Automatic Driving Lessons – Useful Links & Learning Resources (UK)
Automatic Driving Lessons – Useful Links & Learning Resources (UK)
Book Your Driving Theory Tests (Official Links)
Before you can take your practical test, you must pass the theory test.
What’s included:
- Multiple-choice questions
- Hazard perception clips
- Cost: £23 (car theory test)
Practical Driving Test (Automatic)
You can book your automatic driving test once your instructor confirms you’re ready.
Test fee:
£62 (weekday)
£75 (evenings, weekends & bank holidays)
đź’ˇ Important: An automatic licence only allows you to drive automatic vehicles – not manual cars.
Official Learning & Revision Resources
The Highway Code (Essential Reading)
Every learner must understand the Highway Code & Read online for free.
Covers:
- Road signs & markings
- Speed limits
- Junction rules
- Pedestrians, cyclists & motorways
Know Your Test Centre & Routes
Find your local test centre:
Many instructors practise local test routes, which helps you:
- Recognise tricky junctions
- Prepare for roundabouts
- Understand common test-area hazards
Ask your instructor if mock tests use real test routes.
Helpful hints and Tips
What’s the biggest insurance tip for new drivers?
Always get multiple quotes, vary the car, adjust the excess, and add an experienced named driver. Small changes can lead to big savings, and assumptions about what’s “cheap to insure” are often wrong.
Is third party, fire and theft always cheaper than fully comprehensive insurance?
No – and this often comes as a surprise. For many 17-year-old drivers, fully comprehensive insurance with a higher voluntary excess can be hundreds of pounds cheaper than third party, fire and theft. Insurers often view comprehensive cover as lower risk, which can significantly reduce the premium.
Are “fun” cars ever affordable for young drivers?
When it comes to insurance, surprisingly, yes. In one example, a 2001 Porsche Boxster 2.7 (£6,000 value) was quoted at £2,282 fully comprehensive for a young driver.
Not a typical first-car choice – but it proves that thinking differently can pay off.
Can you give a real example of a low insurance quote for a 17-year-old?
Yes, in 2025 a 2011 Mazda 3 was insured for £1,600 for a 17-year-old living in Shipston, with a 52-year-old mother (no points) added as a named driver.
The policy was fully comprehensive, with one month’s driving experience and a £900 excess.
Do I have to choose a “typical” first car like a Corsa or Clio?
Not at all. While cars like Corsas and Clios are popular, they’re also commonly involved in claims, which can push prices up. Some less obvious cars can be just as cheap – or cheaper – to insure.
Examples that have produced surprisingly competitive quotes include:
Ford Kuga
BMW Z3
VW Scirocco
It’s always worth getting quotes on a wide range of vehicles before deciding.
Does being a named driver on another car help?
Yes. Being listed as a named driver on another vehicle (for example, a parent’s car) can help lower your own insurance quote. The savings are usually modest – often tens of pounds rather than hundreds – but every reduction helps when starting out.
Does adding a parent as a named driver really make a difference?
Yes, it can make a huge difference. Adding an experienced parent with a clean licence can dramatically reduce the cost. In one real quote, adding a parent reduced the premium from £3,041 to £2,148 – a saving of nearly £1,000.
