Category: Great Britain

Photo: Gawon Lee / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

New drivers in Great Britain can run into four kinds of road user charge: Clean Air Zones in English cities, London’s ULEZ and Congestion Charge, Scotland’s Low Emission Zones, and the Dartford Crossing’s Dart Charge. None of them has barriers or toll booths: cameras read your number plate, and if you owe a charge and do not pay on time, you get a penalty. This guide explains which zones exist, how to check your car, and the payment deadlines as of November 2026.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

Charge	Where	Car charge	Pay by
Clean Air Zones	Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield, Tyneside	Only if your vehicle does not meet the zone’s standard; amount varies by zone	Check the zone on GOV.UK
ULEZ	All London boroughs	£12.50 a day for non-compliant cars	Check TfL
Congestion Charge	Central London	£18 a day if paid in advance or on the day; £21 if paid later	Midnight on the third day after travel
Low Emission Zones	Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, Edinburgh	No charge: non-compliant vehicles must stay out or face a penalty	Not applicable
Dart Charge	Dartford Crossing (A282, Thames)	£3.50 one-off, £2.80 with a pre-pay account	Midnight the day after you cross

How to check if your car has to pay

1. Clean Air Zones in England: use the GOV.UK “Drive in a clean air zone” vehicle checker with your number plate. It tells you which zones charge your vehicle.
2. London ULEZ and Congestion Charge: GOV.UK says London’s zones have a different vehicle check. Use the checker on the TfL website.
3. Scotland’s Low Emission Zones: use the Scottish LEZ vehicle checker linked from GOV.UK and the Low Emission Zones Scotland site.
4. Dartford: every car pays, apart from the exemptions below.

A car that meets one zone’s standard usually meets the others, but always check each zone you plan to enter. Older diesel cars are the most likely to be charged.

Clean Air Zones in England

GOV.UK lists seven zones: Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead). You might need to pay if your vehicle does not meet emissions standards. Each zone decides which vehicle types pay, so a zone may charge buses, taxis or vans but not private cars. To pay for a single vehicle, you need a credit or debit card. Check each zone’s charge and deadline on GOV.UK before you travel.

London: ULEZ and the Congestion Charge

ULEZ

• Covers all London boroughs.
• £12.50 a day for cars, motorcycles, vans and minibuses that do not meet the standard.
• Charging days run midnight to midnight, every day except Christmas Day.

Congestion Charge

• Applies in central London, 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday and noon to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.
• From 2 January 2026, £18 a day if paid in advance or on the day, or £21 if paid by midnight on the third day after travel. You can pay up to 90 days ahead.
• It is separate from ULEZ: a non-compliant car driving in central London during charging hours can owe both.

Transport for London sets these charges and can change them. Check TfL before you drive into London.

Scotland’s Low Emission Zones

Glasgow (from 1 June 2023), Dundee (from 30 May 2024), and Aberdeen and Edinburgh (from 1 June 2024) enforce Low Emission Zones. There is no fee to enter. If your vehicle does not meet the standard, you should not drive it into the zone. If you do, you get a penalty charge that increases for repeat contraventions. Vehicles carrying a Blue Badge holder are exempt. See how driving rules differ in England, Scotland and Wales.

Dart Charge at the Dartford Crossing

• When it applies: usually 6am to 10pm, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Car charge: £3.50 for a one-off payment, or £2.80 with a pre-pay Dart Charge account.
• Deadline: pay by midnight the day after you cross. GOV.UK warns that if you do not pay on time you might get a fine.
• Exemptions: motorcycles, mopeds and quad bikes, and vehicles with free vehicle tax because of a disability.
• Pay the official way: pay on GOV.UK or through a Dart Charge account. Search results may show unofficial sites that add their own fees.

Penalties: what happens if you forget

• Each scheme can send a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) to the registered keeper of the vehicle.
• Penalties are much higher than the charge itself. Some schemes reduce the penalty if you pay it quickly; Scotland’s LEZ penalty, for example, is halved if paid within 14 days.
• If you were driving someone else’s car, the PCN goes to the keeper, so tell them and pay the charge yourself.

Check the current penalty amounts on GOV.UK, TfL or the Scottish LEZ site, as they differ by scheme.

Tips for learners and new drivers

• Learner cars are not exempt. Charges depend on the vehicle, not the driver. If you practise in a family car, check it before you head into a zone.
• Choosing a first car? An older diesel may be cheap to buy but costly to drive in cities. Run the checkers before you buy. See choosing your first car.
• Set up an account if you will drive through a zone or the crossing often, so you never miss a deadline.
• Know your documents. Keep the V5C up to date so penalty letters reach the right keeper. See car documents: MOT, tax, insurance and V5C.

Common questions

Do I pay ULEZ and the Congestion Charge on the same trip?

You can owe both. They are separate charges with different areas and hours.

Is there a toll booth at Dartford?

No. You pay online, by phone or through an account, by midnight the day after you cross.

Does my car need to pay in Birmingham or Bristol?

Only if it does not meet that zone’s standard for your vehicle type. Use the GOV.UK checker with your number plate.

Can I pay the Glasgow LEZ charge?

No. Scotland’s zones do not have a charge you can pay to enter. Non-compliant vehicles get a penalty.

Are electric cars charged?

Fully electric cars have no exhaust emissions, so they meet emissions zone standards. The Congestion Charge and Dart Charge are not emissions charges, so check TfL and GOV.UK for whether any discount applies to your car.

Will my driving test route go through a charging zone?

If you are taking your test in your own car near a zone, check the car with the official checker and ask your instructor about the route area.

Back to the full guide to learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “Driving in a clean air zone” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Pay the Dartford Crossing charge (Dart Charge)” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Dart Charge: charges” (gov.uk)
• Transport for London, “Congestion Charge” (tfl.gov.uk)
• Transport for London, “ULEZ: where and when” (tfl.gov.uk)
• Transport Scotland, “Low Emission Zones introduced across Scotland” (transport.gov.scot)

Photo: Lisa Fotios / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

England, Scotland and Wales share one Highway Code, one driving licence and the same theory and practical tests, but a handful of rules differ. The biggest are Wales’s default 20 mph limit on restricted roads, Scotland’s lower drink-drive limit, Scotland’s national pavement parking ban, and city emissions zones that work differently in each nation. This guide sets out the differences learners and new drivers in Great Britain need to know before driving across the borders.

