Getting Ready to Learn
New Driver
Information
Everything you need to know before starting your driving lessons, from getting your provisional licence through to preparing for your driving test.
Starting Your Driving Journey
Learning to Drive: Where Do You Start?
Starting to learn to drive is exciting, but there can be a lot to think about before you get behind the wheel. This guide explains the main steps in a simple order so you know what to expect.
1. Get Your Provisional Licence
Before you can take driving lessons or practise in a car, you'll need a valid provisional driving licence.
2. Start Your Driving Lessons
Your lessons will gradually introduce the skills you need to drive safely, confidently and independently.
3. Prepare for Your Theory Test
Alongside practical lessons, you'll need to learn the Highway Code and prepare for both parts of the theory test.
4. Build Your Experience
Regular lessons and suitable private practice can help you build confidence in different road and traffic conditions.
5. Pass Your Theory Test
You must pass your theory test before you can book your practical car driving test.
6. Take Your Driving Test
Once your driving has reached the required standard, you'll be ready to take your practical driving test.
Step One
Your Provisional Driving Licence
You need a provisional driving licence before you can start learning to drive on public roads.
Most people can start learning to drive a car from the age of 17, although you can apply for your provisional licence before then.
You can apply for your first provisional licence directly through GOV.UK.
Apply for a provisional licence →Before Your First Lesson
- Hold a valid provisional driving licence
- Make sure you meet the legal eyesight requirements
- Bring any glasses or contact lenses you need for driving
- Wear comfortable footwear suitable for controlling the pedals
- Let your instructor know if you're particularly nervous
Before Your First Lesson
Generate Your Driving Licence Check Code
Before your first driving lesson, your instructor needs to check that your driving licence is valid and view the information held on your driving record.
As the old paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence is no longer used, this information is checked online instead.
You will need to generate a driving licence check code through the GOV.UK website and give this code to your instructor.
What You'll Need
Create Your Check Code Online
- Your driving licence number
- Your National Insurance number
- The postcode shown on your driving licence
Your check code is valid for 21 days, so it's best to generate it shortly before your first lesson.
Generate Your Check CodeYour First Lesson
What Happens on Your First Driving Lesson?
Your first lesson isn't about throwing you straight into busy traffic. The lesson will be adapted around your previous experience and confidence.
Getting Comfortable
You'll get familiar with the driving position, mirrors, controls and basic safety checks before starting to drive.
Learning the Controls
You'll begin learning how to use the steering, pedals, gears and other controls safely and smoothly.
Moving at Your Pace
Lessons progress at a pace that suits you, so there is no pressure to move on before you feel ready.
Want to know more about learning with Debs?
Find out about driving lessons →Extra Experience
Private Driving Practice
Practising outside your professional lessons can be a valuable way to gain extra experience once you're ready.
The person supervising you must normally be at least 21 years old, be qualified to drive the type of car you're practising in and have held a full licence for at least three years.
The car must also be properly insured for the learner, road legal and display L plates at the front and rear.
Read the official private practice rules →Practise the right things, not just more things.
It's worth asking your instructor when you're ready for private practice and what skills would be most useful to work on.
Theory Test
Preparing for Your Theory Test
The car theory test has two parts: multiple-choice questions and hazard perception.
You'll take both parts during the same test and need to pass both sections to pass overall.
It's a good idea to start studying while you're learning to drive rather than waiting until your practical driving is nearly test-ready.
Useful Theory Test Preparation
- Read and understand the Highway Code
- Practise official-style multiple-choice questions
- Practise hazard perception clips
- Apply what you're learning during your driving lessons
Practical Driving Test
When Should You Book Your Driving Test?
Passing the test should be the result of becoming a safe, confident and independent driver — not simply reaching a certain number of lessons.
Speak to Your Instructor First
Before booking your test, speak to Sam about whether your driving is at the required standard and whether your chosen test date is realistic.
This helps reduce the risk of booking a test before you're ready and gives you time to work on any areas that still need improvement.
Important 2026 Rule
You Must Book Your Own Test
Car driving tests must now be booked and managed by the learner themselves through GOV.UK.
Your instructor can give you their instructor reference number to enter when booking, which can help you choose a date when they're available.
Book on GOV.UKAfter Your Test
You've Passed — What Next?
Passing your driving test is a major milestone, but it's also the beginning of learning to drive independently.
Before driving on your own, make sure you're properly insured to drive without supervision.
You may also want additional tuition to build experience on motorways or in driving situations you haven't yet encountered very often.
Further Training
- Motorway driving tuition
- Pass Plus training
- Confidence-building lessons
- Extra experience on unfamiliar roads
Motorway driving lessons →
Ready for Your First Lesson?
Start Learning with Debs Driving School Bristol
Friendly, patient driving lessons designed to help you build confidence and become a safe, independent driver.