Why Learn to Drive?

FREEDOM

If you learn to drive you have the freedom to travel where and when you want. You don’t even have to own a car; hiring one can be both more practical and economical if you only need one occasionally.

You can use your Great Britain (GB) or Northern Ireland driving licence in all European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and Switzerland. 

You may need an International Driving Permit to drive outside the EU/EEA.

SAVES MONEY

Public transport is not always economical, specially when you travel in group or long distance.

Hiring car on holidays usually works out more economical & convenient.

WORK

Many jobs require a driver’s licence, so having one will open up more employment possibilities to you.

LIFELONG SKILL

Driving is a skill you never forget. Obviously a car is a little more complicated to handle, but once you learn it & have that licence it’s yours. 

If you don’t buy a car straight away, or you take a break from driving, then a lesson or two will refresh your mind when you want to drive again.

WHEN SHOULD I START TAKING LESSONS?

You can start driving a car when you’re 17.

You can drive a car when you are 16 if you get, or have applied for, the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

WHERE TO START?

You must have a provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland when you’re learning to drive or ride.

When you have your provisional licence you can drive on all roads except for motorways.

You must be supervised when you’re learning to drive a car. This can be by a driving instructor or someone else who meets the rules, eg family or friends.

The car you learn in must display ‘L’ plates.

You can apply for a provisional driving licence when you’re 15 years and 9 months old.