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On the road

Before you climb into the driver's seat, you must hold a provisional driver's licence. To apply for it, starting from two months before your 17th birthday, you need form D1 which is available at post offices

To get the licence, your physical and mental health must be good. If you list your health problems on the form, you may receive a further questionnaire which asks permission for the DVLA to contact your doctor for more details.

It's also important that your eyesight is good. You should be able to read a number plate from 20.5 metres (67 feet) away. If you need to wear glasses or contacts to do this, they must be worn at all times while you drive.

The Driving Standard Agency Approved Driving Instructor licence Now's the time to find a good driving instructor too. Make sure he/she has all the ADI qualifications, with a green octagonal licence displayed on the windscreen. Be aware that trainee instructors have a red licence.

We also recommend that the instructor is a member of an organisation such as the DIA or MSA, and that he/she is willing to adjust lesson length to suit your schedule. The instructor should be willing to pick you up and drop you off at any location you choose.

So should you choose an automatic or a manual? The majority of UK drivers take their test in a manual car, thus gaining the benefit of being able to drive both manual and automatics after their test. But it's totally up to you.

If you choose to take the Practical Test in an automatic, you will be restricted to driving that type of car after the test. You'll have to take another test in a manual car at a later stage if you want to switch to a manual transmission vehicle.

Some driving instructors recommend that you practice driving in your free time, accompanied by a fully licenced friend or parent. This may or may not be a good idea. It's best if you're accompanied by someone who is relaxed and calm, and who will offer minimal assistance unless you need it.



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