Can you drive before you take your theory test?

Question

I have always been under the impression that you couldn't drive before you have taken your theory test. A mate of mine recently got his provisional license and has booked his theroy test now so he can hit the road. In preparation for his test, he had a look at http://www.theory-tests.co.uk/ and on the site it said something quite strange:

"Although you have to pass your theory test before you can take your practical test, it's recommended that you start studying for your theory test, but don't actually take it until you have some practical experience of driving."

Quote from "http://www.theory-tests.co.uk/home/prep...

So can you just apply for your license, get insured and drive? Or do you need to take the theory test before you can drive at all?

Any clarification on this is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

No - you can drive without passing your theory test.

In fact, the recommend driving for a while b4 taking the theory test, as it involves hazard perception which only makes sense once you've driven for a bit.

As the test only valid for a year (2?) makes sense to take when close to a test, but not too close.

Answer 2

Yes you can drive, but you should have valid provisional license and insurence to drive your car or some one's car(no need of insurence for driving proffessional instructors car,becouse they got defferent type insurence on their car).

Whe you drive the car,must desplay L plates rear and front,and some one should be with you at lest 3 years expereance and minimum 21 years old.

Answer 3

Yes, you can drive PROVIDING you have a fully licensed driver beside you.

Answer 4

You have to pass the theory test first and get a certificate before you go for the driving test.

Answer 5

you can take lessons without taking it but you need to pass before you can take the actual driving test !

Answer 6

Where did you get that impression? It should have said with the paperwork for his provisional that you can drive at any time as a learner as long as its with an instuctor or in your own insured car with a qualified driver over 21 years old and 5 years experience sat with you, people dont usually go for their theory test until quite a few lessons and getting close to their practical

Answer 7

You can start learning before you take the theory, but you must pass the theory before you take the practical test.

Answer 8

Yes, you can drive on a provisional licence wirhout havid done your Theory Test. You are not allowed to drive on the Motorways and anyone who is teaching/training must have been licenced for a minium of three years.