The Law : For the Learner Driver
The Learner must:
- have a valid provisional driving licence
- be insured to drive the vehicle
- meet the legal minimum eyesight standards
- only drive when supervised and when the car displays L Plates (or D Plates in Wales).
Provisional Driving Licence
People can apply for a provisional licence when they turn 17 years old. They must have physically received the licence itself before they drive on the road. A provisional licence allows the learner to drive a car on the road (not on motorways) while under supervision and while displaying L Plates (or D Plates in Wales).
The D1 form (DL1 form in Northern Ireland) needed to apply for a provisional licence can be found in your local post office.
Insurance
The learner driver must be insured to drive the vehicle. Do not assume that your normal car insurance includes a learner - contact your insurance company and ask them to amend the policy to include the learner. Take note of any restrictions.
Eyesight
The learner also needs to meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving. In good daylight, a driver MUST be able to read a vehicle number plate.
- You must be able to read an old style A111ABC number plate from a distance of 20.5m
or
- You must be able to read a new style AB11ABC number plate from a distance of 20m
If the learner needs glasses or contact lenses to read these number plates then they must wear them when they drive. If in doubt, visit an opticians for expert advice.
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