Drive!

Being able to drive is a very handy skill to have. Annoyingly, it's not as simple as 'get in car', there are a few hoops to jump through first. You need to be 17 and then you need...

Being able to drive is a very handy skill to have!

Money

Learning to drive isn't cheap. Sorry. Lessons cost around £20 for two hours (and you'll need more than one, at least ten), your test will set you back £42 (£51 at weekends), and a provisional licence costs £38. And then there's insurance...

Insurance

You're young. Like it or not, the powers that be think you're likely to drive fast, get distracted, and try to knock the car around in all kinds of ways. Over the years you'll prove them wrong, of course, but it won't change the fact that insurance costs lots.

Don't forget your provisional licence.

Boys, it's more expensive for you, we're afraid, that's because not many girls lower the suspension and rag it up and down the streets...

Provisional licence

You'll need this before you can do anything else, and certainly before you turn the key in the ignition. Get an application form (form D1) from the Post Office, or go to www.dvla.gov.uk and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will sort you out. You'll need photos, signatures, ID etc.

Lessons

You don't know how to drive (GTA simply doesn't count, not in a way that will pass the driving test). That's it. No arguing. You'll need some lessons from a qualified instructor, look in the Yellow Pages or www.yell.com to find them.

A car

Learning to drive is difficult, be patient.

This might not be possible, but a car to practice in outside of lessons will help you get used to the road. Anyone over 21 who has held a full licence for three years can sit in with you and take you out, provided the car has L plates on, and is insured.

Patience

Learning to drive is difficult. You've got to acquire a whole new set of skills, learn a bit about cars, know the highway code, and suddenly go from thinking drivers are idiots when you're crossing the road, to thinking that pedestrians are fools once you're behind the wheel. Give it time, there's no rush. And if you fail your test first time, who cares? The best drivers take a few attempts (not that we'd know, ahem).

On your bike

At 16, you're old enough to ride a moped on the road. They're cheaper to buy and run than cars, but can be dangerous if you don't ride sensibly, so make sure you get some instruction first. You'll need a provisional licence, and you'll have to complete your Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), you can then ride on the road with 'L' plates on. See our links box for places to find out more.  If we ever see you riding without a helmet protecting that fragile brain of yours, there will be trouble.

Everything you need to know can be found here...

www.dvla.gov.uk - Driver & Vehicle Licensing Agency

www.dsa.gov.uk - The driving standards agency will tell you about the highway code, theory tests, and other practical matters.

www.2pass.co.uk - A general site offering lots of advice on driving things.