Learner Drivers
A person can only drive a motor vehicle on a road if they hold a current EC granted driving licence, either full or provisional, for that class of vehicle. Their driving licence will explicitly state which vehicles they can lawfully drive on the road, as either a full or provisional driver.
Generally, unless the vehicle is a motor cycle or constructed so as to only carry the driver, all provisional driving licence holders must, when driving on the road be accompanied by a full licence holder who is over 21 years of age and has held a full British or EEC licence for the class of that vehicle for a minimum 3 years.
The vehicle must also display "L" plates front and rear.
Green "P" plates may be displayed on a vehicle by a person who has recently passed their driving test. They are not obligatory
Probationary Period for New Drivers
Drivers who accumulate six or more penalty points within two years of passing a driving test (probationary period), will have their licences automatically revoked by DVLA.
Such drivers will revert to provisional licence status and have to re-pass their theory and practical tests to regain full entitlement.
Learner Motorcyclists
There are 2 parts to the motorcycle test. Before a person can take to the road as a motorcycle rider they must complete Compulsory Basic Training (CBT).
For further information contact: The Driving Standards Agency, CardiffTel: 01222 581000.
Penalty Points
Conviction for certain motoring offences can result in disqualification and/or endorsement of the driving licence with penalty points.
Drivers convicted of endorsable offences (who are not disqualified) will incur penalty points, which will be endorsed on their licence.
If 12 or more points are accumulated within 3 years the driver will be disqualified (Courts are given limited powers not to disqualify in exceptional circumstances). The 3-year term is measured backwards from the date that the latest offence was committed.
Removal of Penalty Points
Penalty points are spent after 3 years and may normally be removed 4 years from the date of the offence.
Endorsements for drink/drug driving offences and certain other offences remain on the licence for 11 years.
Foreign Driving Licences
'UK' means England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
'GB' means England, Wales and Scotland only.
Non-Resident Visitors
During a period of 12 months from the date of the last entry to the UK any person residing outside the UK and who is temporarily in GB can and holds either:
- a conventional national driving permit, otherwise known as an international driving permit, or
- a domestic driving permit issued in a country outside the UK, or
- a British Forces Germany (BFG) driving licence
can drive a motor vehicle in GB.
A person with such a foreign licence can only drive the classes of vehicles in GB for which their licence entitles them to drive. They cannot drive if under the age of 17, even though they have a driving licence for their country. A person with a British Forces licence cannot use this licence for employment purposes.
A non-resident visitor to GB can drive a motor vehicle for up to 12 months from date of last entry to UK, providing they hold a foreign licence for that class of motor vehicle.
Ages for Driving
16 Years
17 Years
- Motor bikes (with or without sidecar)
- Scooters
- Cars/Vans
18 Years
- Small lorries (3500 to 7500 KG)
21 Years
- Small lorries with trailers
- Large lorries
- Articulated lorries
- Large lorries with trailers
- Buses
- Minibuses
- Road rollers
- Tracked vehicles
These ages may vary for disabled persons