The differences at a glance

Rule	England	Scotland	Wales
Default limit on restricted roads (usually street-lit built-up roads)	30 mph	30 mph	20 mph since September 2023
Drink-drive limit (breath)	35 micrograms per 100 ml	22 micrograms per 100 ml	35 micrograms per 100 ml
National pavement parking ban	Banned in London; elsewhere the Highway Code says you should not, unless signs permit	Banned nationally, enforceable since 11 December 2023	Highway Code says you should not, unless signs permit
City emissions zones	Clean Air Zones and London’s ULEZ	Low Emission Zones in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh	None listed on GOV.UK’s Clean Air Zone service
Learner plates	L plates	L plates	L or D plates
Theory test audio	English or Welsh	English or Welsh	English or Welsh

Wales: the default 20 mph limit

Since September 2023, the default speed limit on restricted roads in Wales has been 20 mph instead of 30 mph. Restricted roads are usually residential or built-up roads with street lights, generally no more than 200 yards apart.

• Not every lit road is 20 mph. Councils and the trunk road agents can keep or return roads to 30 mph using Welsh Government guidance, which was revised in July 2024. Changing a limit needs a traffic regulation order, which takes several months.
• No 20 mph repeater signs. Because 20 mph is now the default, the Welsh Government says repeater signs are no longer used. If you see street lights and no other limit sign, assume 20 mph.
• Look for 30 mph signs. A road kept at 30 mph has signs telling you so.
• Limits keep changing. Roads are still being reviewed, so read the signs rather than relying on memory or an out-of-date sat nav.

For limits across Great Britain, see UK speed limits.

Scotland: the lower drink-drive limit

Measure	England and Wales	Scotland
Breath (micrograms per 100 ml)	35	22
Blood (milligrams per 100 ml)	80	50
Urine (milligrams per 100 ml)	107	67

There is no safe amount you can drink and know you are under either limit. The only safe choice is not to drink at all if you are driving, including the morning after. See drink and drug driving limits.

Scotland: pavement, double and dropped kerb parking

Councils in Scotland can enforce three bans from 11 December 2023:

• Pavement parking: parking with any wheels on the pavement.
• Double parking: parking more than 50 centimetres from the edge of the road.
• Dropped kerb parking: parking across a dropped kerb.

The penalty is £100, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. Councils can designate certain exemptions in their area. Highway Code Rule 244 says you MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London or Scotland, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it. See where not to park.

Emissions zones in each nation

England

GOV.UK lists Clean Air Zones in Bath, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Portsmouth, Sheffield and Tyneside (Newcastle and Gateshead). Which vehicles have to pay depends on the zone, so check your car on GOV.UK before you go. London has its own Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and Congestion Charge, run by Transport for London.

Scotland

Low Emission Zones are enforced in Glasgow (from 1 June 2023), Dundee (from 30 May 2024), and Aberdeen and Edinburgh (from 1 June 2024). They work differently from England’s zones: there is no daily charge to pay. A non-compliant vehicle that enters gets a penalty charge, which rises for repeat contraventions. The minimum standards are generally Euro 4 for petrol and Euro 6 for diesel. Check the current penalty and exemptions on the Scottish Government’s Low Emission Zones site.

Wales

GOV.UK’s Clean Air Zone service does not list any zones in Wales.

How to check and pay in every zone: ULEZ, Clean Air Zones, Congestion Charge and Dart Charge.

Wales: bilingual signs and D plates

• Bilingual signs. Many road signs in Wales show Welsh and English. The shapes, colours and symbols are the same as elsewhere in Great Britain, so read the symbol first. See road signs.
• D plates. Learners in Wales can display D plates (for “dysgwr”, learner) or L plates. Outside Wales, use L plates.
• Welsh-language theory test audio is available for the theory test, wherever in Great Britain you sit it.

What stays the same across Great Britain

• The Highway Code, including the hierarchy of road users.
• Your licence, provisional rules and supervisor rules.
• The theory test and practical test, run by DVSA.
• The national speed limits on single and dual carriageways and motorways.
• Penalty points and the New Drivers Act.

Northern Ireland is part of the UK but has its own rules and agencies. See Northern Ireland vs GB Highway Code differences.

Common questions

Is the speed limit 20 mph everywhere in Wales?

No. 20 mph is the default on restricted roads, usually street-lit built-up roads. Some of those roads are signed at 30 mph, and other roads keep their own limits.

Does the Scottish drink-drive limit apply to English drivers?

Yes. The limit depends on where you are driving, not where your licence was issued.

Can I park on the pavement in England?

Not in London, where the Highway Code says you MUST NOT, except in limited circumstances. Elsewhere in England it says you should not, unless signs permit it.

Do I need to pay to drive into Glasgow or Edinburgh?

There is no daily charge. If your vehicle does not meet the Low Emission Zone standards, you must not drive it into the zone, or you face a penalty charge.

Is the driving test different in Scotland or Wales?

No. The same DVSA test runs across Great Britain.

Can I use D plates in England?

D plates are a Welsh option. Outside Wales, display L plates.

Back to the full guide to learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• Welsh Government, “Introducing default 20mph speed limits” (gov.wales)
• GOV.UK, “The drink drive limit” (gov.uk)
• Transport Scotland, “Pavement parking ban” (transport.gov.scot)
• Transport Scotland, “Parking and the Transport (Scotland) Act 2019” (transport.gov.scot)
• Transport Scotland, “Low Emission Zones introduced across Scotland” (transport.gov.scot)
• GOV.UK, “Driving in a clean air zone” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Waiting and parking (238 to 252)”, Rule 244 (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Annex 2. Motorcycle licence requirements” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Theory test: if you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition” (gov.uk)

Photo: Jack Atkinson / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

At 16 in Great Britain you can ride a moped on the road once you have a provisional licence and have completed compulsory basic training (CBT). CBT is not a test, though: it puts you on L plates (L or D plates in Wales) with tight limits, and within 2 years you must either pass the full moped test or pass your car test (which gives full moped entitlement on its own, explained below), or else retake CBT. This guide is for 16 year olds in England, Scotland and Wales, and their parents, who want to know what it takes to get through CBT and the moped tests, and how a moped affects the car test at 17.

The rules at a glance

Rule	Detail
Minimum age	16 (category AM)
What counts as a moped	A 2-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed over 25 km/h (15.5 mph) but not over 45 km/h (28 mph)
Before riding on the road	Provisional licence plus a CBT certificate
Plates	L plates (L or D plates in Wales)
Passengers and trailers	Not allowed until you pass your test
Motorways	Not allowed for provisional motorcycle licence holders
Time limit	Within 2 years, pass the full moped test or your car test, or retake CBT or stop riding
Full AM licence	CBT, the motorcycle theory test, then the moped practical test; or CBT plus a car test pass (see below)
Riding without valid CBT	Fine of up to £1,000 and up to 6 penalty points

From provisional licence to full AM licence

Think of it as three stages, with the 2-year CBT window as your deadline for the last two.

