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You can start learning on public roads at age 17, when you can apply for a Provisional Driving licence.

To do this, you must complete application form D1, available from Post Offices. Send it to DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) with the necessary documents and fee (details are listed on the application form).

You can drive a car at age 17. You can also drive a motorcycle, a large tractor and vans or lorries up to 3.5 tons.

For more information about what age you can drive or ride different vehicles, go to Connexions Direct.

Once you are 17, you can have driving lessons with a driving instructor. You can also practice with another adult sitting sitting with you.

The rules are:

• The driver sitting with you must be 21 years old and must have held a full driving licence (not provisional) for at least 3 years (for the type of vehicle you'll be practising in)
• The car you use must be insured for you to drive it, be fitted with 'L' plates at the front and back and be in a safe and roadworthy state

A friend may be able to tell you about a good driving instructor. You can also look in the Yellow Pages, you local newspaper or on the Internet.

Think about:

Only a registered Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) or Provisional Driving Instructor (PDI) can charge money for teaching you to drive. An ADI or PDI must be registered with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), and display a certificate on the windscreen of the car while teaching you.

What kind of car does the instructor have? Most teach in small cars, but always check to make sure you're happy with the car you'll be learning in.

Would you prefer a male or female instructor? Larger driving schools have both, but a lot of driving instructors work for themselves.

Can the instructor offer you a free trial lesson? Some do. It will help you see if you're going to like the instructor and their teaching style.

What about an intensive driving course? These last for a full week and at the end you can take your test. But they don't suit everyone's learning style.

If you have a disability, can the instructor offer special tuition and a suitably adapted car? Look for instructors who have taken a special course

Does the driving school/instructor offer training to help you pass the theory test?

You need to be able to read a number plate from 20.5 metres (67 feet) away. (It's OK to wear glasses or contact lenses for this, as long as you wear them at all times while driving).

Dress sensibly - stilettos and heavy boots or shoes aren't good for using the pedals in a car!

Don't worry - some people pick up driving quickly, others take longer

It tests your knowledge of the Highway Code. It is organised by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) at one of their centres (find your nearest centre at www.dsa.gov.uk - click on 'Theory Test').

The first part is made up of 35 multiple-choice questions and is carried out using a touch-screen computer. (You can do a practice before the test starts). There is a 40 minute time limit.

The second part is the Hazard Perception test. You will be shown 14 video clips, lasting 1 minute each. You must click the mouse button when you see a hazard developing. The earlier you respond, the higher your score.

You must pass both parts of the theory test in the same sitting. You'll be given your results before you leave the test centre.

Additional needs

Candidates should tell the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) when booking their theory test if they have any special requirements.

The following can be arranged:

• You can listen to the text on headphones if you need help with dyslexia or other reading difficulties
• An on-screen video which shows the test being signed in British Sign Language (BSL)
• A headset playing the test being read in 20 foreign languages (Albanian, Arabic, Bengali, Cantonese, Dari, Farsi, Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kurdish, Mirpuri, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Pushto, Spanish, Tamil, Turkish, Urdu and Welsh)
• You can request extra time to complete the test if your needs are not met by any of the things listed above. You should ask for this when you book the test.

Getting ready for the theory test

Do as much work as possible before the theory test:

• Read the Highway Code (available in bookshops).
• Take a mock theory test at the DSA website (click on 'Theory Tests' to get to the 'Mock Theory Test' link). www.dsa.gov.uk
• Get someone to help you revise

Booking your theory test

Your driving instructor will be able to tell you where the nearest Theory Test centre is, or visit the DSA website (click on 'Theory Test' )

Try and book as early as possible, as waiting lists can be long.

There are various ways you can book your theory test:

Application form: available from Approved Driving Instructors, theory or practical test centres or by calling 0870 010 1372.
Online at www.dsa.gov.uk
By calling 0870 010 1372

It's designed to see if you can drive safely and know the Highway Code. You will be tested by an examiner, not your driving instructor.

The test lasts around 40 minutes, and will include a range of road and traffic conditions. You will be given directions and instructions on what to do by the examiner.

You will be asked to do 2 of the following 3 things during the test:

• Reversing around a corner
• Turning in the road
• Reverse parking

The examiner may also ask you to do an emergency stop.

Tips for the practical test

Many people say it's the most nerve-wracking thing they've ever done! Nerves are normal. You can help by:

Taking deep breaths - it can really help in situations when you're nervous

Asking that a friend or your instructor comes along for your test. Ask about this when you book it.

Taking an interpreter with you on the test if you need one. They can't be an Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) and must be 16 or over.

Don't worry if the examiner is quiet. They won't put you off by chatting to you more than necessary.

Additional needs

The DSA website has info about driving tests for candidates with a disability, including those who are deaf and deaf without speech. (Click on 'Driving Tests' and select the 'DT1' link).

Booking your practical test

Your driving instructor will be able to tell you where the nearest centre is, or you can find out at www.dsa.gov.uk (click on 'Driving Tests').

Try to book as early as possible, as waiting lists can be long.

When you book the test, remember to let the DSA know if you:

• Are deaf or have learning difficulties
• Have problems in your movements in any way
• Have a physical disability

You can book your practical test by:

Application form: these are available from Approved Driving Instructors, theory or practical test centres or you can request one by calling 0870 010 1372.
Online at www.dsa.gov.uk
By calling 0870 010 1372

Once you've passed both theory and practical tests, you need to swap your test certificate and provisional licence for a full driving licence.

Complete the declaration on your test certificate and return it with your provisional licence to DVLA (address details will be on the form).

(If you got your provisional license after 1.3. 2004, there is no charge for your Full Licence.)

A full licence is valid until you are 70.

Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)

For lots of useful information about driving (e.g. licences, learning to drive, entitlement to drive, disqualifications) and owning a vehicle (e.g. taxing and registering a vehicle, fighting vehicle crime and advice on buying a vehicle)

Driving Standards Agency (DSA)

The DSA is in charge of driver testing and driving instructor examining. Includes a mock theory test.

The Disabled Drivers' Association

For information on mobility matters, including insurance, driving assessment and vehicle adaptation
Tel: 0870 770 3333