Turning 17 soon and can’t wait to get behind the wheel? The good news is that you don’t have to wait until your birthday to start getting organised.
Although most people can’t start driving a car on public roads until they’re 17, there are a few things you can sort out beforehand. From applying for your provisional licence to finding a driving instructor, here’s what you need to know.
1. Apply for your provisional driving licence
You can apply for your provisional driving licence from the age of 15 years and 9 months, so there’s no need to leave it until your 17th birthday.
Applications are usually straightforward, but it’s worth getting yours sorted early in case there are any delays.
You’ll need your provisional licence before you can start driving lessons or book your theory test.
Apply for your provisional driving licence on GOV.UK
2. Get a head start on your theory test
You don’t have to wait until you’re 17 to start revising for your theory test.
In fact, getting familiar with road signs, speed limits and the Highway Code before your first driving lesson can be a real advantage.
A good way to start is by taking a practice theory test. See which questions you get wrong, spend a little time revising those topics and try again.
Don’t forget the hazard perception section either. It’s all about recognising developing hazards, something you’ll also be learning during your driving lessons.
You can book your theory test once you have your provisional licence, although most learners can’t actually take it until they’re 17.
Book your theory test on GOV.UK
3. Manual or automatic driving lessons?
Not sure whether to learn in a manual or automatic car? You’re not alone.
With manual lessons, you’ll learn to use the clutch and change gears. Pass your test in a manual car and you’ll be able to drive both manual and automatic cars.
Automatic cars take away the need to change gears, which some learners find makes it easier to concentrate on the road.
There’s no right or wrong answer. It really depends on what you’re comfortable with and the type of car you expect to drive.
At Revolution Driving School, we offer both manual and automatic driving lessons across our local areas, and we’re always happy to help you decide which might suit you best.
4. When should you contact a driving instructor?
You can enquire about driving lessons before your 17th birthday. In fact, we’d recommend it.
Driving instructors can get booked up, particularly for lessons after school, in the evenings and at weekends.
If you know when you’re turning 17, it’s worth getting in touch a few weeks beforehand to find out what’s available. If you’re limited to certain days or times, even earlier is sensible.
When you enquire, let us know where you live, when your birthday is and when you’d ideally like your lessons. That way, we can give you a better idea of when you could start.
5. What should you do before your 17th birthday?
You don’t need a complicated six-month plan, but here’s a rough guide if your birthday is approaching.
- 3–6 months before: Apply for your provisional licence and start looking through the Highway Code.
- 2–3 months before: Try some theory practice tests and get familiar with hazard perception.
- 4–8 weeks before: Start enquiring about driving instructors, particularly if you need evening or weekend lessons.
- 2 weeks before: Check that your provisional licence has arrived and confirm arrangements for your first lesson.
- Your 17th birthday: You can usually start learning to drive on public roads, provided you have your provisional licence and meet the other legal requirements.
Of course, if your birthday is next week and you’ve only just started thinking about lessons, don’t panic! You can still get in touch and see what’s available.
Your Driving Lesson Checklist
Ready to Get Behind The Wheel?
Whether you’re turning 17 next month or still have a few months to go, it’s never too early to ask about driving lessons.
Revolution Driving School offers driving lessons in Mansfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Kirkby-in-Ashfield and surrounding areas.
Get in touch, tell us when you’re hoping to start and we’ll let you know what’s available.