CHECK YOU ARE ALLOWED TO DRIVE

1. Check you are eligible to drive a car in the UK

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE TO DRIVE A CAR IN THE UK

At Driving Schools in South West London, we're here to help you navigate these requirements and provide expert instruction to ensure you're fully prepared for UK roads. Whether you need to take a UK driving test or simply want to refresh your skills, our experienced instructors are ready to assist you.

Age Requirements

• You must be at least 17 years old to drive a car or motorcycle in the UK.
• For certain vehicles, such as mopeds, you can start driving at 16.
• To drive a medium-sized vehicle or minibus, you must be at least 18 years old.
• For large vehicles or buses, the minimum age is 21.​

Medical Requirements

To drive in the UK, you must meet certain medical standards:

• You must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters away (with glasses or contact lenses if needed).
• You must inform the DVLA if you have any medical conditions that could affect your driving, such as:
  •  Epilepsy
  •  Stroke
  •  Diabetes (if treated with insulin)
  •  Visual impairments
  •  Heart conditions

Failure to declare relevant medical conditions can result in a fine of up to £1,000 and potential prosecution if you're involved in an accident.

​Most people can start learning to drive when they’re 17.

1. Check what age you can drive
2. Requirements for driving legally
3. Driving eyesight rules

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UK Residents

If you're a UK resident:

• You need a valid UK driving licence.
• You must pass both a theory and practical driving test to obtain a full licence.
• Provisional licence holders can drive while learning, but must be supervised by a qualified driver and display 'L' plates.

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Overseas Visitors
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For international visitors:

• You can drive in the UK for up to 12 months on a valid licence from your home country.
  
• If your licence is not in English, you should carry an official translation or an International Driving Permit.
• After 12 months, you must exchange your licence for a UK one or pass a UK driving test.

EU/EEA Licence Holders

• If you have a licence from an EU or EEA country, you can drive in the UK until you're 70 or for 3 years after becoming a UK resident, whichever is longer.
  
• After this period, you need to exchange your licence for a UK one.

Non-EU Licence Holders

• You can drive for up to 12 months on your valid home country licence.
• After 12 months, you must pass a UK driving test to continue driving.
• Some countries have exchange agreements with the UK, allowing you to swap your licence without retaking tests.

Temporary Visitors

• If you're in the UK for less than 12 months, you can drive on your valid home country licence.
• Ensure your vehicle is properly insured and registered.

At Driving Schools in South West London, we're here to help you navigate these requirements and provide expert instruction to ensure you're fully prepared for UK roads. Whether you need to take a UK driving test or simply want to refresh your skills, our experienced instructors are ready to assist you.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO START DRIVING IN THE UK

Here is a simple breakdown on what you need to do to start driving and pass your driving test in south west London and the UK.

CHECK YOU ARE ALLOWED TO DRIVE

1. Check you are eligible to drive a car in the UK

Get A Provisional Driving LicenCe

  2. Apply for and get a provisional driving licence

Find a DVSA Approved Driving Instructor

  3. Take driving lessons with a good driving instructor

Take regular driving lessons and practice

  4. Practice between lessons with a friend or relative

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Study And Pass Your Theory Test

  5. Take and pass the Theory & Hazard Perception Test
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CHECK YOU ARE READY TO PASS

6. Use a checklist to check you are ready to pass

BOOK A DRIVING TEST DATE

7. Book a driving test at a local driving test centre.

PASS YOUR DRIVING TEST At First Attempt 

  8. Tear up your L plates you have passed!
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To drive a car on public roads in London without Learner plates, this is what you need to do as a beginner to pass your driving test in London

DOWNLOAD OUR HANDY DRIVING GUIDE