Stage 1: get road-legal for CBT

1. Get a provisional licence. You can apply from 15 years and 9 months (£34 online, as of November 2026).
2. Book CBT with an approved training school.
3. Get the bike legal. If you use your own moped, it needs a V5C registration certificate (log book), road tax, an MOT if it needs one, and insurance that covers you.
4. Wear an approved helmet. GOV.UK says you must wear a helmet that meets safety standards.

Stage 2: complete CBT

CBT is a training course, not a pass or fail test. You get a certificate when you complete it. Then fit L plates (or D plates in Wales) and ride within the learner restrictions.

Stage 3: pass the tests

Take the motorcycle theory test, then the moped practical test, within the 2 years, to get a full AM licence. Passing removes the L plates and lets you carry a passenger. Passing your car test within the 2 years also gives you full moped entitlement up to 50cc (see below).

What you cannot do until you pass

• Carry a pillion passenger. The Highway Code says you MUST NOT until you have passed your test.
• Pull a trailer.
• Ride on a motorway. Highway Code Rule 253 bars holders of provisional motorcycle licences from motorways.
• Ride a motorcycle above moped class. At 17 CBT lets you ride up to 125cc and 11 kW on L plates, but at 16 it is mopeds only.
• Keep riding after 2 years without passing your full moped test or your car test. You must either take CBT again or stop riding.

How a moped affects your car test later

• Separate theory tests. The motorcycle theory test and the car theory test are different tests. Passing one does not count for the other.
• No formal credit. You still need the car theory test and car practical test at 17.
• The same provisional licence card covers you for a moped at 16 and for a car from 17, once the car learner rules apply.
• Road sense carries over. Riding teaches observation, positioning and judging speed, all things the car examiner marks, and you learn how vulnerable two-wheelers are. See sharing the road with motorcycles.
• Points carry over too. GOV.UK says any penalty points on your provisional licence that have not expired are carried over to your full licence when you pass, which matters under the New Drivers Act. Up to 6 points for riding without valid CBT could put a new car licence at risk. See the New Drivers Act.
• CBT plus a car pass gives you a full moped licence. If you pass your car test on or after 1 February 2001, GOV.UK says you get full moped entitlement either by passing the car test and then doing CBT, or by doing CBT and then passing the car test within 2 years. You can then ride a moped up to 50cc without L plates and without taking the full moped test, for as long as your car licence lasts. So a 16 year old who does CBT and passes the car test at 17 inside the 2 years does not need the moped test. This does not cover larger motorcycles, which still need CBT and their own tests. Only drivers who passed their car test before 1 February 2001 can skip CBT for a 50cc moped.

Moped at 16 or wait for the car at 17?

Moped at 16	Car at 17
Independent travel a year earlier	No independent driving until you pass
Ride alone after CBT, no supervisor needed	Must be supervised until you pass
Exposed to weather and more vulnerable in a crash	Protected by the car body, seat belts and airbags
Limited to 28 mph design speed, no motorways	All roads except motorways as a learner (motorways only with an approved instructor in a dual-control car)
Costs: CBT, helmet and clothing, insurance, the moped	Costs: lessons, insurance, test fees

See learners and motorways for the car rule.

Common questions

Can I ride a moped at 16 without a test?

Yes, on L plates, after completing CBT and with a provisional licence, for up to 2 years. To ride without L plates or carry a passenger you need a full moped licence: pass the full moped test, or pass your car test within 2 years of CBT.

Can you fail CBT?

CBT is a training course rather than a pass or fail test. You get the certificate when you complete it.

How long is a CBT certificate valid?

2 years. Within that time pass your full moped or motorcycle test, or for a moped up to 50cc your car test, or take CBT again or stop riding.

How fast can a moped go?

A moped in category AM has a maximum design speed of no more than 45 km/h (28 mph).

Can I take a friend on the back?

No. You must not carry a pillion passenger until you have passed your test.

Do I need a theory test for a moped?

Not for CBT. You need the motorcycle theory test before the moped practical test for a full AM licence.

Looking for lessons or an instructor? Our sister site Compare Driving Instructors covers lesson prices and choosing an instructor.

Back to the full guide to learning to drive in Great Britain. See also UK licence categories.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “Riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Riding a motorcycle, moped or motor tricycle: bike categories, ages and licence requirements” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Compulsory basic training (CBT)” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “CBT: if you have a car driving licence” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Annex 2. Motorcycle licence requirements” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Motorways (253 to 273)”, Rule 253 (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving licence categories” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Apply for your first provisional driving licence” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Penalty points (endorsements): new drivers” (gov.uk)

Photo: Tomas Wells / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

The car you take your practical test in decides what your licence lets you drive. Pass in a manual and you can drive both types of car; pass in an automatic and your licence gets code 78, which restricts you to automatics until you pass a manual test. The test itself is the same either way. This guide explains how the choice affects your test, your licence and upgrading later, for learners in England, Scotland and Wales.

Four facts to know before you book

• Same test: the theory test and the practical test content are the same for both.
• Pass in an automatic: your licence shows code 78, “restricted to vehicles with automatic transmission”.
• Pass in a manual: you can drive manual and automatic cars.
• Upgrading later: means passing a practical test in a manual car. Upgrade tests are booked by phone with DVSA, not online.

How the gearbox changes test day

The examiner marks the same things in both cars: observation, control, junctions, manoeuvres, the emergency stop and independent driving. What differs is how much you have to manage at once.

On test	Automatic	Manual
Control workload	No clutch or gears, so more attention left for traffic	Clutch control, gear changes, hill starts and stalling recovery
Typical fault risks	Fewer control faults to make	Stalls, wrong gear, rolling back on hills
Time to reach test standard	Often fewer lessons, because there is less to master	Often more
Practice car	Needs access to an automatic	Most older family cars are manual
Licence after passing	Automatics only (code 78)	Both manual and automatic

A stall on its own is not automatically a fail, but how you recover matters: rolling back or moving off without checking can turn it into a serious fault. See clutch control and hill starts.

What code 78 means once you pass

• You can drive any automatic car you are insured for.
• You cannot drive a manual car, even in an emergency or to move it a few metres on a road.
• Employers that need you to drive manual vans or pool cars may ask for a full manual licence.
• Hiring a car abroad can be harder or cost more if automatics are scarce there.

Full detail is in automatic licence restrictions and how to upgrade.

Which test suits you?

