Most people can't wait to get in the driving seat and out on the open roads. But before you start planning the road trip you'll need to sort out a provisional licence, driving lessons and pass your test.

Here's how to get started:

When can I start driving?

You can start learning to drive once you’ve got a valid provisional licence. The earliest you can learn to drive also depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive:

• At 16: You can ride a moped up to 50cc, a small tractor and if you receive mobility allowance you are also allowed to start learning to drive a car.
• At 17: You can drive a car, a motorcycle, a large tractor and vans up to 3.5 tons. 
• At 18: You can drive vans or lorries up to 7.5 tons.

Getting a provisional licence

You can apply for a provisional licence up to three months before your 17th birthday. If you receive mobility allowance you can apply up to three months before your 16th birthday. The same licence is used for cars, motorcycles and mopeds. Your provisional licence will cost you £50 and you can apply in one of two ways:

• If you have a credit or debit card, you can apply online at the Directgov website. You will need to have a valid I.D such as a passport and details of any previous addresses.  The DVLA (Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency) will be able to get your photograph from the passport database, if you do not want to use this one then you can post passport photographs instead.
• You can also pick up a D1 application form at your local Post Office. When sending your application you will need to enclose original documentation confirming your identity, a passport style colour photograph and the fee of £50. Send your completed application and payment to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1AD. 

You should receive your provisional licence within 3 weeks of sending your application.

Learning to drive

You can take lessons from a professional driving instructor or from a friend or family member. You’ll need to make sure that whoever is teaching you is over the age of 21 and has held a full licence for the relevant vehicle for three years. When taking a driving lesson, you’ll need to display ‘L’ plates on your vehicle.

The prices of driving lessons can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to shop around to get the best deal. You can often reduce costs by booking a set of driving lessons at a time. How many lessons you’ll need will obviously vary from person to person but, on average, those who pass their tests have had about 45 hours of professional training and 22 hours of private practice.