About You the Pupil

 

 

 

Before you start to drive, you must be at least 17 years of age (16 if receiving the highest rate of mobility allowance) and you must hold a valid, signed provisional driving licence; or the new photo card style licence with counterpart. You can apply for your provisional licence 3 months before your 17th birthday but it would not become valid until you are 17. Ensure that the car you are going to drive is properly insured for you to drive and roadworthy. You must display L-plates which can be seen clearly from in front and behind the car. If a learner is not driving the car the L-plates must be removed.

 

Eyesight, you must be able to read a number plate from 20.5 metres/67 feet (number plates, from 2001 onwards, with narrow font, from 20 metres/66 feet). If you are learning to drive with an approved driving instructor he/she will check your eyesight before you start to drive. If you are unable to read the number plate, you are not legally allowed to drive on the road and the driving lesson will not be allowed to commence until you have had your vision corrected.

 

Health, if you are taking any medication you should check with your doctor that you are able to drive.