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  Learning To Drive - Getting Started
   
  If you are considering taking driving lessons in Milton Keynes, then at drivewell  we will be delighted to teach you.
   
  If you are unsure what to do first, or possibly still considering whether lessons with a professional driving instructor are worth the expense, then the following information will hopefully guide you in making a decision.
   
  Legal requirements
   
  It is illegal to drive on public roads until you are in possession of a provisional driving licence.
   
  You may apply for a provisional licence up to 3 months before your 17th birthday. Application forms D1 and D750 can be obtained from a Post Office or ordered via the DVLA website, and once completed have to be returned to the DVLA in Swansea along with original documentation confirming your identity, a passport sized colour photo and the fee (currently £50). If you already hold a passport and can pay by debit or credit card, then it is possible to apply online.
   
  You must always display regulation size 'L' plates when driving, until you have passed the practical driving test.
   
  As a learner, you must always be accompanied by a driver who is over the age of 21, and who has held a full British driving licence for at least 3 years.
   
  How will you learn?
   
  Decision time - who will teach you to drive? There are many good reasons why you should learn with a driving school, as a qualified driving instructor will:
   
 
  • Know all the latest rules and requirements
 
  • Know suitable routes in Milton Keynes for practicing different skills
 
  • Have up to date driving skills
 
  • Be fully insured with a modern vehicle
 
  • Be able to help with Theory and Hazard Perception studies
 
  • Be able to advise on test procedures
 
  • Have been highly trained and assessed as suitable to give driving instruction
 
  • Provide a vehicle fitted with dual controls for your safety
 
  • Be skilled at teaching the more complex techniques
   
  It is however perfectly legal to learn with a person who meets the legal requirements regarding licence, age and experience.
   
  Here are a few points to consider when coming to your decision:
   
 
  • Insuring a car for a learner is VERY expensive!
 
  • Insuring for a learner to drive may NOT mean that this covers the Practical Driving Test (an insurance declaration has to be signed before the Test takes place). Additional insurance can mean more cost.
 
  • Will your vehicle be prepared adequately for the pre-test inspection?
 
  • The person who has offered to teach you is probably a very competent driver, but are they aware of the modern requirements and techniques? Training drivers for IAM and other advanced driving courses makes us aware of how driving techniques have changed over the past 5 to 10 years.
 
  • Does the person understand the test marking procedures?
 
  • Are you both happy that the vehicle will have no dual controls?
 
  • Will you be having lessons at the end of a working day, when you are both tired?
 
  • If you are going to share a vehicle, then it is against the law for 'L' plates to be displayed when the person driving holds a full licence.
   
  One final thought - 2 hours of professional driving lessons in Milton Keynes with drivewell  will cost you less than running a car for a week!