Bare minimum time to get a car license

[machineman9]

I'm just wondering, what are the British rules around how fast you can get a driving license? As in, from the day you turn 17 (with a provisional license) to getting the full license which will allow you to drive on your own.

How fast can it be done? Including tests, etc.


Cheers

[Craig.]

In theory you could get it on your 17th bday

[machineman9]

You'd be able to get enough experience in before then? Are the rules that you can't drive until you're 17, or that you can't drive until you have your provisional? I can't see any other way, besides going on private property, to get sufficient experience and be good enough to pass on day 1.

[Craig.]

It all comes down to several things.
Speed you can pick up and remember the requirements.
Confidence
Luck

There is no minimum time limit. Its all about when your ready.
I would book your theory now though, as I believe most places unless you do intensive course, have at least 6 weeks of waiting. Then its a couple of months unless you get a cancelation slot for your practical.

[Hagar]

These are the rules. http://www.yourdrivinglicence.co.uk/rules-learner-drivers.html

In theory you could practice as much as you like on private property, apply for your provisional licence 3 months before your 17th birthday & take the theory & practical tests on your birthday. I'm not sure if anyone has actually done that. Like any other sort of skill a lot will depend on your aptitude. Some people pass after very few lessons while others might take years. If you can afford it the best idea might be to take a concentrated course of lessons.

Things have changed a lot since I took my driving test but it was unusual for a boy to pass first time in those days. I passed at the second attempt.

eno would be the best person to answer this as I believe he's a test examiner.

[eno]

I was training to be an instructor.

You could, in theory, as Craig said do everything on your 17th birthday. You can drive on private property at any age but can't drive on the road until you have a provisional licence and then only accompanied by someone who meets the criteria to supervise you.
The problem is getting test dates both for the theory and pracitcal tests.

I would suggest that you get started learning the theory and apply for the test as soon as you are allowed to. As for the practical, if you can start to learn on pivate property then do so, even if it is just to get the basics of starting, stopping and changing gear and direction. I would also take Hagar's reccomendation of doing an intensive course but  with one of the more established driving schools rather than a local one man operation. This applies even if you can get plenty of practice in someone else's car between lessons.
The benefits of an intensive course is that you won't develop bad habits between lessons and then spend half a lesson getting rid of something that you have developed in the last week between the lessons. Take a trial lesson with one of the big established schools (BSM, AA, LDC) they will give you an honest appraisal of how many lessons you should need before your test. If you go with one of them they will plan your training so that you will be ready at the time of your test, and may offer cut price top ups if you fail.
I would also suggest that after you pass you do the Pass Plus course to give you more varied experience and a motorway lesson.

[machineman9]

Sounds like some good advice there, everyone. Thank you.

Is it being 17 that allows me to drive on roads, or just having the provisional? The provisional can come through weeks before ones 17th birthday but must you still wait until you are 17 to go on the roads at all? Or, does being 17 validate the provisional thus allowing you to?

[Hagar]

Is it being 17 that allows me to drive on roads, or just having the provisional? The provisional can come through weeks before ones 17th birthday but must you still wait until you are 17 to go on the roads at all? Or, does being 17 validate the provisional thus allowing you to?

You must be 17 before driving a car on public roads in the UK.

[Craig.]

If your really desperate, several motor racing circuits offer courses on their track and car parks before you turn 17.

[eno]

Is it being 17 that allows me to drive on roads, or just having the provisional? The provisional can come through weeks before ones 17th birthday but must you still wait until you are 17 to go on the roads at all? Or, does being 17 validate the provisional thus allowing you to?

You must be 17 before driving a car on public roads in the UK.

Not strictly true...... If you are registered disabled you can get a full licence at the age of 16.

[Hagar]

Is it being 17 that allows me to drive on roads, or just having the provisional? The provisional can come through weeks before ones 17th birthday but must you still wait until you are 17 to go on the roads at all? Or, does being 17 validate the provisional thus allowing you to?

You must be 17 before driving a car on public roads in the UK.

Not strictly true...... If you are registered disabled you can get a full licence at the age of 16.

machineman is not disabled.

[machineman9]

And lets hope I don't ever become disabled either.

Where else would class as private property, suitable to drive on legally below 17? I don't think there are any test tracks near to me

[Craig.]

oulton park is just down the road from you 

[CD.]

I would also suggest that after you pass you do the Pass Plus course to give you more varied experience and a motorway lesson.

I'll second that, purely from personal experience.

The very first time I drove on a motorway, the day after passing my test, I exited on the sliproad and nearly rear ended a car at the roundabout at the end... I had no concept of how fast 70mph was. I'm sure the fact it was an uphill sliproad was the only reason it didn't end in tears.

[machineman9]

Goodness, Oulton Park is just down the road.

Nice one