Before you get behind the wheel...

The guide is all you need to know to start learning. We can also help you buy your first car.

Under 17

Three months before your 17th birthday you can apply for your provisional license – or as soon as you're 16, if you're disabled and receiving mobility allowance. Then once you're 17, you can legally drive a car on public roads in the UK. It's okay to start practising on private land, as long as the site is gated and far away from public highways. But remember, supermarket car parks are classed as public roads, so don't use these.

Check your eyes

Before you start learning, make sure you can read a number plate in good daylight from 20.5 metres away – that's about five car lengths. For the new-style number plates (that were introduced on September 2001), the distance is 20 metres. If you wear glasses or contacts, that's fine. Just make sure you always wear them when driving.

Get your 'L' plates

When you're learning, you'll need to put 'L' plates (or 'D' plates in Wales) on the front and back of your car – somewhere they can be seen easily. And you're only allowed to drive with someone who's passed their test, is over 21 and has been driving for three years or more.

Your 'L' plates also have to meet legal specification - so buy them rather trying to knock some up yourself. Whenever the car is driven by someone who’s passed, the plates need to come off or be covered up.

Helpful tools

Boost your skills and chances of passing with a PC programme, video or books. Check out the BSM Shop for products that make learning easy.

Get off to a flying start with the BSM Simulator

Can't wait to get driving? Why not drop in to one of our Centres* and learn the basics on our unique driving simulator? You don't even have to be 17 to go in the simulator and it's a great way of taking things one step at a time. It really helps you get the most out of your on-road lessons when they start.

• Learn to control the car at your own pace in a safe environment before your first on-road lesson.
• Use the same controls as the BSM training cars.
• The structured six-hour course will show you how to move off and stop; and other skills like steering and changing gear.
• You'll get loads of feedback and we'll be on hand if you get stuck.

The Driving Simulator costs less than on-road lessons, so it's a good way of learning the basics without breaking the bank. You can buy one lesson at a time or the complete six-hour course and you'll get your money back for any lessons you don't use.

*Not all Centres have Simulators. To find your nearest BSM Driving Simulator,
call us on 0845 851 9571** or use our Centre locator.

**Calls may be recorded and/or monitored.

Your provisional licence

Get ahead of the game by Applying for your provisional licence up to three months before your 17th birthday. You can do this online or with the D1 form that is available from post offices. You'll also need to fill out some forms to confirm your identity.

Once you're 17 and have signed your provisional licence, you can start driving and take your Theory Test. Your provisional licence costs £50.00 and there are various licences that enable you to drive different types and sizes of vehicles.

Don't forget insurance – When you're paying for lessons, the driving school will insure the car. But if you're practising with friends or family, make sure you're covered on their insurance policy.

Using a non-UK licence – Even if your driving licence was issued in another country you can drive in the UK – as long as you're 17. Find out how to continue driving legally in the UK.

Your responsibility as a driver – Even as a learner, the car you drive has to be legal, roadworthy and properly taxed. With BSM, all these details are taken care of, so you can concentrate on your lessons. Here are some more tips about getting ready to drive.

Please note: if you got your full motorcycle licence before 1 February 2001, you'll still need to take the practical test, but not the car theory test. Some circumstances could mean you're refused a driving licence. Find out why.

Here are a few ideas about getting up to speed before you hit the road.

Driving lessons - There's no doubt that there are more challenges to drivers on today's roads than every before. So as someone who's starting out as a driver, you'll want the best preparation possible – from a trained instructor who's licensed by the Driving Standards Agency (DSA).

Fast Pass course - While it's usually better to learn over a longer period, you might not have the luxury of time if, for example, you need to pass your test before you go to University. For these situations, we offer a fast track programme designed to make you safe and confident behind the wheel as quickly as possible.

Nervous about driving? - Don't worry, it's perfectly natural. The important thing is to make sure you learn with a professional instructor. Our expert instructors will know how to help you get over your anxieties and put you at ease. Just call us on 0845 851 9571 – we'll be happy to talk it through with you.

Practice makes perfect - Once you've started lessons, have a chat with your instructor about getting in some practice between lessons. You can practice with a friend or family member as long as they're over 21 and held a full British driving licence for over three years.

When you're learning, it's important to feel comfortable behind the wheel. All BSM cars are reliable, easy to handle and fitted with dual controls. Plus our instructors have the training and expertise to keep you and the car safe. In a private car, you'll need 'L' plates and an extra rear-view mirror is handy for the driver who's with you. And if you take your practical test in a private car, there are certain regulations to comply with.

The automatic option

Automatic cars have no clutch pedal. Instead it has a selector in place of a gear lever and changes gear automatically. They can make learning to drive easier, particularly for older or disabled people.

Automatic cars are becoming more popular, but if you pass your test in one, you'll only be licensed to drive those types of cars. So you'll need to take another test to get a full manual licence.