Lifestyle

To be able to take driving lessons in the UK you need to be at least 17 years old. If however, the desire to hit the road is too strong you may take simulator lessons before your 17th birthday. Remember that you will need to complete a practical test as well as a theory test which will involve answering driving test questions.

When choosing a driving school, spend some time finding one that suits your needs, the cars that they teach in, instructors, track record. Quite often a personal recommendation can be the best selling point, with almost everyone knowing someone who has recently passed his or her test.

Although the price of lessons can vary hugely from region to region, it is worth remembering that the cheapest does not necessarily mean the best. So shop around and see the type of tuition you will receive for your money, i.e. mock tests, and keeping a track record of how you are progressing after each lesson should be a must rather than a nice to have.

You can apply for a provisional driving licence up to three months before your 17th birthday. To get a licence, go to the Post Office, pick up and send off two application forms - a D1 and the new photolicence application form D750 for a fee of £21.

Once you have filled it in and sent it back you will be issued with your provisional licence, sign it upon receipt and you are ready to start your lessons.

Before setting off on the road, it is important to make sure that your eyesight meets the required standard. You will need to be able to read a car number plate from a distance of 20.5m, it is illegal to drive if you do not meet this requirement so it's best to get your sight checked before then.

Getting professional instruction is recommended rather than being taught by a friend or relative. The advantages of being taught by a professional driving instructor are that they are trained to do the job, possess the skills to deal with nervous and hesitant drivers and are equipped with dual-controlled cars. Quite often those that receive lessons from friends and relatives with all the best intentions in the world do not receive the quality of tuition they may get from a driving school. In addition to taking formal lessons you can supplement your learning by going out in a friend or relatives car, and this can improve your performance by giving you extra practice sessions.

It is advisable to have a lesson at least once a week for anything from one hour to two if possible. If time and money allows you could take up to two lessons in a week. Over the period of time that you are learning you will practice driving test techniques such as three-point-turn, reverse parking and emergency braking.

You may find that if you book a course of lessons they become cheaper than booking one at the end of each lesson; and some schools will also give discounts for block bookings as well as special offers for students.

If you do practice in another vehicle other than the instructors make sure that:

• you are accompanied by someone who is at least 21 years of age
• they have held a full driving licence for at least three years
• you display 'L' plates at the back and front of the car
• that you have adequate insurance cover

To get your full driving licence you need to pass two tests one theory and one practical. You need to pass a theory test before you can book and take a practical test. Practical tuition can start at any time. The theory test became effective as of 1st January 2000. When you go to take the test you will need to take along your provisional licence as well as another proof of ID that shows your name, photograph and signature.

The theory test is a computer-based, touch-screen test at various centres around the country. There are 35 multiple-choice questions and you need to get at least 30 right to pass. The cost of the theory test is £15.50.

You will be required to register and allocated a booth containing a computer loaded with your theory test. The test is available in a variety of languages other than English and there is an option of using British Sign Language for the deaf. Instructions on how to take the test are clearly detailed and you can even try some practice questions to get warmed up. The test begins when you are ready to start and you have 40 minutes to complete it. It is advisable to practice mock theory driving tests with a friend as soon as possible to ensure that you understand the theory fully.

The driving theory test consists of multiple choice questions and vary between straight text, text with graphics of road signs and text with photographs of road and driving scenarios. Most questions will require one to be selected from a choice of four some will require two or three or even four options to be selected from a possible six.

If you are unsure of an answer you can flag the question and return to it later, if you fail to flag the question and leave it unanswered the computer will register it as incomplete. Once you have answered all the questions you will be given the opportunity to revisit the flagged ones and to review the entire test if required.

While completing the test a clock will keep track of the amount of time left. Ensure that you give time to attempt all driving test theory questions to maximise your ability to pass.

You can collect your results from the invigilator at the end of the test. It is vital to check through your answers at the end of the test as people often make careless mistakes.

Those with special needs can get extra help with driving tests. You may be given double the time to complete the test or if the learner has severe learning difficulties or cannot read any of the seven languages then it can be taken orally with an invigilator.

To make sure you are fully prepared for your Practical Driving Test, you may find it beneficial to do a Mock Test. This takes exactly the same format as the real thing. To create the feeling of being under exam conditions a different instructor to your usual one will play the role of the DSA Examiner.

The Practical Driving Test lasts approximately 35 minutes and is conducted from your local driving test centre by a DSA examiner. When you take your Practical or Theory Test you must bring along your driving licence or some other acceptable proof of identity that bears your name, photograph and signature. If you are not driving in your instructor's car you must bring an insurance certificate.

The examiner assesses your ability to drive competently and safely and tests you on most of the topics you have covered in your lessons. Test routes are designed to be as uniform as possible and include a range of typical road and traffic conditions. In addition to failing for committing a serious or dangerous fault, you can fail if you commit more than 15 driving faults.

Straight after the exam the examiner will inform you whether you've passed. If sadly, you fail you'll be told where you went wrong. You can reapply straight away but you must wait at least 10 working days before you retake. If you pass your Practical Test you will be given a form to complete to gain your Full Driving Licence (£12 fee).

The Practical Test must be taken in the English Language. Learners who are deaf may have an interpreter whilst being examined. If you would like to know more about special help available with your tests contact the Driving Standards.

Driving is a skill that once you have learnt you will have for the rest of your life. Bearing that in mind it is worth remembering that you should take as much instruction as you need and allow yourself adequate time, so that when you do take your test you are sure to pass. It is a common mistake for drivers to take their test before their instructor thinks they are ready, purely because they feel capable of hitting the open road. Taking your test before you are ready to will simply result in you failing, feeling dis-heartened and spending more money than necessary. Everyone is different and the speeds at which we learn to drive differ from person to person. Some drivers pick up driving quickly and others may never be able to. The important thing to remember is that when you learn you do so in a safe and controlled environment, enjoying the experience, and gaining a skill for life.

Learning to drive is one of the most important and useful skills that you can learn for the rest of your life. When selecting a driving school make sure that you spend some time choosing one that gives you the best deals and meets your specific requirements. Websites worth a look include:

• Best Car Insurance
• The AA
• DVLA