Take the test in a manual if

• you will share a family manual car after passing
• you want a cheaper or older first car, where manuals are common (see choosing your first car)
• a job or course may require driving manual vehicles
• you want the most flexibility and do not mind spending longer getting test-ready

Take the test in an automatic if

• clutch and gears are a real barrier, or you keep stalling under pressure
• you have a condition or disability that makes a clutch hard to use (see learning with a disability)
• you are an adult who wants to reach test standard in fewer lessons (see learning as an adult)
• your household car, or the car you plan to buy, is electric or automatic

Switching before your test

• Manual to automatic: usually straightforward, because the road skills carry over. You lose nothing except the clutch practice.
• Automatic to manual: you need time to learn clutch control, gears and hill starts before you are test-ready again.
• Tell your instructor before you book the test, because the test car decides your licence.

Insurers price the specific car, so the gearbox is only one factor. Check any learner policy covers the car you practise in. See learner driver insurance in GB.

Upgrading to manual after an automatic pass

1. Practise in a manual. GOV.UK says you can start learning in a manual at any time without applying for another provisional licence, but you must follow all the usual learner rules, including L plates.
2. Book an upgrade test by phone with DVSA. GOV.UK says upgrade tests such as automatic to manual cannot be booked online.
3. Pass the practical test in a manual car (£62 to £75, as of November 2026). GOV.UK says you do not need to take a theory test to upgrade. If you fail, you can carry on driving automatics.

Common questions

Is it easier to pass in an automatic?

There is less to learn, which helps many learners. The test standard is the same, so you still need safe, independent driving.

Can I drive an automatic with a manual licence?

Yes. A manual pass covers both.

Can I drive a manual if I passed in an automatic?

Only as a learner, following provisional licence rules, until you pass a manual test.

Is a test in an electric car an automatic test?

Yes. Electric cars do not have a clutch and gear lever like a manual, so a test in one is an automatic test and leads to code 78. See learning to drive an automatic car.

Do I need a new theory test to upgrade?

No. GOV.UK says you do not need to take a theory test to upgrade from automatic to manual.

Will manual cars disappear?

Electric cars are all driven as automatics, but manual cars will be on the road, and for sale used, for years. Choose based on the cars you will actually drive.

Looking for lessons or an instructor? Our sister site Compare Driving Instructors covers lesson prices and choosing an instructor.

Back to the full guide to learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “Driving licence categories” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving licence codes” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Book your driving test” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Upgrade an automatic car driving licence to a manual one” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving lessons and learning to drive: taking driving lessons” (gov.uk)

Photo: Max W / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

An intensive driving course in Great Britain packs many hours of driving into a few days or weeks, usually ending with a practical test. That only works if the test date lines up and you are genuinely at test standard when the course ends. Since 12 May 2026, only you can book your car driving test, so a school can no longer book a slot for you as part of the package. This guide covers how to time your test around a course under the 2026 booking rules, how to judge whether you will be ready, and what to do if the test moves or you fail.

Booking rules that shape any course (as of November 2026)

• Theory first: you must usually have passed your theory test before you can book a car practical test.
• Learner-only booking: from 12 May 2026 only the learner can book, change, swap or cancel their own car test. It is against the law for anyone else to book it.
• Limited changes: from 31 March 2026 you get 2 changes per booking.
• Nearby centres only: from 9 June 2026 you can only move a test to the 3 centres nearest to where it is booked, or back to the centre you first booked.
• Retest wait: if you fail, the next test must be at least 10 working days away.

How the 2026 changes affect an intensive course

Date	Change	What it means for your test
31 March 2026	Changes per booking cut from 6 to 2	You have little room to move the test if the course dates shift
12 May 2026	Only the learner can book, change, swap or cancel; unofficial slot-scanning services banned	You book the test yourself on GOV.UK; the school cannot book it or “find” a slot for you
9 June 2026	Moves limited to the 3 nearest centres, or back to the first-booked centre	You cannot chase slots across the country to fit a course

Test first, course second: the order that works

1. Pass your theory test. Without it you cannot book the practical.
2. Book your practical test yourself on GOV.UK. New slots are released 24 weeks ahead, at 6am on Mondays, and cancellations appear at any time.
3. Add your instructor’s personal reference number when you book, to check they are available on that date and time.
4. Fit the course to finish just before the test, with a mock test near the end.

Be wary of any course that promises it will “get you a test” or asks for your booking login. Using a paid slot-finder can lead DVSA to act against your booking. See finding an earlier test legally and the 2026 booking rules.

Will you be test-ready by the end?

Compressing hours does not lower the bar. You still need no more than 15 driving faults and no serious or dangerous faults on the day. An intensive format tends to work best for some learners more than others:

More likely to reach test standard in time	Less likely
Learners with some experience who need polishing	Complete beginners who get tired or overloaded quickly
People who can take a block of time off work or study	People who can only spare an hour here and there
Those who previously drove abroad and need GB test routines	Very anxious learners who need time between lessons
Learners who already have a test date that suits the course	Anyone who has not yet passed the theory test

A quick self-check before committing: can you already handle junctions and roundabouts without prompts, and do you get through an hour’s driving without mental fatigue? If not, consider a longer course or weekly lessons first. Use a mock driving test on the last day to decide whether to keep the date.

Courses vary, with no official definition. Judge one on the hours of actual driving and whether it includes a mock test and the car for your test. Check that the instructor is an ADI (green badge) or trainee (pink badge).

If the test date moves or goes wrong

• DVSA cancels the test (for example in bad weather): if DVSA changes your test, you get your 2 changes back. Ask the school in advance whether it will rearrange the car and a lesson for the new date. DVSA’s own rules are in when a test is cancelled.
• You decide you are not ready: DVSA refunds the test fee in full if you cancel at least 10 full working days before. That is separate from anything the school charges.
• You fail: the retest must be at least 10 working days later. Ask beforehand whether a retest package is offered.
• The test fee is paid by you to DVSA (£62 weekday or £75 evening, weekend and bank holiday).

After the pass

A drawback of intensive learning: you get less time driving in different weather, light and traffic. Plan extra practice once you have your licence. See your first year after passing.

Common questions

Can a driving school book my test for me in 2026?

No. From 12 May 2026, only the learner can book, change, swap or cancel their own car test. Tests booked by instructors before that date still go ahead, and the instructor must give you the reference number.

Do I need to pass my theory test before an intensive course?

You must usually have passed it before you can book the practical test, so pass it before you commit to course dates.

Can I pass in a week?

Some experienced learners do, but nobody can guarantee a pass. Be wary of schools that promise one.

Manual or automatic for a fast course?

An automatic means less to learn in a short time, but restricts your licence. See automatic or manual.

Is an intensive course cheaper overall?

Not always. A fail and retest adds to the bill. See the cost of learning to drive in GB and making lessons count on a budget.

What happens if I fail at the end of the course?

You book another test yourself, at least 10 working days away. See failed your driving test: what next.

Looking for lessons or an instructor? Our sister site Compare Driving Instructors covers lesson prices and choosing an instructor.

