Driving on a Provisional Licence in the UK

Once you have your provisional driving licence, you are able to start driving under the correct supervision – be that a driving instructor or an experienced family member/friend.

Practice your driving by hitting the roads with a provisional licence is a very important step in how you can safely learn to drive.

However, due to the nature of driving, it does come with some strict regulations to ensure the safety of everyone using the roads.

How to Get a Provisional Licence

Before you start learning to drive, you need to obtain a provisional driving licence.

To apply for your provisional license, you need to meet these criteria:

• You must be at least 15 years and 9 months old to apply (although I think it’s important to point out that to drive a car, you need to be 17).
• You need to have lived in the UK for at least 185 days in the last 12 months.
• You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away.

To apply, visit the GOV.UK website or fill out a D1 form from the Post Office. The cost of applying is £34 when applying online or £43 by post.

Rules for Driving with a Provisional Licence

Driving for the first time with your provisional license can be both exciting and daunting.

To ensure the safety of both you and the other road users, there are a number of rules you need to follow.

These include:

• You must be supervised by a driver who is at least 21 years old and has held a full UK driving licence for at least three years.
• To make sure other road users know you are a learner, the vehicle you are driving in must display L plates (or D plates in Wales). These should be clearly visible on the front and back of your vehicle.
• You must have valid insurance. Whether it’s your own learner driver insurance or as a named driver on someone else’s policy.
• Only drive cars that are taxed, insured, and have a valid MOT (if applicable).

Failure to follow these rules could result in penalties. Such as fines, points on your licence, or even disqualification.

Where Can You Drive with a Provisional Licence?

You can drive on any public road. This now includes motorways if you are being supervised by a DVSA-approved driving instructor and in a dual-controlled vehicle.

I say now, as when I was learning to drive, this was not the case. The rules changed in 2018.

There are no restrictions on driving at night, but insurance policies may have curfews, so check your cover.

Who Can Supervise a Learner Driver?

When learning you need another person in the car with you.

They must be:

• at least 21 years old (some insurers require 25+).
• a full UK driving licence holder – of at least three years.
• focused on you and the road – i.e. they should not use mobile phones while you are driving.

Unlike driving instructors, friends or family members cannot accept payment for supervising you unless they are a qualified instructor.

Insurance for Learner Drivers

Driving without valid insurance is illegal and carries severe penalties.

These can include fines, points on your license, and possible disqualification.

Your insurance options include:

1. Learner driver insurance (short-term cover for practice in a borrowed car).
2. Being added as a named driver to someone else’s policy.
3. Driving school insurance (if learning through an instructor’s car).

Some insurers have age restrictions or curfews, so always check the terms before you start driving.

What Happens if You Get Caught Breaking the Rules?

If you break the rules of the road as a learner driver, there are several forms of punishment. These include:

• Penalty points (up to 6 points before you even pass your test!).
• Fines for driving without insurance, failing to display L plates, or not having a qualified supervisor.
• Revocation of your licence if you accumulate six or more points within two years of passing your test.

Get the Most Out of Your Provisional Licence

Driving on a provisional licence is an exciting step towards getting your full UK driving licence.

By following the rules, practicing safely, and ensuring you have the right insurance, you’ll set yourself up for success when it’s time to take your driving test.

Make sure to book driving lessons with a professional instructor to build your confidence, and practice regularly.

Learning in a variety of conditions is also a good idea. So you are used to all that the roads may throw at you. This includes driving in rain, at night, and on busy roads.