The path to gaining a driving licence is different in most countries in the world. Each country has it's own rules, regulations, methods, tests and application forms that need to be considered.

This hub has been produced as a informative guide for anyone in the UK wishing to gain a full driving licence.

 Before you are legally able to start learning to drive, you must apply for your provisional driving licence.

You must be 17 years old to hold a provisional driving licence for a car unless you receive Disability Living Allowance when you can start at 16. However, you may apply a few weeks before your 17th birthday to ensure it arrives in time, but it will only be valid from when you reach 17.

The current cost is a staggering £50 but there is no further cost when you pass your test and it is transferred to a full licence. You can fill the forms in online via the government's direct.gov.uk website. However, you can pick up the forms at the post office and send them off.

It usually takes about 3 weeks for the licence to arrive but it may take longer if they have to make further checks about your health or identity.

Traditionally, many learners have been taught the rules of the road by their father, uncle or a family friend. However, due to the increasing volume of traffic on the roads and the increasing difficulty of the driving test, a lot more people now employ the services a driving instructor.

If you are paying someone to teach you how to drive, it is imperative that they are registered with the Driving Standards Agency. If not, they are breaking the law. DSA Approved Driving Instructors have to pass a harder theory exam, a stricter driving test and then a further test of their instructional abilities before they become fully qualified instructors. Trainee driving instructors can legally charge for lessons, but i would recommend that you seriously consider whether you want a trainee teaching you!

A fully qualified ADI will have a square green badge with their photograph on it. A trainee will have a pink triangle one.

Your driving instructor will teach you

• the basic mechanics of how to move the car
• the rules of the road
• how to manoeuvre the car in tight spaces
• how to drive safely in relation to all the other road users
• to become a confidant driver, even in busy situations, or at higher speeds

Your instructor will also advise you on when to book your driving test.

 As part of the learing to drive process, you are now expected to take a theory test.

The first part is a section of questions based on the rules in the Highway Code. The questions are multiple choice and include a small section of a case study followed by questions on the situation described.

The second part is called hazard perception. Using the computer, you are asked to watch a series of clips, filmed from a moving vehicle, which include different hazards. The point of the exercise is to click as soon as you see the hazard - the sooner you click, the more points you score.

At the end of the theory test, you will told whether or not you have been sucessful. If so, you can now book your practical test, with the permission of your instructor.

 The UK driving test lasts approximately 40 minutes. It comprises of

• eyesight test
• basic car maintenance questions
• driving on various types of roads
• 2 reversing manoeuvres
• possibly an emergency stop

The eyesight test ensures that you are able to read the numberplate of a stationary vehicle from 20m (or 20.5m using an old-style numberplate). If not, the test will not go ahead.

You are then asked 2 'show me - tell me' questions. These are questions about basic car maintenance. In one question, you will be asked to show the examier something - like where you would check you oil level. In the other, you will asked to tell the examiner something - like how you would check that your headlights are working.

The driving part of the test encompasses various different types of roads and situations and will include different speed limits. The examiner is looking for a safe drive that does not adversely affect the flow of the other traffic. For example, you will be expected to take the opportunity to proceed when it arises, but not to the point of being dangerous.

Out of the 4 reversing manoeuvres, you will asked to perform 2 of them. You will be marked not only on accuracy, but on your all round observations.

Furthermore, one in three driving tests includes and emergency stop. This is carried out under controlled conditions in a quieter area. The examiner will stop you first and warn you that he is going to ask you to do it. You will be marked on your promptness onto the brake and how you control the actual braking.

 At the end of the test, your examiner will tell you whether or not you have been sucessful.

If you have failed, they will explain to you the reasons that you have failed. You will be able to book another test but you will not be able to take another one for 2 weeks.

If you have passed, congratulations! The examiner will normally take your provisional away and you will receive your full licence through the post in about 3 weeks time. However, you are allowed to drive in this time. Well done!