accompanied by your supervisor. The car you learn in must also display L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) on the front and rear.
It's not just about age. You must meet the minimum eyesight requirement, which is being able to read a car number plate from 20 meters. If you need glasses or contact lenses to do this, you must wear them every time you drive. Passing your test is the final hurdle, granting you the freedom to drive unsupervised on your own full licence.
