From time to time I get asked at what age someone can start learning to drive.

Legally, one can apply for a provisional licence at the age of 16. At 16 you are limited to 2 wheels or 3 wheeled vehicles.

In order to be able to learn in a car you need to be 17 years of age and in possession of a valid provisional licence.

You are allowed to drive an electrically powered bike at the age of 14.

From 16 you can ride a moped up to a 50cc engine, a ride-on lawnmower, a small tractor or an invalid car.

From 17 you can drive a car up to eight seats. You can also ride a motorbike, drive a large tractor or a small van or lorry.

At 18 you can drive a large van or lorry.

Learning to drive a moped, motorbike or scooter from the age of 16.

You need to apply for a provisional licence, but cannot drive on the road until you have taken part in a Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) course. Once you have done the CBT you can drive a motorbike or moped up to a 125cc engine for up to two years, providing you use L plates.

At the end of those two years you can take a full test, or take another CBT.

Even once you’ve passed a test you are still only allowed to ride a certain size of vehicle for a further two years, but don’t need L plates.

If you’re older than 21 you can take two more special tests, called the direct and accelerated tests, which let you drive any size of bike you want – as long as you pass them.

Learning to drive a car from the age of 17.

Once in possession of a provisional licence, you have permission to be on the roads while you are learning. Whilst learning you cannot drive the car on your own, a driver aged 21 or older who passed their driving test more than three years ago must be with you.

While you are learning with a provisional licence you must also display L plates on the car, but they must be taken off if a qualified driver is using the car unless the car is used for driving instruction and driven by an approved driving instructor..

When you think you’re ready to drive on the road you need to take a test, which is in two stages.

A theory test is first, and is taken on a computer, lasting approximately 50 minutes and is 50 multiple choice questions.

Here are some sample theory test questions:-

RANDOM THEORY QUESTION

Approaching a roundabout you see ahead of you yellow lines at regular intervals. What is the purpose of the yellow lines? Choose one of the following.

a) To help you choose the correct lane.
b) To help you keep the correct separation distance.
c) To make you aware of your speed.
d) To tell you the distance to the roundabout.

Answer – c.

RANDOM THEORY QUESTION

Question – You are approaching a hump back bridge. Choose three answers from the six possibles.

a) move into the middle of the road to get a better view
b) slow down
c) get over the bridge as quickly as possible
d) consider using your horn
e) find another route
f) beware of pedestrians

Answer – b,d,f.

RANDOM THEORY QUESTION

Question – In daylight, an approaching motorcyclist is using a dipped headlight. Why? Choose one answer from the following:-

a) So that the rider can be seen more easily
b) To stop the battery overcharging
c) To improve the rider’s vision
d) The motorcyclist is inviting you to proceed

Answer – a.

RANDOM THEORY QUESTION

As you are driving along you notice a white arrow to your right. The arrow is pointing left. Which of the following should you do? Select one answer.

a) Drivers to use the hard shoulder.
b) Overtaking drivers there is a bend to the left.
c) Overtaking drivers to move back to the left.
d) Drivers, it is safe to overtake.

Answer – c.

In addition to 50 questions on theory you will be tested on hazard perception.

Here are some examples of hazards:-

An example of a hazard could be a car pulling up at the side of the road. The reason this may become a hazard is if the driver or off side passenger opens a door.

Examples of hazards could be – Hidden Road Junctions – Vehicles changing/merging lanes – Pedestrians exiting vehicles.

What is the Hazard Perception Test? The Hazard Perception Test (HPT) became part of the Theory Test in 2002, it makes up the second half of your theory test and involves watching a series of video clips and clicking the mouse when a hazard is identified.

Once you pass that you have two years to take and pass a practical test with a driving examiner, and then you can drive legally.

This article on Age To Instruct A Learner Driver is on the 2Pass.eu Driving School blog.