You need to be 17 years old before you can take lessons on a public road with a qualified instructor unless you are receiving a disability living allowance or PIP. In this case you can start learning in an an adapted vehicle from 16 years old.

You can apply for a provisional licence at the gov.uk website. You need to be at least 16 years and 9 months old. You must be able to read a new style number plate (after 01/09/01) from 20 meters. The licence normally takes around a week to arrive and costs £34.

Tell the DVLA when applying for your provisional about any problems with your eyes as this will be noted on your licence. It doesn’t include being colorblind or long and short sited. Check if you need to tell the DVLA about your eyesight problem by searching the A to Z of medical conditions that could affect your driving.

How long is a piece of string? There’s no required minimum in terms of lessons or hours. On average, based on DVSA figures, it usually takes anywhere from 40 hours upwards. It depends on many things like, how much private practice, how often, ability to learn new skills, commitment, finance… the list goes on but you get the point, it’s very unique to each individual.

No you don’t but you can’t book your practical test until you’ve passed your theory so it’s advisable that you start early, perhaps even before you even take your first lesson. You can take your theory test on your 17th birthday for example.

Currently

• Theory test £23 (There is no limit to the number of times you can sit your car theory test)
• Practical driving test £62 (£75 if you book an evening, weekend or Bank holiday.
• Extended tests (for disqualified drivers) are £124 for Weekdays, daytime and £150 for evenings, weekends and Bank holidays

Always make sure you book directly via the official ; GOV.UKDrivingTestBookingPortal

It is also important to bear in mind that whilst the governments booking fee is £62 you may also need to book your driving instructors car (Generally a duration of 2-3 hours) which we charge at the standard hourly rates, this covers pick up, warm up drive beforehand, the duration of the test and to be driven home after the test (regardless of the result)

It’s not compulsory to learn with an instructor. You can learn in your own car with friends or family as long as you have the correct learner driver insurance and that the person who sits in with you meets the legal requirements, (you must be at least 21 years old, have held a full, valid driving licence for at least 3 years for the type of vehicle being driven), see the DVSA web site for the full list of legal requirements.

You can also take the test in your own car should you prefer to do so, many of my pupils are able to frequently practice in-between lessons and find their own car to be more comfortable, however the car must strictly meet the rules set out by the DVSA (Driver and vehicle Standards Agency. Road Tax must be valid and upto date, you must have specific learner driver insurance that explicitly covers you for a practical driving test, if you car is over 3 years old, it must have a current , valid MOT. 

Vehicle condition and performance; No Dashboard Warning Lights:There must be no warning lights showing (such as the airbag or engine light). Tyres: All tyres must be undamaged with legal tread depth (at least 1.6mm). You cannot use a space-saver spare tyre. Speed: The car must be able to reach at least 62 mph and feature a speedometer that reads in mph. Cleanliness: The vehicle must be clean, tidy, and completely smoke-free.

Examiner Provisions & Equipment; Extra Rear-View Mirror: You must fit an additional stick-on interior rear-view mirror for the examiner's use. L-Plates: Legal red L-plates (or D-plates in Wales) must be clearly visible on both the front and rear of the car. Seatbelts & Head Restraints: The passenger seat must have a proper seatbelt and a fitted head restraint (slip-on types are not allowed). Dashcams: If your car has a dashcam, it must not record audio or video inside the vehicle during the test.