GETTING STARTED
I am glad you've chosen Drive 4 Life Driving School for your driving lessons, and on this page we'll explore how you get started on your adventure on the open road.
01
PROVISIONAL LICENCE
You must be at least 17 years old. If you receive the higher mobility component of the Disability living Allowance (DLA) for a disability you may start at 16. Your eyesight - You must be able to read a vehicle number plate at a minimum distance of 20.5 metres approx 67 feet with letters 79.4 mm (3.1 in). If you need glasses or contact lens to read the number plate, you must wear them during the test and whenever you drive or ride. You must be medically fit to drive (It is a legal requirement to notify medical conditions which could affect safe driving to DVLA). You must hold a valid, signed provisional driving licence before you attempt to drive on the road. Know the rules on the issue, presentation or display of driving licences, insurance certificates and tax.
02
YOUR CAR
The vehicle must be legally roadworthy, has a current MOT test certificate if over 3 years old, display a valid tax disc, have L plates displayed to the front and back and properly insured for YOU to drive. You must wear a seat belt, unless granted an exemption, and see that all the seat belts in the vehicle and their anchorages and fitting are free from obvious defects. Ensure children 14 years and under are suitably restrained by the appropriate restraint or an adult seat belt.
03
DRIVING
It is very important to learn safe driving practice from the beginning of your driving career; bad habits are very hard to break. You should get professional driving tuition from an Approved Driving Instructor. If you are taking lessons from a friend or relative, you should ensure that the person has held a full British, EC/EEA driving licence for at least Three years and still holds one for the category of vehicle being driven and is at least 21 years of age
04
PRACTICE
Practice on many different types of road as you can, in all sorts of traffic conditions (even in the dark), on dual carriageways where the upper speed limit applies (You may be asked to drive on such roads during the test, don't just concentrate on exercises included in the test).
05
EXTRA HELP
There are various publications on the market to assist you in preparing for your driving test - The Highway Code is essential reading. It explains the rules of the road and gives sound advice about best driving practices. Know, understand and obey it when driving. - Theory test books and CD's, there are many to choose from, do not go for the cheapest, make sure you buy one that you can understand.