Think about it: no more rushing to catch up to the bus or getting squeezed into a crowded train. With your own car and driver's licence, it's goodbye to public transport and hello to sweet comfort and independence!
But first things first, let's take you through the steps to getting your UK driver's licence.
What are the requirements for getting a UK driving licence?
- Age: You must be at least 17 years old.
- Vision: Make sure you can read a plate number 20 metres away. An eye test might be a good idea!
- Residency: You need to have lived in the UK for at least 185 days (about 6 months).
That's it! Once you meet these requirements, you're ready to get your UK driver's licence.
Can I use my current driver's licence in the UK?
Yes, you can! Here's a quick rundown of what you need to know:
- Non-UK licences: With a driver's licence issued in another country or an international driving permit, you can drive in the UK for the first 12 months. After that, you'll need to get a provisional licence and start working towards your full UK licence.
- Eligible Countries: Your licence needs to be from one of these countries: Singapore, South Africa, Zimbabwe, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Monaco, Barbados, Japan, Faroe Islands, British Virgin Islands, New Zealand, Canada, Falkland Islands, Hong Kong, or Switzerland.
- EU licences: If you have a licence from an EU/EEA country, you're in luck! You can drive in the UK for as long as your licence is valid without retaking the driving test.
Now, it's time to get your UK driving licence.
STEP 1: Get A Provisional UK Driving Licence
You first need a provisional UK driving licence, and you can apply for it here. A provisional driving licence lets you drive a moped, motorbike, or car under supervision. It costs £34 to apply online and £43 by post.
You can apply for a provisional licence if you're at least 15 years and 9 months old, but you'll need to be about 17 to drive a car. Make sure you can read a plate number from 20 metres away and have lived in the UK for at least 185 days (6 months).
It's time to apply! Here's what you'll need:
- Proof of identity
- Your addresses for the past three years.
- Your National Insurance number.
If you apply online, your licence will be ready in about a week, but it takes around three weeks for a licence to arrive by post.
Your provisional licence is valid for 10 years. After passing your theory test, you have two years to take the practical test. If you don't take the practical test within two years, you'll have to retake the theory test.
STEP 2: Prepare For Your Driving Test
It's time to hit the road! You have two options: hire a professional driving instructor (about £25-£30 per hour) or ask a friend or relative to teach you.
As fun as learning how to drive is, remember the theory part. You need to pass the theory test before the practical one to get your full UK driving licence.
To prepare for the theory, you'll need these books: The Highway Code, Driving, The Essential Skills, and Know Your Traffic Signs. You might want to rethink your strategy if you are a last-minute reader. Not to scare you, but only 45% of people pass on their first try, so start studying early and take practice tests.
STEP 3: Take The Theory Test
Feeling ready after all that studying? Great! It's time to book your theory test.
You'll need your provisional licence number, contact details, and £23 for a car or motorbike licence.
Find out more about the costs here.
The theory test includes 50 multiple-choice questions and a hazard perception test.
What is the hazard perception test? The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) measures your ability to spot and react to driving hazards by watching video clips and clicking when you see one.
To pass, you need to score at least 86%. Study hard, stay confident, and you'll nail it!
STEP 4: Take The Practical Test
Now that you've shown the theory who's boss, the practical test is up. This costs £62 on weekdays and £75 on weekends, evenings, or Bank Holidays. You can book the test here.
Remember, only take it when you feel ready—there's no need to rush.
A little motivation: if you fail, you'll have to retake the whole thing, costing you more time and money. So, go in confident but cautious.
To book your test, you'll need your provisional licence number and details of both you and your instructor. Once booked, the DVLA will inform you of your test centre, date, and other necessary information.
Be prepared for an eyesight check and the "Show me, tell me" questions during the test.
Your instructor will let you know if you've passed right after you finish. Good luck!
Tips for Your Practical Test
- Stay Calm and Breathe: Relax, you've got this!
- Minimize Mistakes: Aim to keep minor faults under 15. A few minor mistakes are okay, but make sure they're not dangerous.
- Avoid Major Errors: Avoid serious mistakes that could put you, your instructor, or others at risk.
STEP 5: Get Your licence
Welcome to the UK driver's club! Once you pass your test, you'll get a pass certificate, and your provisional licence will be sent to the DVLA.
Your official licence will arrive in about 3 weeks. In the meantime, you can use your pass certificate to start driving.
Next, sort out your car insurance and tax, and vroommmm you go!
Related Posts
Relocating to the UK as a Mom: A Guide to Preparing for the Move with Children by Yejide
Are you a mom looking to move to the UK with your children? It can be a daunting task to navigate the immigration process, especially if you're moving from a country like Nigeria.
The complete travel guide for Nigerians moving to the U.K in 2022 - The Lemonade Stand
Nigerians moving to the U.K in 2022 always have a lot of questions. This travel guide answers everything like: how to find cheap housing