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As of November 2026 there is no minimum learning period for car learners in Great Britain. You can book the practical test as soon as you hold a provisional licence and have passed the theory test. The Department for Transport consulted from 7 January to 11 May 2026 on adding a minimum time between the theory and practical tests, and possibly minimum hours, a syllabus and a logbook. No decision has been published. This explainer sets out what was proposed and what it could mean for you.
Key facts
- Status: consultation closed 11 May 2026. DfT says it is analysing the feedback. Nothing has changed in law.
- Applies to: category B (car) learners in Great Britain. Motorcycles and heavy vehicles are dealt with separately.
- Length: not decided. DfT gave no preferred option and asked how long the period should be.
- Launched with: the government’s Road Safety Strategy, published 7 January 2026.
- Northern Ireland: already has a 6 month minimum learning period under Graduated Driver Licensing (from 1 October 2026).
What is a minimum learning period?
A minimum learning period (MLP) is a rule that you must spend a set time, or a set amount of practice, as a learner before you can take the practical test. In the DfT proposal the clock would run from passing the theory test to taking the practical test.
What did the 2026 consultation propose?
DfT asked for views on four possible parts, which could be combined in any way:
| Possible requirement | What DfT asked |
|---|---|
| Minimum time period | Should there be one, and how long? Should the 2 year theory certificate last longer if so? |
| Minimum supervised hours | Should there be a minimum, and what number? |
| Learning syllabus | Should a set syllabus be mandatory, for example night driving, different road types and weather? |
| Logbook and e-learning | Should learning be recorded, for example in a digital logbook, with e-learning and hazard perception training? |
Is it 3 months or 6 months?
Neither has been chosen. The consultation document does not propose a specific length. It notes that elsewhere minimum periods range from 3 to 12 months, for example 6 months in New York and California. It cites 40 to 50 supervised hours in North America and 50 to 120 hours in Australasia as international comparisons for hours, again without proposing a figure.
Who might be exempt?
DfT asked whether exemptions should apply and to whom. It raised people in certain jobs, carers, disabled people and holders of foreign licences, and said there are “no simple solutions”. It also asked whether new rules should cover drivers who lose their licence under the New Drivers Act or are ordered by a court to retake the test.
Why the government is considering it
From the consultation document, for Great Britain in 2024:
- 273 people were killed in collisions involving young car drivers aged 17 to 24.
- Drivers aged 17 to 24 were 6% of licence holders but were involved in 24% of fatal and serious collisions.
- Voluntary schemes trialled in the Driver2020 project had low take-up (3% to 16.5%) and no detectable effect on collisions.
Read more on the risk and the habits that reduce it: why young drivers crash more.
What it means if you are learning now
- Nothing changes yet. Book and take your test under the current rules.
- No start date exists. DfT has not published a response or a timetable. Any change would need new rules first.
- Plan for varied practice anyway. The proposed syllabus areas (night, different roads, weather) are also what catch new drivers out. See driving at night and rural roads.
- Watch your theory certificate. It lasts 2 years. If a minimum period comes in, DfT has asked whether that should be extended.
How Northern Ireland compares
Northern Ireland already has a Mandatory Minimum Learning Period of 6 months for car learners whose provisional entitlement started on or after 1 October 2026, plus a logbook and a 15 module Programme of Training. See GDL in Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland guide.
Common questions
Is there a minimum learning period in the UK now?
Not in Great Britain. Northern Ireland has a 6 month period under GDL.
When will a minimum learning period start in England?
No date has been set. The consultation closed on 11 May 2026 and DfT has not yet published its response.
Will I have to wait 6 months after my theory test?
Not under current rules. No length has been decided.
Will there be a minimum number of driving lessons?
DfT asked about minimum supervised hours, not lessons, and has not proposed a number.
Is a lower drink drive limit for new drivers coming too?
The consultation says a lower limit for novice drivers in England and Wales is being considered in a separate consultation on motoring offences. It is not law. See drink and drug driving limits.
Should I rush to pass before it changes?
No date exists, so there is no deadline to beat. Book when you are ready.
Related: driving test booking rules 2026 and the New Drivers Act. Back to the main guide: Learning to Drive in Great Britain.
Sources
- Department for Transport, “Introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers” (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “Introducing a minimum learning period for learner drivers (category B driving licence)”, consultation document (gov.uk)
- Department for Transport, “Road safety strategy” (gov.uk)
- GOV.UK, “Theory test: cars: Pass mark and test result” (gov.uk)
- nidirect, “What Graduated Driver Licensing means for learner drivers” (nidirect.gov.uk)