Alpha 1 Driving School Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) about learning how to drive

This page is under constant update; if you have a question or a driving test tip, not included here, let Alpha1 Driving School know, and we will be happy to answer it for you, whether you take driving lessons with our driving school or not

Can I learn how to drive before I am 17?

You cannot legally drive a motor car on a road until your 17th birthday (unless you are a disabled person claiming: 'Disability Living Allowance' at the higher rate, including the mobility component, who can learn how to drive at 16). You can however learn how to drive on private property. This will include a private car park (with the permission of the owner), but beware, most car parks require valid insurance.

At Automatic Driving School, the first session, that normally lasts about an hour and a half, is 'off road' in a private car park. This you can do before your 17th birthday, ready to start learning how to drive on the road as soon as you are old enough.

Can I take a Theory driving test before I am 17?

No, you cannot book a driving Theory Test for a date before your 17th birthday. If you are in a rush, you may book it to coincide with your birthday though! (This answer precludes the people mentioned above who can learn how to drive at 16)
There is no reason not to start preparing for your theory driving test before you start driving lessons. You will find the information you obtain during your driving lessons helpful in passing the theory driving test. Your driving instructor, during verbal briefings, should indicate when part of a driving lesson briefing, is relevant to the theory driving test.
At Alpha1 Driving School , we brief you fully on both the theory questions and the hazard perception parts of the theory driving test . We recommend that you use Focus Theory Driving Test Software (you can get this at a discount from Alpha1 Driving School ) and the online (always up-to-date) Highway Code that is free to use. You do not have to buy the very expensive books some driving schools recommend.