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Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ page). Below, we have tried to answer the most common questions you may have. If you find that your question is not answered on this page, please E-mail us admin@1stclassdriving.co.uk or call us on 0800 197 3010
How old do I have to be to start Driving Lessons?
For most of us it is 17 years but if you are currently getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (mobility component) you can start at 16
How old do I have to be to start Driving?
For most of us it is 17 years but if you are currently getting Disability Living Allowance at the higher rate (mobility component) you can start at 16
You can, however, apply for a Provisional License when you are 16 (because at that age you are able to ride a moped) - so if you are keen to start - apply for a provisional well before your 17th birthday to get a Driver Number that you will need in order to book your theory test
How do I apply for a first provisional license & how much does it cost?
If you have never held a driving license before you will need to apply for a provisional license.
You must:
1. Complete driving license application form D1 and photo card application form D750 (available from most post offices)
2. Enclose original documentation confirming your identity, either
- Full valid Current Passport
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of Registry of Birth (Provided your name is present on the certificate)
- Adoption certificate
- ID Card issued by a member state of the EC/EEA
- Travel Documents issued by the Home Office
- Certificate of Naturalisation or Registration
If your name is now different from that shown on the document you submit to confirm your identity, you must also supply original documentary evidence to confirm your change of name e. Marriage Certificate, Decree Absolute or Decree Nisi papers, Deed Poll or Statutory Declaration
3. Enclose a photograph of you which must be:
- Colour passport-type and size (size of image 45 mm x 35 mm) - Not black & white
- A recent and true likeness, showing the full face, with no hat, helmet or sunglasses
- Taken against a plain, evenly lit and light background.
- Signed on the reverse by the person who has completed section 5 of your D750 form (if you enclose any document other than a full valid current United Kingdom passport).
Unless you send a full valid current United Kingdom passport with your application you must have the reverse of your photograph signed by either:
- An MP
- A Magistrate
- A Minister of Religion
A professionally qualified person (e. engineer, lawyer, teacher et) ie someone with letters after their name
- A local councilor
- A bank officer
- A civil servant
- A police officer; or
- Someone of similar standing.
This person must have known you personally for at least two years and must not be a relative and must also complete section 5 of your D750 form.
4. Enclose the appropriate fee.
5. Send the whole lot off to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD
Note that if this is your first license application then you cannot legally drive until you have received the license.
How do I apply for a theory test & how much does it cost?
You can book online or by phone on 0870 0101372. You will need your driver number (from your provisional license) and a credit/debit card to pay the appropriate fee. For more details of how the test is conducted, etc. visit the DSA site
Can I start driving lessons before I have passed my theory test?
Yes - we suggest that you do so that the theory test will make more sense.
Who is allowed to teach or supervise me?
Anyone who is at least 21 years old and have held a full EC motor car license for at least 3 years can supervise and teach you - as long as you do not pay them.
Only a registered Driving Instructor is allowed to charge money for teaching and supervising you.
It is illegal for anyone else to charge you - either in money or “money’s worth” (means that you cannot pay for the petrol or work off the lessons or anything else)
Anyone who does not comply with these requirements could be liable to a fine up to £1,000, disqualification or 3-6 penalty points (as could the learner driver).
How do I apply for a Driving test & how much does it cost?
You can by phone on 0870 0101372. You will need:
- your theory test pass certificate number, where applicable.
- your driver number shown on your license.
- your personal details (name, address, day / evening telephone numbers).
- driving instructors code number - this ensures that they do not book two tests for him at the same time.
- your preferred date/ unacceptable days or periods.
- any disability or special circumstances.
- your credit / debit card number and its expiry date (and issue number, when using Switch).
Please note that if you wish to cancel your practical test appointment, you must give us at least ten clear working days notice, not counting the day DSA received your request and the day of the test. If you don't give enough notice you will lose your fee.
Saturday and weekday evening tests are available at some driving test centres. The fee for these are higher than for a driving test during normal working hours on weekdays. Evening tests are available during the summer months only
To see the cost of a Driving test
How do I know when I am ready for my driving test?
If you can drive and control your car safely and competently, with due care and anticipation of other road users, weather and traffic conditions and can competently complete all of the maneuvers then, and only then are you ready to pass your driving test.
You must take advice from your instructor as to when you are ready - too soon and it can be a costly and confidence shattering.
However enthusiastic and keen you are please bear in mind that your driving test will be the first occasion when you are let loose on your own - if the examiner intervenes then the test is automatically terminated. Your Driving Instructor therefore will have to assess how safe you are and also how safe his car will be in your hands. So please do not go off and book a test before he advises that your ready - we do not like to have to refuse the use of our car for test.
I think that I am ready but my instructor disagrees?
No problem - give one of our receptionists a call and we will arrange an independent assessment with another instructor.
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