Can you take driving lessons before passing your theory test?

Yes: gov.uk makes a provisional driving licence the requirement for taking lessons or practising, and a theory test pass is needed only to book your driving test. You can learn the two together, as long as you are supervised and display L plates.

What you need before any lessons

gov.uk says you need a provisional driving licence to take driving lessons or practise, and also to book your theory test (gov.uk: driving lessons and learning to drive). You can apply from 15 years and 9 months, and most people can start driving a car at 17 (gov.uk: apply for your first provisional licence).

The application costs £34 online, and gov.uk says a licence usually arrives within about a week. You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres.

Where the theory test fits in

The theory test is a gate for the driving test only. gov.uk says you must pass the theory test before you can book your driving test (gov.uk: driving lessons and learning to drive). Nothing on those pages makes a theory pass a condition of taking lessons.

Step	Needs a provisional licence	Needs a theory pass
Driving lessons with an instructor	Yes	No
Practising with family or friends	Yes	No
Booking the theory test (£23)	Yes	No
Booking the driving test	Yes	Yes

See our guide to the theory test and the practical test for how the two fit together, and when you can take the theory test.

Lessons with an instructor

Anyone you pay to teach you must be an approved driving instructor or a trainee instructor. gov.uk says a green windscreen badge shows a qualified instructor and a pink badge shows a trainee (gov.uk: taking driving lessons).

Instructors set their own prices, and there is no minimum number of lessons. How many you need depends on how quickly you learn.

Practising with family or friends

If you practise without a paid instructor, your supervisor must (gov.uk: practising with family or friends):

• be over 21;
• have held a full licence for at least 3 years, from the UK, EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein;
• hold a licence for the type of car you are learning in, for example manual.

They must not use a mobile phone while supervising. You must not drive on a motorway while practising this way. gov.uk says driving without proper supervision can mean a fine of up to £1,000 and up to 6 penalty points on your provisional licence.

Insurance

The same page says you need learner insurance for your own car. In someone else's car, the owner's policy must cover you as a learner, or you need your own policy that covers you driving it. Some insurers require the supervisor to be over 25.

Driving without insurance can lead to an unlimited fine, a possible driving ban and up to 8 penalty points.

L plates

In England, Scotland and Wales, the car must show a red L on a white background at the front and back, where others can see it. In Wales you can use a D plate instead. Take the plates off when a learner is not driving. Not displaying an L plate, or one that is the wrong size, can bring up to 6 penalty points (gov.uk: using L and P plates).

Should you wait for the theory pass?

That is your choice, and gov.uk does not recommend an order. Whichever you choose, remember that a theory pass lasts 2 years, so book the driving test within that time (gov.uk: pass mark and result).

To see where you stand on the theory side, try the free theorytest.ai diagnostic. theorytest.ai is independent and is not affiliated with the DVSA or DVLA.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive before I pass my theory test?

Yes, with a provisional licence, supervision and L plates. gov.uk requires a theory pass only to book the driving test.

Do I need a provisional licence to book the theory test?

Yes. gov.uk says you need a provisional licence both to take lessons and to book your theory test.

Who can supervise me when I practise?

Someone over 21 who has held a full licence for 3 years and holds a licence for your type of car.

Do I need insurance to practise?

Yes. You need learner insurance on your own car, or cover as a learner on the owner's policy for someone else's.