Getting Started

1. How do I get my provisional driving licence?
2. How do I know if my eyesight meets the requirements to drive?
3. What if I have to wear glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate?
4. Is there anything else I need to be aware of before getting behind the steering wheel?
5. Can you recommend an insurance company for me if I want to practice in my own car?
6. Who can supervise me whilst I practice in my own car.
7. Can my supervisor accompany me on a driving lesson to see how I am getting on?
8. Where should I put my L Plates?
9. Where & what should I practice?
10. Are there any books/dvd’s to help me whilst I am learning to drive?

1. How do I get my provisional driving licence?

   Applying for your driving licence: First things first, before you can even get into a car and start learning to drive, you have to get hold of a provisional driving licence. To apply for this, you must either i) complete the application form D1 that's available from either the 'Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) form ordering service', or from your local Post Office, or ii) you can apply for your first provisional driving licence for a car @ the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's (DVLA) secure and easy to use online service. It takes about 10 working days for your licence to be sent to you, slightly longer if you apply by post! - so if you want to start learning as soon as you hit 17, make sure you apply early!

2. How do I know if my eyesight meets the requirements to drive?

   The easiest way to check this yourself is to try to read a vehicle number plate with letters 79.4mm (3.1in.) high at a minimum distance of 20.5 meters (67 feet). These are normally the number plates in the older format. i.e X123XXX If you can’t, you should visit an optician before you start to drive.
   

3. What if I have to wear glasses or contact lenses to read the number plate?

   If you do need glasses to read the number plate then you must wear them whenever you drive. You are responsible for ensuring that your eyesight meets the minimum legal requirements every time you drive. You have to take an eyesight test at the beginning of your test.
   

4. Is there anything else I need to be aware of before getting behind the steering wheel?

   Make sure you are in a fit condition to drive safely. You need to be healthy, and DON’T drive if you are under the influence of drink or drugs. Make sure you always read the label on any drugs purchased over the counter or on prescription. Also beware if you are tired as this can be very dangerous and never use a hand held phone whilst driving. We want you to have a safe and enjoyable time whilst driving!
   

5. Can you recommend an insurance company for me if I want to practice in my own car?

   A lot of insurance companies offer quite reasonable quotes whilst you are learning as you will be supervised. However, they then increase the price considerably once you have passed as you will be driving unsupervised. We would recommend that you try a pay as you go insurance whilst you are learning such as www.collingwoodlearners.co.uk . With a Collingwood Learner Driver Insurance policy you can insure any car fully comprehensive, group 15 or less and under £20,000, when you need it, for 4 weeks at a time. Quote 181588 to gain even further discounts! Once you have passed, you can then do your Pass Plus, which can help keep your insurance premiums down!
   

6. Who can supervise me whilst I practice in my own car.

   The person helping you to practice must be at least 21 years old and hold a full EC/EEA licence for that car type for at least the last 3 years.
   

7. Can my supervisor accompany me on a driving lesson to see how I am getting on?

   We actually recommend that your supervisor sees you on a driving lesson before taking you out. This will hopefully help them to feel more confident in your abilities, and also help them to see the way we give directions so as to not confuse you. There is a book available to purchase on our online shop called “Helping Learners to Practice” This will give your supervisor helpful hints on how to deal with any situations that may arise.
   

8. Where should I put my L Plates?

   L Plates must be displayed to the front and rear of the vehicle. Make sure they are secure and don’t obstruct your view. They should be removed if a full licence holder is driving the vehicle. L Plates can be purchased from our online shop!
   

9. Where & what should I practice?

   Ask your instructor for advice on what skills you should practice after each lesson. Practice should be on all different road types; in all sorts of traffic and weather conditions; and during the day and night! When you practice try to avoid causing obstructions to other road users and please consider local residents if practicing manoeuvres. Make sure you practice lots of general driving as this improves your competence and confidence as a driver!
   

10. Are there any books/dvd’s to help me whilst I am learning to drive?

    Please visit our online shop. We have a variety of teaching aids available for you to purchase. And make sure you look at our current special offers!