Back to the full guide to learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Book your driving test” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving lessons and learning to drive: taking driving lessons” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving test faults and your result” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving test: cost” (gov.uk)

Photo: Samuel Phillips / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

It is never too late to learn to drive in Great Britain. GOV.UK sets a minimum age for a provisional licence (15 years and 9 months) but no maximum, and adult learners take exactly the same theory and practical tests as teenagers. This guide is for people in their 20s, 40s, 60s or older in England, Scotland and Wales who want a realistic plan: pacing, insurance, fitting lessons around work, and the health and eyesight duties that matter more with age.

Key facts

• No upper age limit for a provisional licence or the driving test.
• Same tests for everyone: theory test, then a practical test of about 35 minutes of driving.
• Eyesight: you must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres, with glasses or contact lenses if you need them.
• Medical conditions: you must tell DVLA about some conditions; not doing so can bring a fine of up to £1,000.
• At 70: your licence must be renewed, then every 3 years. Renewal online is free.

What is different when you learn as an adult?

Factor	Often easier for adults	Often harder for adults
Road sense	Years as a passenger, cyclist or pedestrian help with reading traffic	Fixed habits from cycling or passenger seat can need unlearning
Money	Paying for lessons yourself, in a block, is often possible	Lessons compete with rent, bills and childcare
Time	You can plan lessons deliberately	Work shifts and family make regular slots hard
Nerves	Better at managing pressure in other parts of life	Self-consciousness about “being late” to it
Practice	May own or share a car	Fewer people around to supervise private practice

How many lessons will an adult need?

There is no legal minimum number of lessons in Great Britain, and no official figure for adults. What matters most:

• Frequency: two lessons a week usually beats one a fortnight, because you lose less between sessions.
• Private practice: extra hours with a qualified supervisor speed things up. See rules for supervising a learner.
• Gearbox: many adults learn faster in an automatic. See automatic or manual.

For a fuller planning method, read how many driving lessons you need.

Fitting lessons around work

• Book a regular slot. Same day, same time each week makes it easier to protect.
• Use longer lessons. A 2-hour lesson saves travel time and gives you more time behind the wheel once warmed up.
• Early or late slots. Ask instructors about early mornings, evenings or weekends; it also gives you practice in different traffic and light.
• Learn from home or work. Many instructors pick up from your workplace, so you can learn the roads you will actually use.
• Do theory in small chunks. 15 minutes on your commute adds up. Start with the theory test revision plan.

Intensive courses suit some adults who can take time off. See intensive driving courses in GB before paying.

Insurance for older learners

For lessons in an instructor’s car, ask how you are insured. For private practice you need cover as a learner on the car you use.

• Age is only one pricing factor; the car, where you live and your history all count. Compare quotes for the exact car before you commit to it.
• If you practise in a partner’s car, make sure the policy covers you as a learner driver. Do not let them insure the car in their name if you are really the main driver; that is called fronting. See learner driver insurance.

Health and eyesight: your duties

Eyesight

The standard is the same at every age. You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres and meet a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) on the Snellen scale. If you need glasses or contact lenses to do this, you must wear them every time you drive. Get your eyes tested before your first lesson. See the 20 metre eyesight rule.

Medical conditions

GOV.UK says you need to tell DVLA about some medical conditions because they can affect your driving, and you can be fined up to £1,000 if you do not. Check the A to Z list on GOV.UK and see fitness to drive and DVLA.

Renewing at 70

If you pass later in life, your licence still has to be renewed when you reach 70, then every 3 years. You can apply once you are within 90 days of turning 70, and renewing online with DVLA is free.

If you have a disability

Adapted cars, specialist instructors and extra test time are all available. See learning to drive with a disability in GB.

A simple plan for adult learners

1. Get an eye test and check any medical conditions you must report.
2. Apply for your provisional licence (£34 online, as of November 2026).
3. Book a first lesson to get an honest estimate. See your first driving lesson.
4. Revise and pass the theory test (£23).
5. Book the practical test yourself once your instructor expects you to be ready (£62 weekday, £75 evening and weekend).
6. Run a mock test before the real one.

Common questions

Is 30, 40 or 50 too old to learn to drive?

No. There is no maximum age in Great Britain, and the tests are the same at any age.

Can I learn to drive at 70 or over?

Yes. You still need to meet the eyesight standard and report relevant medical conditions. Licences for people aged 70 and over are renewed every 3 years.

Do adults learn faster?

Some do, some do not. Regular lessons and private practice matter more than age.

I am nervous. Is that normal?

Very. Tell your instructor at the start so they can plan quieter routes. See dealing with driving test nerves.

Do I need a theory test if I am over 25?

Yes. Every new car learner in Great Britain must pass the theory test before booking the practical test.

Can my partner teach me?

Yes, if they meet the supervisor rules and the car is insured for you as a learner. Many adults combine private practice with lessons.

Back to the full guide to learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “Apply for your first provisional driving licence” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving test: what happens during the test” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving eyesight rules” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Health conditions and driving” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Renew your driving licence if you’re 70 or over” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Book your driving test” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving test: cost” (gov.uk)

Photo: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

You can learn to drive in Great Britain as an international student or new resident, but two residency rules shape your timeline. To get a provisional licence you must have permission to live in Great Britain for at least 185 days, and to take the practical test you must have lived in England, Scotland or Wales for at least 185 days in the 12 months before it. This guide covers eligibility, the theory test, insurance, and whether exchanging a foreign licence is quicker than learning from scratch. Northern Ireland has its own rules through the DVA.

Key facts (as of November 2026)

• Provisional licence: minimum age 15 years 9 months; permission to live in GB for at least 185 days; £34 online or £43 by post.
• Theory test: £23; you need your UK photocard provisional licence on the day.
• Practical test: £62 weekday or £75 evening, weekend and bank holiday; at least 185 days’ residence in GB in the 12 months before the test.
• Languages: theory test voiceover in English or Welsh; British Sign Language (BSL) video for deaf or hard of hearing candidates.

First: do you need to learn at all?

If you already hold a full licence from another country, check before booking lessons. Depending on where you passed, you may be able to drive on it for a period or exchange it for a GB licence without a test.

Your situation	Likely route
No licence from anywhere	Provisional licence, theory test, lessons, practical test (this guide)
Full licence from the EU, EEA or a “designated” country	Usually exchange without a test. See exchanging a foreign licence in GB
Full licence from any other country	Drive on it for a limited time, then pass the GB theory and practical tests
Short visit or study stay	Run the GOV.UK “drive in GB on a non-GB licence” checker, because the answer depends on your licence and status

If you must take the GB tests anyway, experience still helps: you may need far fewer lessons than a beginner. You still need a provisional licence first.

