Learner driver rules
There are several rules, that as a learner driver you should know about, if you’re looking to gain the experience necessary behind the wheel to help you pass your test. If you’re thinking about supervising a learner driver, there are some specific rules that apply to you.
When can you learn to drive?
In the UK, the minimum age to start learning to drive is 17. The minimum age to apply for a provisional driving licence is 15 years 9 months. However, if you get the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), you can start driving at 16. The enhanced mobility rate of PIP is UK financial support for people with serious mobility difficulties due to disability.
The provisional licence
You need a provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland before you can start learning to drive. This licence enables you drive on most UK roads, except motorways, as long as you’re supervised by a suitable person and display ‘L’ plates on the vehicle you’re driving.
To apply for a provisional licence, you can either fill out a D1 form from the Post Office or apply online through the government website.
Here’s what you’ll need to get a provisional licence:
Your passport (or identification document)
Your addresses for the past three years
Your National Insurance Number
Your car, insurance and tax
Before you drive any vehicle, you must make sure that it’s roadworthy. This means it’s passed its MOT test. The vehicle also needs to be insured and taxed. You need your own learner driver insurance if you’re practicing in a car you own.
If you learn in someone else’s car, make sure their insurance policy covers you as a learner driver. This could be by adding you as a named driver on their car. Remember, if a friend or family member (who isn't a professional driving instructor) is teaching you to drive, it's illegal to pay them for their help. Some insurance companies also require the person supervising you to be over 25 years old – read the policy’s terms and conditions carefully. Otherwise you could face an unlimited fine, be banned from driving and get up to eight penalty points for driving without insurance.
Learner plates
You must put an L plate on the front and back of your vehicle so they can be seen easily. In Wales, you can use a D plate instead. These plates must have a red L or D on a white background and be a particular size – if it isn’t correct, you could receive up to six penalty points, which is a poor start to your driving career.
You can also display green ‘probationary’ ‘P’ plates to show that you’ve just passed your driving test, although this isn’t a legal requirement. Some newly qualified drivers do this to show their big achievement while others like to use them in order to ask other motorists to be patient with them. You can leave them on your vehicle for as long as you like.
Who can supervise a learner driver?
You can learn to drive with a paid instructor or with friends and family over 25 who’ve had a full licence for at least three years. They can't use a mobile phone while supervising you. You can also have as many passengers as your vehicle allows, but it might be distracting.
If you need to insure your vehicle for a short period of time, the RAC’s Temporary Car Insurance option is perfect for you. Get cover for your car from one hour to 30 days.
Learner driver rules FAQs
Yes, learner drivers are allowed on the motorway, but only if they're accompanied by an approved driving instructor in a vehicle equipped with dual controls.
There are no rules stopping learner drivers from practicing at night. However, some insurance companies may have limits on when their learner driver insurance can be used, so be sure to check your policy.
There’s no limit to the number of passengers a learner driver can carry – you can have as many as your vehicle legally allows. However, keep in mind that more passengers may lead to more distractions.