Are you 17 or over?
To start learning to drive you need to be at least 17 years old, which is the minimum age that you can legally drive a car on public roads in the UK. There have been numerous myths around discussing the age limit being raised but as of yet the age limit is still the same as before..
Under 17
Of course, if you're not yet 17 and want to start practising on private land, that's ok, but please remember that places like supermarket car parks are classed as public roads.
If you want to start learning to drive on private land, the site you have access to must be gated and remote from all public highways. However, if the land is connected to any form of public highway, then, irrespective of its ownership, it is illegal under the Road Traffic Act for any under age or unlicensed learner to drive there.
Please make sure you are aware of the implications of driving illegally before you consider practicing on private land.
You can also get ahead by applying for your provisional licence three months before your 17th birthday. And if you're disabled and receiving mobility allowance, you can start at age 16. |
