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Learning to drive or ride

You will be eligible for a provisional driving licence from your 17th birthday. This permits you to drive on the road under the tuition or guidance of an instructor, as long as your teacher is over the age of 21 and has held a full EC licence for 3 years or more. You must also display red L plates on the front and back of your car.

Find out all you need to know at Directgov >>

Car safety

Take these simple steps to reduce vehicle crime:

  • Park in safe, well-lit areas avoiding unfamiliar side streets.
  • Install an alarm and immobiliser or use a stop lock as a visible deterrent to thieves.
  • Close all windows and lock doors when leaving your car - note, if you are leaving a dog in your car be sure to leave the windows open enough for air to circulate, but not enough for arms or hands to reach inside.
  • Don't leave anything in your car; any items you are not taking with you should be secured in the boot or lockable glove compartment.

Organisations

Driving Standards Agency

The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) aims to promote road safety through improving driving standards, testing drivers, motorcyclists and driving instructors fairly and efficiently through the theory test and practical driving test; maintaining the registers of Approved Driving Instructors and Large Goods Vehicle Instructors, and supervising training for learner motorcyclists.

See in particular: Details of DSA's Arrive Alive Road Safety programme >>

Theory Test candidates can book via the internet, selecting their preferred date for the test and the Theory Test Centre of their choice. They can also pay online and take mock theory tests.  View tests online >>

Useful information is available on the DSA website for people wishing to learn to drive who have a disability.

Telephone: 0115 901 2500 or Pass Plus Enquiry Line:0115 901 2633
Address: Stanley House, 56 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GU.
Email: customer.services@dsa.gsi.gov.uk
Website: http://www.dsa.gov.uk/

DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency)

For full details of how to apply for your provisionally licence and also about sitting the exams contact the DVLA at the following address. You may also find the DVLA website useful. It includes the up to date cost of a provisional licence.

Telephone: 01792 772134
Address: DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BL.
Minicom: 01792 782756
Fax: 01792 782793
Email: enquiry.dvla@gtnet.go.uk
Website: http://www.dvla.gov.uk/