Can international students get a provisional licence?

Yes, if you meet the GOV.UK conditions. You must:

• be at least 15 years and 9 months old
• have been given permission to live in Great Britain for at least 185 days
• be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away (with glasses or contact lenses if you need them)

When you apply online you may be asked to prove your identity, which usually involves photo ID such as a passport. If your permission to stay is shorter than 185 days, you are unlikely to qualify, so check your visa dates before paying. Contact DVLA if your case is unusual.

For how the licence works once it arrives (supervisors, L plates, insurance), see provisional licence rules.

Theory test: ID and language

What ID do I need for the theory test?

Your UK photocard driving licence. GOV.UK warns that if you bring the wrong things your test will be cancelled and you will not get your money back. A passport on its own is not enough. If your name has changed since booking, bring proof such as a marriage certificate or deed poll.

Can I take the theory test in my own language?

The GOV.UK page lists audio in English or Welsh, and a BSL video for deaf or hard of hearing candidates. It does not list voiceovers in other languages. If English is not your first language, build extra revision time into your plan and contact DVSA before booking if you need support. See theory test languages and support in GB.

Reading support

If you have a reading difficulty such as dyslexia, you can ask for extra time, questions read aloud, or simplified wording, with evidence. The full list is in extra support for the theory and driving tests.

The practical test residency rule

GOV.UK says you must have lived in England, Wales or Scotland for at least 185 days in the 12 months before your test. For a student starting in September, that usually means the earliest test date is several months after arrival, whatever your progress.

Also bear in mind:

• New test slots are released 24 weeks ahead, so book as soon as you are eligible and have passed theory.
• Only you can book, change or cancel your test. Your instructor cannot do it for you, and booking a test for someone else is against the law (rules in force since 12 May 2026). See the 2026 booking rules.
• If your course ends and you leave the UK, a theory pass stays valid for 2 years only.

Insurance as a new resident

To practise in a private car you need insurance that covers you as a learner, and the car must be taxed and roadworthy. For lessons in an instructor’s car, ask the instructor to confirm how you are insured.

• No UK driving or claims history usually means higher quotes. Ask whether an insurer accepts experience or no-claims proof from abroad.
• Be honest about your residency status and how long you have lived in the UK.
• Watch out for cheap “deals” sold through social media. These are often ghost brokers. See ghost brokers and fake insurance.

More on the options in learner driver insurance in GB.

Which is faster: exchanging or learning?

• Exchange is usually fastest if your licence qualifies: no lessons or tests.
• Learning from scratch takes as long as the provisional licence, theory pass, lessons and a test date allow, and the practical test cannot happen until you meet the 185-day rule.
• Experienced drivers who cannot exchange still take both tests, but often need only a few lessons to learn GB rules, roundabouts and test routines.

A sample timeline for a student arriving in September

1. Apply for a provisional licence once you meet the conditions.
2. Revise for the theory test using the official Highway Code and DVSA materials. Start with the theory test guide.
3. Pass the theory test, then book the practical test for a date that meets the 185-day rule.
4. Take lessons in the months before, around your studies. See how many lessons you need.

Common questions

Can I learn to drive in the UK on a student visa?

Often yes, if your permission to live in Great Britain is for at least 185 days and you meet the age and eyesight rules. The practical test also needs 185 days’ residence in the 12 months before it.

Can I use my passport as ID at the theory test?

Not on its own. You need your UK photocard driving licence. A passport is only needed alongside an old paper licence.

Can I bring a translator to the theory test?

GOV.UK lists English and Welsh audio and BSL. It does not offer other languages, so do not plan on a translator. Deaf candidates can bring a BSL interpreter or lip speaker at no extra fee.

Can I drive on my home country licence while I learn?

It depends on your licence and status. Run the GOV.UK non-GB licence checker, which gives an answer for your exact licence and situation.

How much does learning to drive cost?

The official fees are £34 for a provisional licence (online), £23 for theory and £62 to £75 for the practical test, as of November 2026. Lessons and insurance cost more. See the cost of learning to drive in GB.

Can I learn in Northern Ireland instead?

Northern Ireland is part of the UK but has separate licensing through the DVA and graduated rules for new drivers. See learning to drive in Northern Ireland.

Back to the full guide to learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “Apply for your first provisional driving licence” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Theory test: what to take” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Theory test: if you have a reading difficulty, disability or health condition” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Book your driving test” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Changes to driving test booking rules in 2026” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving eyesight rules” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Drive in Great Britain on a non-GB licence” (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving test: cost” (gov.uk)

Photo: Thomas Evraert / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

In Great Britain, Highway Code Rule 143 says traffic on a one-way street must travel in the direction the signs show. You pick your lane early: normally the left lane to turn left, the right lane to turn right, and the most suitable lane to go straight ahead, unless signs or markings say otherwise. This guide is for learners in England, Scotland and Wales who want to get one-way streets right in lessons and on test.

Key facts

• Travelling in the signed direction is a legal requirement (a “MUST” rule in the Highway Code).
• Buses, cycles or both may have a contraflow lane coming towards you.
• Traffic can pass you on both sides, so check both mirrors and blind spots.
• Choose your exit lane as soon as you can and do not change lanes suddenly.

Which lane should you use on a one-way street?

Where you are going	Default lane (Rule 143)	What overrides it
Turning left	Left-hand lane	Lane arrows or signs showing a different lane
Turning right	Right-hand lane	Lane arrows or signs showing a different lane
Straight ahead	The most appropriate lane	Arrows that send your lane left or right only

“Most appropriate” for straight ahead usually means the lane that keeps you clear of turning traffic and parked cars, and lines you up for where you go next. Rule 134 adds that you should follow the signs and road markings and get into the lane as directed, and avoid unnecessary lane changes in queues.

How to drive a one-way street, step by step

1. Spot the signs early. A blue sign with a white arrow tells you the street is one-way. A red “no entry” sign at the far end means you must not drive in from that side.
2. Read the lane arrows. Look well ahead for arrows painted in each lane and for overhead or roadside lane signs.
3. Plan your exit. Decide which lane you need for your turn or for going ahead before you are close to the junction.
4. Mirrors, signal, manoeuvre. Rule 133: use your mirrors and, if needed, a quick sideways glance, so you do not force anyone to change speed or course. Signal when it is safe, then move over.
5. Check the other side too. On a one-way street, traffic may pass you on the left as well as the right.
6. Look for contraflow lanes before you turn across them (see below).

What is a contraflow lane?

A contraflow lane lets buses, cycles or both travel against the main flow of a one-way street. Rule 143 warns that these lanes may exist, so a cyclist or bus coming towards you can be perfectly legal.

