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

Learning to Drive UK

Before

Lessons

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Passed

Do you need to pass your theory before taking driving lessons?

No, you can start driving lessons before taking your theory test.

If you’re confused about what you need to do before starting to learn to drive, you’re not alone. Over 50,000 young people each month search for the answers to the following questions.

Can I drive with a provisional licence before taking my theory test?

YES

Do I need to pass my theory test before booking my practical?

Yes

Do you need your provisional licence to take your theory test?

Yes

Can you book driving test without theory test?

Do you need to pass theory test before driving lessons?

Can you take theory test before driving lessons?

Yes

Do you have to pass your theory before your driving test?

Yes

Can you do practical before theory?

How much does it cost to learn to drive?

Taking your theory test in the early stages of learning to drive can be beneficial as it will help you become familiar with the Highway Code. The more you know, the safer you’ll be on the road, and you may be able to make faster progress with your lessons. Once you’ve passed your theory test, it remains valid for two years, so you have plenty of time to continue your driving lessons and move on to the practical test.

Before learning to drive you must comply with the following

Provisional licence

You can apply for a provisional driving licence at 15 years and 9 months old, which also is an accepted form of ID

Age

You can start driving lessons at 17, or at 16 if you get the enhanced mobility component of PIP

Eyesight

You must be able to read a number plate from 20 meters, including with the aid of glasses if needd

How much does learning to drive cost?

Once you’ve got your provisional licence sorted, it’s time to get behind the wheel and start driving lessons.

Wondering how much it costs to learn to drive? The total amount will depend on your individual circumstances and how long it takes for you to learn and pass your test. When calculating your budget, be sure to include the cost of lessons, learner driver insurance, and paying to take your theory and practical driving tests. You may also be able to save money by making block lesson bookings or practising with family or friends between lessons.

Driving lessons

Your first driving lesson can be a daunting experience. Choosing an instructor approved by the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) that suits your personality, is experienced, and qualified is much 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 passing your driving test.

If you’re keen to take things up a gear, consider booking an intensive driving course. These courses are designed to take you from 0 to 60 in as little as 7 days.

Additional driving practice with family and friends

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.

Theory test, driving test and after you pass

Theory test
Practical test
After the test

Theory Test

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Theory test

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 of 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.

Practical Test

Practical test

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.

After the Test

After the test

Congratulations! You’ve officially passed your driving test and can now legally drive on UK roads.

But what happens next?

If you already have a car, you’ll need to get it insured or be added as named driver on its existing policy. If you need to buy a car, you might want to get a car finance quote.

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.

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

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