Before you can begin to learn to drive there are some rules & regulations you will need to comply with: To start learning to drive in the UK you must be 17 years of age or older. If you have a disablity and are receiving mobility allowance you can start at the age of 16.

You will need to meet the eyesight legal requirements in order to be able to drive. You should be able to read a new-style number plate (those introduced in September 2001) in good daylight from a distance of 20 metres or 66 feet. Old-style number plates (pre September 2001) from 20.5 metres or 67 feet.

You must apply for a Provisional Licence before you start to learn to drive. If you can't wait until you reach the age of 17 you can apply up to 3 months before your 17th birthday but you must have received and signed your licence before you can start to learn to drive or take your Theory Test. The current cost of a Provisional Licence is £50.00 and you can apply for one online at www.direct.gov.uk or by completing the D1 application form available at Post Offices. You will need original documentation confirming your identity, a passport-style photograph and the fee. Expect to wait approximately 3 weeks for your licence to arrive.

Before you can take your Practical Test in the UK you must hold a valid Theory Test Certificate which lasts for two years. You will need to pass your driving test within these two years or you will have to take the Theory Test again. There is no limit to the amount of times you can sit the test. The theory test is split into two sections:

Multiple Choice Questions - You will be asked 50 questions (some of these will be in the form of a Case Study) you will need to answer 43 or more correctly. The questions are a mixture of text, pictures and photographs of road and driving scenarios. You will choose your answer from 4 choices. Some questions require 2, 3 or 4 correct answers from a possible 6 choices.

Hazard Perception - You will be shown 14 video clips which feature every day road scenes. In each clip there will be one developing hazard (one clip has two developing hazards) which you respond to by clicking a mouse button. You score either 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 or 0 points depending how timely your click is in relation to the development of the hazard. For you to pass this part of the test you will need to score at least 44 out of 75 points.

Preparation - You can take your Theory Test before you start learning to drive if you wish. However, it is recommended that you study for it alongside your driving lessons as the subjects you are reading about will 'come to light' once you are driving. This not only helps you understand the many subjects but also acts as a reminder for you. There are a number of publications to help you prepare for the Theory Test and it depends on how you learn as to how you prepare for it. You can purchase books, CD's and DVD's online. Have a look at www.tsoshop.co.uk for what is available. For more information and taking a practice test online follow this www.theory-tests.co.uk

About the Driving Test - Once I am satisfied that you can drive consistently to the standard required I will advise you when you are ready to take your Practical Driving Test. If you would like me to accompany you on the test then the Examiner will ask you for your permission before the test begins. The advantage of me observing is so that if, unfortunately you fail the test, I will have a good idea as to why you did and I can work with you to rectify the problem(s).

The test will last for approximately 40 minutes and will be conducted by a DSA Examiner. You will be asked to drive on a test route that is designed to test all the skills you have learnt as well as testing your knowledge of The Highway Code. The examiner will test your eyesight and you will be asked one 'Show Me' and one 'Tell Me' question before you begin to drive. Since 4th October 2010, the practical test will include a section of independent driving which will last approximately 10 minutes without step-by-step directions from your examiner. You may be shown a diagram of the route or you will be asked to follow a series of road signs. Because of this new addition to the test you will now only be required to perform one reversing manoevre and you may be asked to do an emergency stop. Committing more than 15 minor driving faults, or one serious or dangerous fault will result in a fail.

Private Practice - I would recommend that you have as much private practice as possible with a parent, relative or friend (who must be over the age of 21 and have held a full UK Driving Licence for at least 3 years). This allows you to practice what you have been taught and gives you valuable road experience. Don't worry if you do not have access to a car - it isn't necessary for you to pass your test but it will help speed up your progress. Try to practice only the subjects that you have been taught so far rather than unfamiliar subjects so that you are using the correct methods that you have been shown. It is easier for me to teach a subject correctly from scratch rather than trying to 'iron out' your aquired bad habits.

When you are confident that you are ready to sit your Theory Test you can book it online at direct.gov.uk/booktheorytest or contact the Driving Standards Agency (DSA) on 0300 200 1122. You will need: A valid UK Provisional Licence and a valid credit or debit card. If you live in the Lancashire Area you will probably take your Theory Test in either Preston or Bolton. Find your nearest centre by clicking here:www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/LearnerAndNewDrivers/TheoryTest/index.htm

The current cost of a Practical Driving Test (as at April 2009) is £62.00 during weekdays and £75.00 for evenings and Saturdays. You can book a test online at https://driverpracticaltest.direct.gov.uk