How to pass your driving test – a full guide from novice to pro

There are more than 45 million drivers on the roads in the UK, but to be part of the club you have to get your driving licence first.

Acquiring your driving licence can be a lengthy (and expensive) process, but there’s no need to feel daunted.

In this comprehensive guide, we answer your questions about learning to drive and outline all the steps you need to take to pass your test.

More learning to drive guides

• How to pass your driving test – a full guide from novice to pro
• How to drive a manual car - a quick and easy guide with pictures
• How to drive an automatic car - step by step guide
• 15 Driving test tips to help you pass first time
• How to get a provisional driving licence
• How to teach a learner driver - a guide to supervising a friend or family member
• The Highway Code - Common UK road signs and what they mean
• 17 things your driving instructor never taught you
• Stopping distances made simple
• How to do a hill start - our complete guide for manual and automatic
• How to guide - bay parking for your driving test
• How to parallel park - our video guide to mastering the manoeuvre
• How to do a three-point turn - driving guide
• Roundabouts - how to deal with them and pass your test
• Learner drivers on motorways - everything you need to know
• What is a driving test fail? Majors and minors explained
• Should I take an intensive driving course?
• Scared of driving - how to overcome driving fear

Step one: applying for your provisional driving licence

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Before you can even think about driving, some admin needs doing – you need to apply for your provisional driving licence.

When can you apply for a provisional driving licence?

You can do this at any time once you’re over 15 years and nine months old but it only becomes valid when you turn 16.

What does your provisional licence allow you to do?

With a provisional licence you can:

• At 16 begin the process of learning to ride a moped or light quad bike
• At 17 begin the process of learning to drive a car

You cannot:

• Drive in a car without a driving instructor or someone else who fits the legal criteria

How do you apply for a provisional licence and how much does it cost?

The easiest way to apply is through the provisional driving licence page on the official GOV UK website.

To get a provisional licence you will need:

• To be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away
• Provide a legitimate form of ID (normally a passport)
• Provide addresses for where you have lived over the last three years
• Pay £34 by credit or debit card

Your provisional licence should arrive within a week.

At the same time, it’s a good idea to start reading the Highway Code and begin familiarising yourself with it in preparation for step four, taking your theory test.