Applying for Your Provisional Driving Licence
The Learner Driver’s Journey – Part 1 The Driving Licence.
If you’re unsure just head off over to DVLA, but to save you the time and effort, we’ve done all the hard work for you…
Getting off to a great start
So you have decided you want to gain your independence and go wherever you want whenever you want. Walking from A to B, spending a fortune on taxis or waiting outside for the bus not to turn up isn’t going to cut it anymore.
You can send off for your provisional driving licence via Direct.Gov at the very odd age of 16-years-and-9 months old but cannot start learning to drive on public roads until you are 17. The DVLA website has information on how to contact the DVLA regarding driving licences and they detail exactly which options are available to you.
If you have access to private property and have the land owners permission then you could start learning earlier than 17. I guess as soon as your leggies reach the peddlies but just be careful there’s no access to the public. An organised country walk could soon be upset by a 1 tonne chunk of metal hurtling towards them.
Also stay away from supermarket car parks etc and make sure you are supervised by a responsible adult at all times!
Applying for Your Provisional Driving Licence
The quickest way to apply for a provisional licence is online at Direct.Gov, and currently costs £34. You will need a credit or debit card, proof of your identity (such as your passport) and your address details for the last 3 years.
If computers are not your bag then you can still apply at the post office using a D1 form a pen and a helpful post office attendant.
When you receive your shiny new licence look after it, your instructor will need to see it on your first driving lesson and the examiner on the day of your test.
Your licence should arrive within two weeks. To ease the pain of waiting for your licence to arrive we always suggest starting your theory training. At Pass Me Faster we offer FREE access to our theory training system for all clients that have booked a course with us.
Training options – Automatic or Manual licence?
Here’s a debate that’s nearly as old as motoring itself, do I go manual or automatic?
You need to ask yourself are you an easy rider more favoured for an automatic or would this bore you and fancy getting a bit more involved with a gear stick.
I would always recommend going for a manual licence as you can drive both types with a manual licence but only automatics with an auto licence. Some people may have a disability and the automatic is the only option.
Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of both.
Reasons to Buy an Automatic Gearbox
- Easier to drive – Getting rid of the clutch appeals to a lot of people. Just select D for drive and off you go!
- Steadier ride – Gear changes on auto’s are Smooth with a capital S. A manual clutch can be bumpy and jerky, mix kids with car sickness issues and it can become messy.
- Queues of traffic – Automatic transmission is easier in traffic jams. Pumping the clutch pedal up and down can soon get tiring.
Negative Aspect of Choosing an Automatic Gearbox
- More expensive – Automatic cars are generally more expensive to buy than manuals. You also tend to have less choice as there are fewer about in the UK.
- Boring to drive – loosing the physical connection to the car via the gears and clutch is something some people don’t like. If you are used to a manual car it can feel very strange at first and a bit of a struggle.
Manual Gearbox Benefits for Drivers
- Cheaper to maintain – ‘KISS’ keep it simple stupid! Manuals are usually cheaper to maintain and repair as they are simpler in design with less technology involved.
- More control – Manual cars tend to give you more control as you choose when and what gear you use. This can be particularly useful in icy or snowy conditions.
- More speed – manuals are better for transferring power down to the wheels. Although automatics are getting better they can still be a bit cumbersome and sluggish picking up speed.
Negatives of Buying/Using a Manual Gearbox
- Less Safe – Changing gears manually means taking you hands off the steering wheel more often. Looking down at the gear stick to change gear at 60 mph is not a good idea either!
- Leg ache – Changing gear and constant clutch control can give you leg ache after a while.
Make Your Training Plan
Now it’s time to choose your driving school. At Pass Me Faster we have the very best government approved manual and automatic driving instructors in the business to choose from.
Follow our next post (the learner drivers journey – Part 2) for choosing an instructor and a training plan that will suit your needs best.
For any question please don’t hesitate to contact us here, we are always happy to help.
For Part 2 of the Learner Drivers Journey Click here
Kyran
June 11, 2019 @ 7:29 pm
👍
Kerry Bavin
June 15, 2019 @ 8:07 am
kerrybavin@gmail.com
Karen
June 15, 2019 @ 8:54 am
My sister would love this
Michelle sanderson
June 18, 2019 @ 8:14 pm
It is very important to choose the right driving school for you! I did and you could too 😊
Michelle Sanderson
June 18, 2019 @ 8:16 pm
It is very important to choose the right driving school for you; I did and you can too 🤗
Sophia Wilkinson
June 20, 2019 @ 8:40 am
👍
Marianne Angela allinson
June 6, 2020 @ 12:50 am
Hi I have had a provisional in the last three years do I need to update everything including picture or just address
Marianne Angela allinson
June 6, 2020 @ 12:52 am
I feel optimistic about this but wish I knew more
Peter Wilkinson
June 6, 2020 @ 10:12 am
Hi Marianne thanks for getting in touch
Technically, your provisional license does not expire until your 70th birthday. You do however have to renew your photograph every ten years. As it’s only 3 years old your fine.
Once you take your theory test you have 2 years to pass your practical test. If two years pass and you haven’t passed your practical test you must redo the theory test.