Getting Started

Learning to drive can be a big decision, and the more information you have the better able you are to make the right choice in selecting your driving instructor.
At Bin-The-L-Plates we recommend that you up the offer of a FREE Home Visit. This is a great opportunity to ask your driving instructor any equations that you might have, it also helps you decide if the driving instructor is the right choice for you.
You’ll be spending a number of hours with your driving instructor and it’s very similar to when you were at school, if you didn’t have empathy with your teacher then you probably didn’t look forward to your lessons, and you struggled to make progress.

Apply for your Provisional Licence

You are not permitted to drive on public roads without holding a valid Provisional Driving Licence.
If you hold an International Driving Permit, often called an International Driving Licence the you may be entitled to drive in the UK using that permit.
The rules and regulations are counter specific, and for more detailed information and to apply for a Provisional Driving Licence contact the DVLA.

Start your Theory Study

There’s no need to wait until your 17th birthday, or wait until you start driving lessons before starting to your theory study in preparation for the Theory Test.
You are not allowed to apply for a practical Driving Test until you’ve passed  there Theory Test, and you’ll need the Theory Certificate Number once you’ve passed to book your Driving Test.
The Theory Test comprises of two parts, the first being a multiple choice question test and the second part is a hazard perception test using a series of video clips.
When booking your Theory Test make sure you only book through the DVSA website as there are a number of booking agents that will charge a booking fee, something that you should avoid.
If you need any assistance with any aspect of the Theory Test then don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Get Your Eyesight Checked

It is a legal requirement when driving to be able to read a car number plate from a set distance, and this will be tested at your first lesson. So before you start your lessons it’s a good idea to get an eye test.
You must be able to read the new style number plate from a distance of 20.5m
If you normally wear glasses or contact lens to be able to fulfil this requirement then you would be expected to do so for your driving lessons and the Driving Test.

Your Driving Instructor

If you are paying someone to teach you to drive they must be approved and registered with the Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
A registered Approved Driving Instructor often called an ADI can charge money for teaching you to drive, and will display a DVSA badge in the car windscreen.
A fully qualified ADI will display a green badge in the windscreen and a Provisional often called a Trainee (PDI) instructor will display a pink badge.
To achieve full qualification your instructor will have to have passed a longer Theory Test, an extended Driving Test and demonstrate their ability to teach to a high standard as assessed by the DVSA.
The standard of instruction given by an ADI is regularly checked by the DVSA, as well as holding a satisfactory DBS background check.

Private Practice

It is widely recognised that it takes longer to learn to drive and reach test standard than it did 10-15 years ago.
The average amount of tuition needed can vary dependent upon the individual, and it is possible to obtain extra supervised practice to increase your level of experience on the road.
The type of private practice is very important as it is easy to take advice from your supervising driver, such as a parent of friend, who might encourage poor driver practices that can have a detrimental effect on your training.

Take advice from your driving instructor, who knows your ability, and will not place you in situations that you could not handle safely.
they will know what to say, and when to say it in a calm manner so avoiding any family arguments.

The car you practice in must be insured for the learner driver, as having no valid insurance would make the learner liable for a fine and points on their provisional licence. 
Practicing in car parks such as Tesco and B&Q which the public can still access would still mean you must have valid car insurance.
There are a number of Insurance Companies who offer specialist Provisional Driver Insurance, they can be found by searching on the internet.

Note : Your supervising driver must be over 21 years old and have held a full UK driving licence for at least 3 years.