Getting your provisional licence, being able to drive is a fantastic skill: it can give you the freedom to go where you want, when you want. Are you ready for the challenge of becoming a skilled driver? But before you do, we’d first just like to point out that in order to take driving lessons you first need a provisional driving license, if you haven’t yet got one, you can get the application process started online – just simply click on the link coming up to start your application for your first provisional driving license Apply for your first provisional driving license.

Here’s a quick checklist to see if you are eligible to learn to drive a car:

  • You must be 17 years old or higher

  • You must hold a provisional licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland

  • You must be able to read a new-style number plate from 20 meters away (with glasses or contact lenses if you need them, as long as you always wear them when you’re driving)

  • You must make sure any vehicle you drive is roadworthy and properly taxed and insured

  • Make sure you display L plates. You must display L plates on the front and rear of the vehicle where they can be clearly seen when you’re driving (L or D plates in Wales)

  • You must be accompanied by a qualified driver who is over 21 and has held (still holds) a full car driving licence for at least three years ‐ we’d recommend you have most of your lessons with an approved driving instructor

The DVSA

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency – Who are they?

The DVSA is an executive agency, which is sponsored by the Department for Transport, responsible for all the driving instructors in Blackburn and the UK. They are also responsible for improving road safety in Great Britain by setting standards for driving and motorcycling, and making sure drivers, vehicle operators and MOT garages understand and follow roadworthiness standards.

They carry out driving tests, approve people to be driving instructors and driving examiners. They also carry out tests to make sure lorries and buses are safe to drive on our roads, carry out roadside checks on drivers and vehicles, and monitor vehicle recalls.

To find out more about what driving instructors actually do, click here.