Can you drive straight after passing your test?
Yes!
As soon as you pass your driving test, you’re a fully-qualified driver.
Your examiner will give you a pass certificate. They’ll ask you if you want your driving licence to be sent to you automatically. And they’ll probably ask you to hand in your provisional driving licence.
After that, you’re good to go! But there are a few things you’ll need to sort out first like adequate car insurance.
Do I Have to Wait For My Driving Licence to Arrive to Drive?
No. Once you’ve passed your test, it’s legal for you to drive. You don’t have to wait for your driving licence to arrive. Your new licence should arrive in the post within three weeks. If it doesn’t, you should contact the DVLA.
Yet even if there’s a serious delay in receiving your licence, you can still drive.
However, you should contact your car insurance company as soon as possible to tell them that you have passed your test and are no longer a learner driver. This will ensure that you are fully covered to drive as a Full UK Licence holder.
But what if the police stop you, while you’re waiting for your driving licence?
What will happen if they ask to see your driving licence, and you can’t produce it? Answer – nothing. Just explain the situation. They’ll understand – though you’ll have to show your licence at a police station as soon as it arrives.
Head here to read our full guide to this issue: Do you have to have your driving licence on you?
Will My Driving Instructor Let Me Drive Home After My Test?
They might! After all, it’s legal for you to drive from the moment you pass your test. However, don’t be surprised if your instructor insists on driving you home. After you pass your test, you’ll probably feel very excited, and very tired. These aren’t really good states to be driving in.
So if your instructor won’t let you drive home after your test, it’s most likely because they think you need a break.
What You Need to Be Able to Drive After Passing Your Test
Driving by yourself for the first time will be nerve-wracking. Head here to read our advice for your first time driving alone. If you don’t need a driving licence to drive after passing your test, what do you need?
The following:
- A Car – Obviously! Though any car you drive must have a valid MOT certificate.
- Car Tax – As well as a valid MOT certificate, any car you drive must be taxed. Head here to read our full guide to what car tax is, how it works, and why you need it.
- Car Insurance – It’s illegal to drive without car insurance. If you’re driving someone else’s car, they’ll have to make you a named driver on their policy before you can legally drive or you need to buy your own insurance for their car with their permission. If you’re driving your own car, you’ll have to purchase your own car insurance.
How to Switch From Learner Insurance to New Driver Insurance
While learning to drive, you may have used learner driver car insurance. Tell your insurer as soon as you pass your test. They should let you amend your policy to show you as a Full UK licence holder. In some instances there could be an additional premium to pay so ask for a quote before you commit. That way you can shop around for a good deal.
New drivers tend to pay more for car insurance than more experienced drivers. But there are some things you can do to drive down the price of your policy.
Head here to read our full guide to getting cheap car insurance for new drivers.
