Your path to a driving licence...

Step one: Get a provisional licence

You must be at least 17 and have a provisional licence to drive on public roads but you can apply for your licence up to three months before its start date.

You can apply for a provisional licence online. To apply by post complete driving licence application form D1 (available from most post offices) You can expect to receive your licence within two weeks.

Further information about driving licences is available on the Directgov website.

Step two: Check your eyesight

You must be able to read a new-style UK number plate at a distance of at least 20 metres (or 20.5m for number plates that are pre-September 2001). If glasses or contact lenses are needed for this, they must always be worn when driving.

Step three: Take driving lessons

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency advises "The best way to learn is by having regular planned lessons with a good driving instructor and as much practice as possible."

Hopefully you will choose to learn with Road Ready Driving School and if you are lucky enough to have private practice, you should be accompanied by a motorist who is at least 21 years old and has had a full British car licence for at least three years.

You can check out prices or request a trial lesson here.

Step four: Pass your theory test

You can start driving lessons before you pass your theory test but you will not be eligible to book the practical test without a theory test pass certificate number. The theory test is a computerised exam in two parts. If you fail either part you must take both parts again.

In the first part of the theory test you must answer 50 multiple choice questions on road procedure, traffic signs, road markings, road sense, rules and regulations etc. You must answer at least 43 correctly to pass this part of the test.

In the second part your hazard perception skills are tested when video clips of road scenes are displayed on the computer and you have to click the mouse when you see a hazard developing. You must score 44 out of 75 to pass. You will receive your result within 30 minutes of finishing the test.

Road Ready customers are given access to free theory test software.

How to apply for the theory test: You can book a theory test online here or make a telephone booking by calling 0300 200 1122.

Step five: Pass your practical driving test

The practical driving test is about 40 minutes long, during which time you will be asked to carry out one manoeuvre.

The possible manoeuvres are the parallel park, reversing into a parking bay, driving forward into a bay and parking on the right hand side of the road. You may also be asked to carry out an emergency stop.

You will fail the driving test if you make more than 15 minor errors or a single serious or dangerous error. You will be told your result at the end of the test.

How to apply for a driving test:

You can book online here or make a telephone booking by calling 0300 200 1122.

Step six: Claim your full driving licence

When you pass your driving test your examiner will give you a test pass certificate and ask you to hand over your provisional licence so he/she can arrange for it to be exchanged for a full licence, which you will receive in the post.

Alternatively, you can choose to do the paperwork yourself, by sending off your pass certificate and provisional licence to the DVLA. But you must claim your full licence within two years or your pass certificate will become invalid and you will have to take the exams again.