• Turning across one: look for oncoming cyclists or buses in the lane before you turn. Rule 140 says you should give way to cyclists in a cycle lane and not cut across them when turning.
• Do not drive or park in it. Rule 140 says you must not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation.
• Cycle tracks can be two-way. Rule 140 notes cycle tracks may be used by cyclists travelling in both directions, so look both ways before crossing one.

For more on these lanes, see bus lanes and cycle lanes.

Scenario: you are in the wrong lane

You want to go straight ahead, but the arrow in your lane now points left and the lane to your right is full.

• Do: follow the arrow and turn left safely, then find a safe place to turn round or re-route.
• Do not: stop in the lane, swerve across, or force your way in. Rule 143 says do not change lanes suddenly.

On the driving test, a missed exit is not a fault in itself. Forcing a late lane change that makes others brake can be. See how driving test faults are marked.

Common mistakes on one-way streets

• Checking only the right mirror because “everything comes from one direction”.
• Drifting between lanes instead of committing to one.
• Turning right from the left lane because that is what you would do on a two-way road.
• Missing a contraflow cycle lane when turning into a side road.
• Parking on the right-hand side and then pulling out without checking traffic passing on your left.

Test yourself (unofficial practice)

These are original practice questions written by Get Driving Test Ready, not official DVSA questions.

1. On a one-way street with no lane markings, you want to turn right at the next junction. Which lane should you use?

1. The left-hand lane
2. The right-hand lane (correct)
3. Whichever lane is moving faster
4. The middle of the road, across both lanes

Explanation: Rule 143 says use the right-hand lane when going right, unless signs or markings say otherwise.

2. Why should you check both mirrors before changing lanes on a one-way street?

1. Because the law requires two signals
2. Because buses always overtake on the left
3. Because traffic could be passing on both sides (correct)
4. Because one-way streets have no speed limit

Explanation: Rule 143 reminds drivers that traffic could be passing on both sides.

3. A cyclist is riding towards you in a marked lane on a one-way street. What is the most likely explanation?

1. The cyclist is breaking the law
2. It is a contraflow cycle lane (correct)
3. The one-way order has ended
4. Cyclists may ignore all one-way signs

Explanation: Rule 143 says buses and/or cycles may have a contraflow lane.

4. Lane arrows show your lane must turn left, but you wanted to go ahead and cannot move over safely. What should you do?

1. Stop and wait for a gap on the right
2. Ignore the arrows and go ahead
3. Move across quickly using a signal
4. Turn left and re-route when safe (correct)

Explanation: Rules 134 and 143 say follow the lane markings and do not change lanes suddenly.

Common questions

Can I park on the right-hand side of a one-way street?

Usually yes, where yellow lines and signs allow, because you are still facing the direction of traffic. Rule 248 only bans parking on a road at night facing against the traffic flow, unless you are in a recognised parking space. When pulling away from the right-hand side, remember traffic can pass on your left. See where not to park.

Do I signal when changing lanes on a one-way street?

Yes, when it would help or warn other road users. Rule 133 says signal when it is safe, then move over when clear.

Is going the wrong way down a one-way street an offence?

Yes. Rule 143 is a “MUST” rule, which in the Highway Code means it is a legal requirement.

What lane do I use to go straight ahead?

The most appropriate one, unless markings tell you otherwise. Usually that is the lane that keeps you clear of turning traffic and suits your next move.

Will my driving test route include one-way streets?

It may. Test routes use a range of roads, and one-way systems are common in towns. Practise them with your instructor and in a mock test.

Related guides

• Lane discipline on multi-lane roads
• Mirror, signal, manoeuvre
• Highway Code rules for cyclists and drivers
• Road junctions and turning right

Back to the full guide to learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)”, Rules 133, 134, 140 and 143 (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “The Highway Code: Waiting and parking (238 to 252)”, Rule 248 (gov.uk)
• GOV.UK, “Driving test faults and your result” (gov.uk)

Photo: Michał Robak / Pexels. Illustrative photograph.

Coasting means letting the car move in neutral or with the clutch pressed down. The Highway Code (rule 122) says it can reduce your control, and on the driving test in Great Britain examiners can mark it as a fault. It is not a safe way to save fuel. This guide explains why, how to control your speed downhill instead, and the moments when pressing the clutch is correct.

Key facts

• Definition: Highway Code rule 122 describes coasting as a vehicle travelling in neutral or with the clutch pressed down.
• Why it matters: rule 122 says it can reduce driver control because engine braking is eliminated, speed downhill increases quickly, increased use of the footbrake can reduce its effectiveness, steering response is affected (especially on bends and corners), and it may be harder to select the right gear when needed.
• On the GB test: DVSA examiner guidance lists “coasting in neutral or with clutch pedal depressed” under gear faults.
• Eco-driving: fuel-efficient driving does not count towards the GB test result, and examiners accept that safety comes first.

Two kinds of coasting

Type	What it looks like	Where learners do it
Clutch coasting	Clutch held down while the car rolls	Approaching junctions or roundabouts too early, round corners, down hills, during slow manoeuvres for too long
Neutral coasting	Gear lever in neutral (or N in an automatic) while moving	Rolling up to traffic lights, down hills, “saving fuel”

Both remove the engine from the wheels. The car is then only controlled by the brakes and steering, and it speeds up on any downhill slope.

When pressing the clutch is correct

The clutch has to go down sometimes. The skill is doing it at the right moment and for no longer than needed:

• Just before you stop, so the engine does not stall.
• To change gear, then lift it again smoothly.
• When moving very slowly, where the engine would otherwise stall; your instructor will show you how to control speed at the biting point. See clutch control for learner drivers.

A common learner habit is pressing the clutch as soon as you start braking for a junction “in case you stop”. That turns the whole approach into a coast. Brake first, in gear, and press the clutch only as the car is about to stop or when you change to a lower gear.

How to drive down a hill safely

1. Plan before the slope. Look for the downhill warning sign, bends, junctions or hazards at the bottom. See warning signs.
2. Slow down before you start the descent. It is easier to stay slow than to slow down once speed has built.
3. Select a suitable gear before the slope, usually a lower one on steep hills, so engine braking helps hold your speed. Your instructor will show you which gear suits the hill and the car.
4. Keep the clutch up and the car in gear all the way down.
5. Use the footbrake to control speed as needed. Highway Code rule 117 says brake early and lightly in normal circumstances.
6. Leave a bigger gap. Stopping takes longer downhill. Rule 126 says allow at least a two-second gap on high-speed roads, at least double on wet roads and up to ten times on icy roads.

