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Living in the UK

4. TRANSPORT

4.3. Driving in the UK

At what age can you start learning? 


  • Car - 17 years and over

  • Moped (below 50cc) – 16 years and over

  • Motorcycle – 17 years and over

  • Vans – 18 years and over

  • Lorries – 21 years and over

For useful tips on driving from the Hillingdon site click here.  



What is a Provisional Licence?


If you want to learn to drive in the UK, you must have a provisional licence (cost £34 if you pay online or £43 if you apply by post).

You can apply Online:  Provisional Driving Licence
           
Or

You can apply by Post: D1 application form which is available from the Post Office.



If you have a full licence from an EU Country

 

You can drive in England for as long as your licence is valid, or until you're 70, if you've got a driving licence from a European Union country.



If you have a licence from a Non-EU Country

You can drive in England for 12 months if you’ve got a non-European Union (EU) driving licence or international driving permit.

You can then take a driving test and apply for a full licence once you’ve been in Great Britain for at least 6 months.




Taking a UK Driving Test 


 UK driving test has two parts: 


  • Theory – you answer questions (using a computer) about driving rules and safety.(Cost of the test - £23.00)


  • Practical – You drive with an examiner in your car.(Cost of the test - £62.00 to £75.00) 



Theory Test:

 

  • You must have a provisional driving licence to book your theory test.
  • You can take the theory test from your 17th birthday onwards.
  • There are 2 parts to the test:
    Multiple-choice questions.
    Hazard perception - a video test about spotting hazards on the road.

  

You can book your test online:  Book Theory Test

 


Practical Test: 

You must pass a car theory test before taking the car driving test.

You can book your test online:  Book Practical Test

 

Cost –   Monday-Friday £62.00

               Evenings, weekends and bank holidays £75.00


Parking 

  • In most car parks (shown by a large blue sign with a white P on it), there will be machines where you can buy a ticket. 


  • In some car parks you buy a ticket for the amount of time you expect to park your car for (Pay and Display car parks).


  • In others you are given a ticket, and pay when you leave for the amount of time you were there. 


  • Attendants can help you if you are stuck, but not all car parks have them.


Click for : Types or parking in Hillingdon

Click for : Parking permits in Hillingdon