THE LAW
FOR LEARNER DRIVERS

Before you can drive a car on public UK roads you must be able to read a number plate from 20.5 metres (67 feet). See Eyesight Test

The minimum age requirement is 17.

You must hold a valid, provisional driving licence for Great Britain or Northern Ireland for the vehicle being driven.

If you want to practise your driving (between professional lessons) with an accompanying driver, they must be over the age of 21 and have held (and still hold) a full licence, in the relevant vehicle category, for at least three years.

When learning with a friend or relative the car must display red L plates ('L' or 'D' plates in Wales). They must be clearly visible to others from in front of the car and from behind. The L plates should be removed or covered when not being driven by a learner (except on driving school cars).

The car you're learning in must

	be registered with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)
	have a valid vehicle tax disc
	hold a current MoT certificate (if this is required)

As a learner driver you must be insured to drive the vehicle.

Learner drivers are not allowed to drive on motorways.

Never drive when tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Learning with an ADI (Approved Driving Instructor) - see Driving Schools Directory

A fully qualified ADI must display a green certificate on the windscreen of the car while teaching you. Some trainee driving instructors are granted a licence so they can gain experience before their qualifying examination. In this case, the trainee driving instructor must display a pink certificate on the windscreen.

The DSA (Driving Standards Agency) is responsible for maintaining and checking the standards of all ADIs who, to qualify, must:

	be registered with the DSA
	have passed a criminal record check
	pass a much tougher theory and practical driving test
	display an ADI identification certificate on the windscreen of the tuition vehicle
	maintain a high standard of instruction - the standard is regularly checked by the DSA