Do you need to Pass your Theory Test before Driving Lessons?

You can apply for a provisional licence at 15 years and 9 months old, but it only becomes valid when you are 16.

With a provisional licence you can:

• At 16 learn to ride a moped or quad bike.

• At 17 start learning to drive a car.

• If you’re claiming the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). You can take your driving test from the age of 16.

Just at the risk of stating the obvious, you can’t drive a car on your own until you’ve got a driving instructor or someone like a parent with you who meets the legal requirements.

Your first driving lesson can be a daunting experience. Choosing an instructor approved by the DVSA that suits your personality, is experienced, and qualified is more important than how much they charge. Try to find someone who makes you feel comfortable and who you’d be happy to spend a substantial amount of time sat alongside.

Once you’ve found the right fit, expect the instructor to do most of the driving at first. When it’s time for you to take a turn in the driving seat, you’ll usually be taken to a car park or quiet side street so that you can master the basics before tackling main roads.

The more time you spend on the road, the more your confidence will grow. Your instructor will then start to introduce you to manoeuvres like parallel parking and different road types.

The number of lessons you’ll need before passing your test will depend on your individual circumstances. The average learner needs around 45 hours of tuition, but there’s no legal minimum number of lessons that you need to have before taking your driving test.

If you already have access to a vehicle and learner driver insurance, you can learn to drive with a close friend or family member as well as – or instead of – a professional instructor. In fact, the DVSA say the average driver needs 22 hours of additional practice outside of their formal lessons.

However, not everyone can teach you to drive, they must be over 21 years old and have held a full driving licence for at least three years. You’ll also likely want to choose someone who is calm and patient to help make the experience as stress-free as possible for both of you.

You don’t need a provisional licence to start revising for your theory test. Do yourself a favour and get a head start on your revision. 

We recommend you study your driving theory with these DVSA books: “Official Theory Test for Car Drivers” and the “Official Highway Code.” Studying these books thoroughly and doing practice questions will prepare you well for the theory test.

Add online practice tests to your study which include multiple-choice questions and hazard perception scenarios. The dynamic format of online tests helps to reinforce the information from the books and develop quick decision-making skills which are vital for the real test. This mix of traditional and digital learning will give you a solid learning experience and maximise your chances of passing.

Finally, Why not make a theory test plan like “Luca” did and improve your chances?

You must take your theory test before moving on to the practical driving test. It covers all the rules of the road and helps you learn about the different obstacles and safety concerns you might encounter when driving.

There are several revision tools you can use including apps and mock tests. You also can’t go wrong by investing in a copy of the Highway Code.

You can book your theory test as soon as you have a provisional driving licence. Don’t worry if you need to change the theory test date once you’ve booked in; you can head online to make it earlier, later, or at a different test centre.

There are two parts to the test: a series of multiple-choice questions based on the Highway Code and a Hazard Perception test taking around 90 minutes in total to complete. Once you’ve passed, your certificate will be valid for two years.

Once you’ve completed your theory test, your driving instructor will likely let you know when you’re ready to book your practical driving test. This may happen sooner rather than later depending on the waiting list in your area.

Don’t worry if you start to get nervous before and during the test. This is entirely natural, and there are steps you can take to ensure you stay as calm as possible. The person conducting the test will also be aware that learner drivers suffer from nerves and may do their best to reassure you.

Getting a good idea of what to expect on driving test day can also help combat any anxiety. Take time to understand what will happen before you get in the car, the questions you might be asked, and the manoeuvres that will be assessed. Check out our top tips for passing your driving test to find out more.

As of March 2025, waiting times for a UK practical driving test are 4 to 6 months, which for many learner drivers could fit in well with their learning schedule. However, you may have valid reasons for needing a much quicker test date.

An option is to use one of the driving test cancellation apps, such as Testi, to shorten the wait. Apps like these can help you find an earlier test date by notifying you of cancellations, giving you the chance to grab a quicker test date. Several different apps are available on both Android and iSO, and they usually have free and paid versions.

Don’t get too upset if you don’t pass. The test has a higher failure rate than pass rate on the first attempt. You’ll only have to wait 10 days before you can rebook your driving test, and there is no limit to the number of times you can pass.

If you do pass! Congratulations! You can now legally drive on the road.

But what happens next?

Do you need to buy a car, or do you already have one? You’ll need young driver car insurance, with or without a black box.

Of course, if you’re planning to borrow your mum or dad’s car, there are two main insurance options to consider. You can either be added to your parents’ insurance policy or opt for named driver insurance. With named driver insurance, you can drive confidently knowing that if you do have an accident, the car owner’s no-claims bonus will not be affected.

P plates

Once on the road, many newly qualified drivers feel more comfortable displaying P plates. These aren’t a legal requirement, but they let other drivers know that you’ve only recently passed your test, so they should keep their distance and be a little more patient.

Pass plus

If you’re keen to build your skills and confidence, you might also want to take a Pass Plus course. This practical driving course gives you more experience driving in different locations, in different weather conditions, at night and on the motorway.

Being nervous on your driving test isn’t entirely negative. Nervousness can actually sharpen your focus and enhance alertness by fuelling your adrenaline.

You are not alone, according to the AA, 87% of people said they had nerves on the day of their test. There is loads you can do to help push back those test day nerves.