Learning to drive gives you the freedom to travel and explore on your own terms. But, as a young person in the UK, you may be wondering what age you can legally start driving.
The answer is slightly more complicated than you might think.That’s because there are different age restrictions for people beginning to learn and those gaining a full licence.
Let's break down the age requirements for driving in Britain:
In the UK you can legally drive from 17 years old. However you can apply for a provisional driving licence when you're 15 years and 9 months old. The only exception is if you’re receiving the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), in which case you can start driving at age 16.
What are the rules for learner drivers?
While learning to drive, you must be supervised at all times by an approved driving instructor, or someone over the age of 21 who has held their licence for at least 3 years. You'll need to display L plates on the front and rear of the vehicle.
In England, Scotland and Wales, learner drivers can drive on the motorway, as long as they’re with an approved instructor in a car with dual controls. In Northern Ireland, learners have a speed limit of 45 mph.
Minimum age to get a full driving licence
To get a full UK driving licence, you must be at least 17 years old and have passed your theory test and practical driving test. Once you’ve passed the tests and received your licence, you can drive on your own without L plates or supervision.
At what age can you apply for a driving licence?
You can apply for a provisional driving licence when you're 15 years and 9 months old. However, you won't be able to start driving lessons until you turn 17, unless you are receiving certain disability mobility benefits.
Is it possible to take driving lessons before turning 17?
In most cases, you’ll have to wait until you’re 17 to start driving lessons. The only exception is if you’re receiving (or have applied for) the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which allows you to start at 16.
What do I need before taking lessons with an instructor?
You must have a valid provisional licence before you can start taking driving lessons with an approved driving instructor, or practise with a qualified supervisor such as a family member or friend. Your supervisor must be over 21 years old, and have held a full driving licence for at least 3 years.
At what age can you drive a car independently?
You must be at least 17 years old and have passed your theory test and practical driving test to get a full driving licence. Once you’ve met all those requirements, you can drive a car independently in the UK.
What Is the Best Car Insurance for Young Drivers in the UK?
Finding affordable car insurance as a new driver in the UK can be hard. That’s because prices tend to be higher for inexperienced drivers, especially those under the age of 25.
However, there are ways to find car insurance that balances the right cover with a competitive price. Here are a few tips:
- Choose a car in a low insurance group to bring your costs down a bit.
- Consider taking additional driving courses like Pass Plus.
- Try to keep your driving history clean and free from penalties or claims.
- Consider a telematics policy that gives you discounts when you drive safely.
- If you can afford to, pay for your insurance annually rather than monthly
- Choose a higher excess (but make sure you can afford to pay it if you make a claim).
- Build your no claims discount by driving safely and avoiding making claims.
Which cars are safest for young drivers?
Some of the safest and most affordable cars for young drivers include models like the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, Toyota Yaris and Skoda Fabia. Try to avoid high-powered vehicles with larger engines, or those that are expensive to buy or repair.
Are new drivers allowed on the motorway?
Yes, new drivers are allowed on the motorway after they’ve passed their driving tests. However, when you’re learning to drive in England, Scotland or Wales you can only drive on the motorway with an approved driving instructor in a car with dual controls. In Northern Ireland, learner drivers aren’t allowed on motorways.
