Note: This post will be updated as I progress.

I never had a driving license but now that we’ve lived in the UK for almost two years, it’s time to get one! Public transport, at least in England where we live, is not great. There are many places easily accessible by car (or bicycle), but hard to reach by public transport. I hear it’s impossible to book driving lessons too because they’re so popular :)

I started the process and the plan is to first prepare for and pass the theory test while getting used to driving on a simulator at home (hey, it works), then take some driving lessons and finally the driving test. Let’s see how long it takes.

How to get a driving license in the UK

The steps are from “Learn to drive a car”. You can take driving lessons and the theory test in any order, but I’ll pass the theory test first before driving on the road.

  1. >>> YOU ARE HERE <<< Get a provisional driving license. It allows you to take driving lessons, sit the theory test and take the driving test. You have to live in the UK for at least 6 months to apply.
  2. Prepare for the theory test. There are many apps for this that are licensed and I have two that I like on my phone.
  3. Book and take the theory test. It’s 57 minutes to answer 50 multiple-choice questions and then watching 14 hazard perception video clips and clicking the mouse when you see a hazard develop. You get the result right away. If you fail, you can take the test again after 3 days.
  4. Take driving lessons. This is, surprisingly, optional. If you’re confident, take the driving test straight away. If the lessons are paid, the instructor has to be certified; otherwise, you can be accompanied by a friend or a relative for free, as long as they’ve had their license for 3 years.
  5. Book and take the driving test. You must pass the theory test first. If you pass, the instructor will take your provisional license and give you a pass certificate, with which you can drive right away. Meanwhile, DVLA will send you a full driving license.

At any later time you can book a driving “upgrade” test to get a manual driving category if you only have automatic without the need to pass the theory test again.

Timeline

July 21, 2024

Applied for a provisional driving license. Last time I tried to do it, the service flat out refused me because it couldn’t confirm my identity, but it seemed to work this time.

Did some research and ordered a used Thrustmaster T300RS bundle: a steering wheel and two pedals. That is enough to study for an automatic, and I won’t need the shifter, clutch and a better (load cell) brake right away — or at all.