Scenario: steep hill with a bend halfway down

You see the warning sign and the bend. Before the top: check mirrors, slow down, change down to a lower gear. On the descent: clutch up, light braking to keep a steady speed, position for the bend, look through it. Before the bend: speed already set, so you can steer smoothly. If you had coasted, the car would have gained speed into the bend, and you would be braking and steering at the same time.

Coasting in automatic and electric cars

• Do not select N while moving. The same rule 122 risks apply, and examiners mark coasting in neutral as a fault.
• Stay in D on hills. Many automatics have a low or downhill mode (marked L, B or similar) or paddles to hold a lower gear on steep descents. Check your handbook.
• Electric and hybrid cars: regenerative braking slows the car when you lift off. It helps on hills, but you still need the footbrake to control speed. Some cars have a “glide” or coasting mode set in the menus; learn how your car is set up.

See learning to drive an automatic.

Does coasting save fuel?

Not in a way that justifies the loss of control. The Highway Code treats coasting as a control problem, not an economy technique. Real eco-driving comes from planning ahead, easing off early in gear and avoiding harsh acceleration. See eco-safe driving.

What the examiner sees

You do this	The examiner may see
Clutch down early on the approach to a junction	Coasting, and possibly poor control of speed
Clutch held down round a corner	Coasting and reduced steering control
Rolling downhill in neutral	Coasting, and speed control problems
Wrong gear for the hill, braking hard at the bottom	Gear choice and footbrake faults (“late and/or harsh use”)

How a fault is graded depends on what happened. Coasting that lets the car speed into a hazard is more serious than a short coast to a stop on the flat. See driving test faults explained.

Common questions

Is coasting illegal in the UK?

Rule 122 has no “MUST NOT”, so it is advice rather than a specific legal requirement. But rule 149 says you must exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times, and coasting is marked as a fault on the driving test.

How much coasting fails the test?

There is no set amount. A single brief coast may be a driving fault or nothing. Repeated coasting, or coasting that causes risk, can be marked more seriously.

Should I press the clutch before or after braking?

Generally, brake first, then press the clutch just before the car stops. Your instructor will show you the timing for your car.

What gear should I use going down a steep hill?

Usually a lower gear than you would use on the flat at the same speed, chosen before you start down. The right gear depends on the hill, the conditions and the car.

Can I coast in an automatic by taking my foot off the accelerator?

Lifting off the accelerator in D is not coasting; the car is still in gear. Selecting N while moving is coasting.

Related: hill starts explained, skids, aquaplaning and ABS, vehicle handling. Guide: learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: General rules, techniques and advice for all drivers and riders (103 to 158)” (gov.uk)
• DVSA, “Carrying out driving tests: examiner guidance, 1. Car driving test” (gov.uk)

Photo: Andrew Thongkham / Unsplash. Illustrative photograph.

If a dashboard warning light comes on while you are driving in Great Britain, the Highway Code says stop and investigate: warning signs can indicate a dangerous fault developing. This guide is for learners and new drivers. It covers what to do about warning lights, overheating, strange smells and a car fire, based on Annex 6 of the Highway Code and your vehicle handbook.

Key facts

• Know what every warning display in your car means. Annex 6 says you should.
• Warning lights should go out once the engine starts, apart from the handbrake light. If one stays on or comes on while driving, stop and investigate.
• Overheating: let the engine cool naturally before removing the coolant filler cap.
• Fire: get everyone out quickly and call the fire service on 999. Do not open the bonnet.

A warning light has come on: what should you do?

1. Keep control. A warning light is not a reason to brake hard or swerve. Check mirrors and keep driving smoothly while you find somewhere safe.
2. Judge how urgent it is. Your handbook says which lights mean stop now and which mean get it checked soon. Many cars show red for urgent warnings and amber for faults to check, but the handbook for your car is what counts.
3. Stop somewhere safe. A car park, side road or lay-by, not a live lane. On a motorway, leave at the next exit or services if you can. If you cannot, see what to do if your car breaks down and smart motorways and emergency areas.
4. Look it up. Check the symbol in the handbook and note any other symptoms: noises, smells, how the brakes or steering feel.
5. Get help if needed. Call your breakdown provider or a garage and describe the exact symbol and symptoms.

A light that goes out after you restart has not necessarily been fixed. Note it and get the car checked.

Warning signs that do not need a light

Annex 6 lists problems you should act on even without a dashboard warning:

Symptom	What the Highway Code says
Car pulls to one side when braking	Most likely a brake fault or incorrectly inflated tyres. Get a garage or mechanic to check it straight away.
Car keeps bouncing after you push down on the front or rear	Shock absorbers are probably worn and need replacing.
Smell of burning rubber, petrol or an electrical fault	Investigate immediately.

What to do if your engine overheats

• Stop somewhere safe and switch off as your handbook advises.
• Let the engine cool naturally. Annex 6 says not to remove the coolant filler cap until it has. A hot system is under pressure and can spray scalding coolant or steam.
• Top up only with the fluid your handbook specifies, once cool.
• If the temperature rises again, do not keep driving and topping up. Get it checked.

What to do if your car catches fire

1. Stop as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine.
2. Get everyone out of the car quickly and well away from it, and away from traffic.
3. Call 999 and ask for the fire service. Tell them where you are and, if relevant, that the car is electric or hybrid.
4. Do not go back for belongings.
5. Do not try to put out a fire in the engine compartment. Annex 6 warns that opening the bonnet will make the fire flare.

At the petrol station

• Do not overfill, and check the fuel cap is secure and undamaged.
• Report any spilled fuel to the attendant straight away.
• Never smoke or use a mobile phone on the forecourt, because of the fire and explosion risk.

Learn your car before it goes wrong

Spend five minutes with the handbook and the practice car parked: switch the ignition on and see which lights appear, then start the engine and check they go out. Electric and hybrid cars may be ready to drive with no engine sound, so learn how your car shows that it is on. This also helps with the show me, tell me questions on the driving test.

Common questions

Can I keep driving with a warning light on?

The Highway Code says stop and investigate if a warning light comes on while driving. Whether the car can then be driven to a garage depends on the fault, so check the handbook or ask a mechanic.

Why does every light come on when I start the car?

Many cars run a bulb check at start-up. The lights should go out once the engine starts, except the handbrake light while it is on.

Should I carry a fire extinguisher?

The Highway Code does not require one. Whatever you carry, do not open the bonnet on an engine fire.

Is it safe to open the bonnet when steam comes out?

Wait for the engine to cool. Never open the coolant cap while hot.

Where can I learn more about basic checks?

See basic car maintenance for new drivers and the safety and your vehicle theory topic.

Related: before you drive checks and skids, aquaplaning and ABS. Back to learning to drive in Great Britain.

Sources

• Department for Transport, “The Highway Code: Annex 6, vehicle maintenance, safety and security” (gov.uk)