The rules for learner drivers

You should never assume but should know for sure what is required by law for you as a learner driver. Failure to comply may result in you getting penalty points and/or being fined.

There are 4 simple rules you need to obey to stay out of trouble.

# Rule 1 – Hold a valid provisional licence

This may seem obvious but a lot of people have been stopped by the police and found to be learning to drive without being in possession of a provisional licence. Or they may have a provisional licence but it is invalid as they've got too many penalty points (eg for speeding) on it. So make sure you’re not one of those people.

If you’re found guilty of driving without a provisional licence, you will incur a fine of up to £1000 and receive 3 to 6 points and may get a disqualification from driving as well.

# Rule 2 – Must always be supervised

Up until you've passed both your theory and practical test, you should always be accompanied by someone who:

• is 21 or over
• has held an EC/EEA licence for at least 3 years
• is qualified to drive the vehicle you’re practising in

If you’re found to be driving unsupervised, you could face a fine of up to £1000 and have your licence endorsed with 3-6 penalty points.

# Rule 3 – Display red L or D plates

As a learner, you need to display L plates (or D plates in Wales) on the vehicle you’re learning. These should be clearly visible from the back and front of your vehicle and should conform to the specifications below:

• 178mm x 178mm white square
• with the “L” letter in bold red and dimensions 40mm, 64mm, 49mm, 38mm, 89mm, 102mm starting from the top side and going clockwise

If you’re caught driving without L plates, you may be convicted for the offence LC20 and will get a £60 fine plus 3-6 points on your licence.

# Rule 4 – Vehicle must be roadworthy

By roadworthy, we mean the vehicle must have valid:

• Road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty)
• MOT (if older than 3 years)
• Insurance – The learner needs to be adequately insured on the car they’re practising in.

Regarding the last point, if you’re learning in your parents’ car (or family/friend), you need to be insured to drive that vehicle. Your parents may have car insurance for them to drive but it does not allow you to do so unless you get added to the policy too. You can get separate learner insurance for that purpose to make things easier.